May 01 – 03, 2026
Camp Shenandoah
The VAHC Outdoor School held at Camp Shenandoah on May 01 – May 03 will feature Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO), Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS), Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor training, BSA Chainsaw Safety, and Rangemaster Training. (Due to course preparation needs, there will be no walk-in registration for this event.
BALOO. This one-and-a-half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. BALOO training consists of an online pre-requisite component in addition to an overnight hands-on practical. BSA’s Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. May 2-3, 2026
IOLS. Working as patrols, this hands-on course provides adult leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics this course is required of all direct contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA Troops in order to be considered trained. May 2-3, 2026
Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor. Participants will learn Leave No Trace principles, skills, and ethics through a combination of presentation, discussion, and hands-on activities, while learning and practicing techniques for teaching these concepts. Those completing the course will be certified as Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructors by Leave No Trace. This course is for any registered Adult (21 and older) who will teach Leave No Trace to others. The course is highly recommended for members of the Council’s outdoor skills training teams who teach IOLS, BALOO, and Leader-Specific Training. It is also ideal for Camp Staff. May 1-3, 2026
Rangemaster. Rangemaster training is geared at cub scout activities but also has benefits for Scouts BSA. The training will teach the basics for setting up and running a BB, Archery (cubs only), Slingshot, real and water-based rockets, and other cub-appropriate Range & Target Activities. Rangemasters are required to run all of those events so if you plan to attend and might want to help at cub resident camp, webelos resident camp, the cub camporees, any other district/council event with range and target activities, this training is for you. May 3, 2026 only.
Chainsaw Safety Training. This is an In-Council Chainsaw Safety Course for use of chainsaws on VAHC properties. This is designed to help volunteers get trained in the safe use of chainsaws to help clear trails, remove deadfalls, clear hazards, and stockpile firewood. Must be 21 years old to participate. BSA chainsaw training is a 12-hour course which will cover both classroom saw safety operations and a field cutting day. Participants should bring their own chainsaws, chaps, hard hat, hearing protection, gloves and ear protection. May 2, 2026 only.
