B.A.L.O.O. - Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation

The revised Camping guidelines for 2000/2001 give councils the authority to allow Cub Scout packs to conduct a pack campout (overnight) activity, as long as the activity is conducted at a council-approved location and is under the direction of a leader in the pack trained to do so. The training course to prepare these leaders is called Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO for short).

The target participant for BALOO training is a new Cub Scout leader with a desire to plan and carry-out an entry-level outdoor experience for the pack. Successful completion of this training will result in an increased level of confidence and a willingness to plan an age-appropriate pack overnighter.

Ideally, this person is a parent who is not already part of the pack leadership team. The person should become a member of the Pack Committee. This position is similar to the person in charge of the pinewood derby, blue and gold banquet, or other special pack activity. He or she is required to attend the actual planned camping event.

The following is a partial list of the BALOO coordinator's responsibilities: recruiting program leader and assistants, selecting campsite and making reservations, budget, permission slips, health forms, equipment checklist, safety, transportation arrangements, food, post-event evaluation (very important) and giving a final report to the Pack Committee.

The Old Hickory Council Conducts Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (B.A.L.O.O.) Training sessions 2 times a year at Camp Raven Knob nestled in the mountains of northwestern North Carolina in Surry County just outside of Mt. Airy, or at other designated locations that may be more geographically convenient. The course begins around 8 am on Saturday morning and continues until around 3 pm on Saturday. Leaders participate in dynamic and hands-on activities throughout the 8 hour event. Leaders move throughout the reservation participating in classes designed to instill the scouting spirit - and a few great scout skills.

B.A.L.O.O. is a good combination of indoor classroom work and some hands-on outdoor classes . All are designed to ensure our leaders are trained in influencing growth in positive ways to achieve the aims and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America.

Interested adult leaders are requested topre-register at the council office at least one week in advance of the event, cost is $5.00 per participant. This allows the course staff to better prepare for your arrival and stay at Camp Raven Knob. Uniform for the day is Class A.. It is important for everyone to "hold up their end" of the training to ensure a quality training event for all. Look at the Raven Online for more information, or look at the Training Events page for the next scheduled class.