Baloo

[trlarue]

How long is Baloo training? Where can I find out what is involved?

[Jeffrey H]

I will be taking the BALOO course in October.  It will be a one day course from 9-5.  I understand from other leaders that it's a fairly easy course for those that already have camping experience.  

Here what I picked up from the National BSA website www.scouting.org

Participants who complete this training course will

 

Understand the focus of the Cub Scout level of the BSA outdoor program.

Gain the skills needed to plan and carry out a successful Cub Scout-level overnight activity.

Learn more about the resources available from the BSA for carrying out this activity.

This training is required for any adult who is in charge of planning a pack campout.

[Sprocket]

In my council BALOO training is a day and a half, including an overnight campout. Usually from Saturday to Sunday, I believe (haven't taken it yet, I'll probably do it in the spring).

 

Is there any information on your council's website?

[ScoutNut]

From your Flint River Council -

 

http://www.flintrivercouncil.org/index.php?pr=BALOO

 

This describes what is involved in the training and gives your council's dates.

 

You are lucky that you have 5 opportunities this Fall to take BALOO. We have 1 in the Fall & 1 in the Spring.

 

Our BALOO is usually from 8am to 4pm. We do our best to stay on shedule and get finished on time. We hold ours at our council's local Cub Camp so folks can get a feel for what camping there is like. We start with a gathering and a flag ceremony and finish with certificate presentations. In between there is some indoor classroom type stuff and outdoor hands-on type stuff. Hopefully there will be a sample campsite set up for you to see.

 

You will be making foil packs for your lunch & participating in a mock campfire. If you are REALLY lucky you might have an energetic Scout or Scouter prepare a DO Cobbler for your dessert!

 

Even if you camp regularly as a family, it is not the same as taking your Cub Pack on an overnighter. BSA has rules & regulations that they expect to be followed. BALOO will show you how to do all of that. It should be a long, fun, productive day.

 

ENJOY!!

 

PS - When you fill out your feedback form at the end, make sure you let your staff know what a GREAT job they did!!

 

[ScoutNut]

"In my council BALOO training is a day and a half, including an overnight campout."

 

 

BALOO is a 1-day training course per the syllabus. If your council is making it into an overnight it might be including Webelos Outdoor with the BALOO training. Or, it might simply be offering the convenience of staying overnight if your location is a distance from your council area.

[trlarue]

Thanks everyone I was trying to see if I was gonna make it to my son's soccer game too that day. Opening day is a hectic day down here.

[ccjj]

My council also does BALOO as an overnight. The participants come out Saturday morning and leave Sunday morning. That way we can have an evening campfire program, and then just enjoy some adult fellowship. Sunday morning there is usually one session, plus a Scouts Own. We (as a staff) are usually on our way home by 11:30am.

 

ccjj