Mayflower District 
BALOO Training

WHAT:  BALOO Training Weekend
WHEN:  3-4 October 2026
WHERE: Lees Wood Scout & Guide Activity Centre

Registration closes 27 Septmber 2026

NOTE: The BALOO course is being held in parallel with the Order of the Arrow fellowship and the District camporee, but these are all separate events. While ride sharing is of course encouraged, adults taking the course cannot also be responsible for their Troop at the camporee – additional two-deep leadership must be provided.

BALOO is a training designed for leaders and parents to learn more about the Cub Scout outdoor program.  The sessions include the why and how of Cub Scout camping-planning, equipment, meal preparation, campfire programs, fire safety, stoves, and lanterns; first aid and sanitation; nature hikes and games; and cooking. Scattered throughout the day are plenty of the four S's: songs, stunts, stories, and showmanship. The key point of BALOO training is "Keep It Simple." Remember, the over-night is an entry-level outdoor experience for the first-time Cub Scout camper. All arrangements (sleeping, cooking, and program) should be geared to Cub Scout-age participants. Pack overnighters and Webelos den campouts require a BALOO-trained Scouter.

BALOO Learning Objectives:
By completing this training course the participants will:

Understand the focus of the Cub Scout level of the Scouting America program.

Acquire the skills and confidence necessary to plan and carry out a successful Cub Scout-level overnight activity.

Increase their knowledge of the resources available from Scouting America for carrying out this activity.

Completing the course will qualify a Cub Scout leader to lead any den- or pack-level outdoor overnight event. This includes pack overnighters and Webelos den camping.

Prior to taking the practical component, you must have completed the online component. Both components, the online and the practical, must be completed in order to fulfil the “BALOO Trained” status. In the event the online component is not completed prior to the practical, the trained status is withheld until both components are successfully completed. The online portion is available through the Scouting America LearnCenter. Log onto my.scouting.org and select the Scouting America LearnCenter image on the right side of the home page.

Check-in for the course will be from 8:30 to 9:00 on Saturday the 3rd, with the program beginning at 9:00. The course should be finished by 11:00 on Sunday.

Please register no later than September 27th.  This is required so that adequate materials and food are available for everyone.  The participation fee for the course is $45, which includes food from Saturday lunch to Sunday breakfast. If you have any special dietary needs for medical or religious purposes, please let us know and we will accommodate you as best we can.

Don’t come alone; bring a fellow pack leader!  It is best to have more than just one leader per pack who has completed BALOO training.

If you have any questions, please contact J-P Frossard   kb4gid@yahoo.com (Tel. 07950-719540).