Outdoor Skills Training

Outdoor Leader Training Weekends

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)

The training is designed to teach you the skills needed to help Cub Scouts and their parents have a fun, positive, and safe outdoor experience. We learn best by doing; the course is hands-on.

BALOO for Cub Scout leaders introduces participants to the skills needed to plan and conduct Pack outdoor activities, particularly pack camping. At least one adult per pack must complete BALOO training for the unit to conduct an overnight Pack camping trip. This hands-on course is aimed at parents and leaders with no previous camping experience. It includes overnight camping. Meals are provided. Field (Class “A”) uniform is suggested.
Participants are responsible for their own personal gear including tent, sleeping bag, personal hygiene items, mess kit, and pencil/pen. If you need help obtaining or borrowing these, contact your troop or the course director.
This course has an online pre-requisite course that should be completed before attending. It is at my.scouting.org > My Dashboard > Training Center > Expanded Learning > BALOO

2025 Spring Course

When: May 9-10, 2025

Where: Camp Mack, 2 Scout Lane, Newmanstown, PA

Cost:

Pennsylvania Dutch Council Adults FREE

Out of Council Adults $30

Registration Online Here Please select the BALOO class when registering, so we can ensure we have the BALOO materials for you.

2025 Fall Course

When: Septemberr 13-14, 2025

Where: Camp Mack, 2 Scout Lane, Newmanstown, PA

Cost:

Pennsylvania Dutch Council Adults FREE

Out of Council Adults $30

Registration Online Here Please select the BALOO class when registering, so we can ensure we have the BALOO materials for you.

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation 2025

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills

These outdoor skills will help you guide the youth as they move through Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. The course also gives you experience working as part of a Patrol.
IOLS will run like a troop in that participants will be formed into and participate as patrols including selecting a Patrol Leader. A staff member will serve as the Senior Patrol Leader. A Scoutmaster and several Troop Guides will provide instruction throughout the weekend. Field (Class “A”) uniform is recommended.
The patrols will be responsible for two meals over the course of the weekend: Saturday dinner (a potluck) and Sunday breakfast. Staff will provide Saturday lunch and cracker barrel. Patrols will be responsible for planning their two meals, purchasing food (some cost reimbursed), and bringing equipment to prepare those meals.
Participants are responsible for their own personal gear including tent, sleeping bag, personal hygiene items, and mess kit. In addition, they should bring their current Scouts BSA Handbook, notebook, pencil/pen, and a compass.
A week or two before the course, participants will receive an email with contact information for their assigned patrol as well as more course information. Patrols should have a conversation about a patrol name, cheer, and flag as well as any extra equipment before arriving Saturday morning.
If you do not receive that information by Monday before the course, please contact the course director.

2025 Spring Course

When: April 5-6, 2025

Where: Camp Bashore, 160 Moonshine Rd. Jonestown, PA 17038

Cost:

Pennsylvania Dutch Council Adults FREE

Out of Council Adults $30

Registration Online Here

2025 Fall Course

When: October 4-5, 2025

Where: Camp Mack, 2 Scout Lane, Newmanstown, PA

Cost:

Pennsylvania Dutch Council Adults FREE