6. Scout Language

Akela

The Leader of the Pack. Does not have to wear leather or ride a Harley, although sometimes it helps. Usually the Cubmaster, but Akela also means Den Leaders and YOU--the main leader your son or daughter looks to for guidance!

Arrow of Light

This is the highest award a youth can earn in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform.

Assistant Cubmaster (CA)

A volunteer who helps the Cubmaster run the pack and fills in when the Cubmaster is unavailable.

Assistant Den Leader (DA)

A volunteer leader who helps the Den Leader with holding weekly den meeting and fills in when the Den Leader is unavailable.

BALOO

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation - a one-and-a-half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders. Consists of an on-line course (available at my.scouting.org) and an overnight campout.

Bear

Veteran Cub Scout, now in 3rd Grade. Been there, done that, and looking for action.

Blue and Gold Banquet

Generally held in February to celebrate the anniversary of Cub Scouting. This celebration can be an annual pot luck dinner, banquet or whatever the pack decides to make it.

Blue and Gold Colors

The Cub Scout Colors. Blue stands for truth and spirituality, loyalty, and the sky above. Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.

Bobcat

Every youth in 1st grade or older who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, they learn the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Scout Law and Promise, the sign, the handshake, the motto, the salute, and what Webelos means. Kindergarten age youth in the Lion Den are introduced to this material, but won't earn their Bobcat until the following year.

Scout Life

A Scouting magazine for youth to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing. Formerly known as Boy's Life. Lots of stories, puzzles and jokes!

Boy Scouts

The former name of the scouting program for youth between the ages of 11 and 18. Now called Scouts BSA.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts), and Venture Crews

Buddy System

One part of the Safe Swim Defense. Swimmers of like ability are paired. Check in and out of the water together and stay within 10 feet of each other during the swim. It is also used on other Cub Scout activities for safety reasons.

Charter

Formal permission from the Boy Scouts of America allowing a pack to organize.

Chartered Organization

An organization that sponsors the pack. Monthly meetings are usually held in a building owned by that organization. Our Pack's Chartered Organization is the Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.

Chartered Organization Representative

An adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the BSA charters. Reports information to and from the chartered organization

Commissioner

A volunteer Scouter who works with packs, troops, and crews to help the unit succeed.

Committee

This is a group of adult volunteers who “run” the pack. Any interested adult is welcome to attend Committee Meetings

Committee Chair

The adult leader of the Pack Committee. Provides the motivation and direction to the committee to get the pack program implemented.

Council

A geographical area, made of up districts for the administration of the BSA programs. Our Pack is part of the Green Mountain Council which covers the State of Vermont.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so youth between the ages of 5 and 11 who get together and have fun at Den and Pack meetings. Marked by curiosity, easy laughter, speed, and blue uniform. Likes to eat Ding Dongs and drink Bug Juice.

Cubmaster

The Cubmaster is the chief adult volunteer leader. The Cubmaster runs the pack meetings and advises other leaders.

Den

A group of 6-8 boys or girls who meet at regular intervals. Each den is either all boys or all girls.

Denner

A Cub Scout or Webelos scout elected by their peers to help the Den Chief and Den Leader.

Den Chief

A Scouts BSA Scout who helps the Den Leader with the activities of a den.

Den Leader

Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with boys or girls, even if it involves large quantities of patience. Easily smiles, asks others for help, and uses all kinds of resources to keep smiling--like Roundtables or PowWow.

District

Each council is divided into a number of districts. Our Pack is part of the Long Trail District which is located in the Northeast corner of Vermont.

District Executive

A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.

Elective Adventure

Found after the Required Adventures in the Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear or Webleos book. Can be done any time by a youth. Youth may earn as many elective adventures as they wish. All ranks other than Lion require one Elective Adventure of the Cub's choice.

Family Scouting

A Cub Scout Pack which has all-boy and all-girl dens.

Fleur de lis

International Scout Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team. Some Scouters even have boxer shorts with this on them.

FOS

Friends of Scouting. Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.

Grown-up

Largish post-Cub Scout person, good for helping youth with tools, fire, and holding things while the Cubs play. Good candidate for leader.

Howl

A form of cheer, along with Growls, Whoops, and the Disco Mosquito cheer; all done to show appreciation of Cub Scout skits and stunts in place of mundane old “PTA applause”. Also, sound made when a Wolf tries out a hammer.

I

Word used with great pride by youth in Cub Scouts, as in “I did it!”

Joy

What happens when a youth says “I did it!” after trying very hard.

Kid

Young male goat, or some one else’s progeny. Good candidate for Cubs.

Leader

Person who gives an hour each week (or more) to help boys and girls grow to be young men and women of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.

Lion

Youngest member of the Pack. A Kindergarten aged girl or boy who is starting to explore the world and Cub Scouts.

Lion Adult Partner

A parent, an adult big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Lion to help them Search, Discover and Share the world as they play and does things with other Lions and their partners.

Meeting

Semi-chaotic gathering of boys and girls where much fun and some learning happens, usually helped along by Den Leaders and Grown-ups. For Lions and Tigers, each Lion or Tiger and their partner get to host a meeting in turn.

New

Everything for Lions and Tigers! Learning about others, working with their partner, and finding out about the world around them. New things are things to Search--Discover--and Share for the whole Den.

OA

Order of the Arrow. An honor group of the Scouts BSA who give cheerful service helping others learn to enjoy the outdoors. Arrowfolk also present dramatic and exciting ceremonies at campfires and special awards meetings.

Pack

The whole group – all or our dens and families together is called a Pack. The pack usually meets once a month.

Pinewood Derby

A pack racing competition, where Cubs and their parents work together to make model pinewood derby cars and compete for prizes.

Position Specific Training

Cub Scout Leader training for a specific leadership role. Available on-line at my.scouting.org.

PowWow

Cub Scout Leader training classes provided by the Green Mountain Council every Fall. An all day series of classes which cover topics for specific positions in addition to many other Cub Scout activities and topics.

Promise

What leaders try to deliver. To do their Best, to help others, and to help boys learn to Do Their Duty to God, Country, Family, and self.

Quiet

Unknown concept.

Roundtable

An opportunity for parents and Scout leaders from different units to meet, socialize and learn new things. Usually held monthly and are organized by the district.

Scouter

Someone who may or may not have youth in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping boys and girls grow to men and women.

Tiger

A first-grade Cub Scout. Wears the orange of the tiger and full of energy for bouncing and having fun!

Tiger Adult Partner

A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Tiger to help him Search, Discover and Share the world as they play and does things with other Tigers and their partners.

Tiger Den Leader

Adult liaison between Tiger Cub parents and the Pack. See also Den Leader.

Training

Available in many varieties to help everyone Do Their Best to be a good leader. Fast Start, Basic, and Youth Protection are common types. Available on-line at my.scouting.org.

Useful

Most anything you’d never think of. Juice can lids and tissue tubes, bits of string, wood, packing peanuts, wheels, marbles, frosting containers, and whole bunches of stuff that make great craft supplies!

Victory

What a youth wins every time they do something they really had to try at, even if they don’t go the fastest or highest or whatever.

Webelos

We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, youth in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Scouts BSA uniform (means they outgrew the blue one). Works on Adventures, camps, goes on hikes, and prepares to be a Scouts BSA Scout. Old hand at this Cub Scout business--can build a Pinewood Derby car blindfolded.

Wolf

Cub Scout in 2nd grade. Incredibly cute in blue uniform and new red neckerchief. Full of life and enthusiasm, eager to learn all about Cubs.

X

Marks the spot!

YPT

Youth Protection Training. Learn how to keep our youth (and leaders) safe. This training is required for all leaders as well as any parents attending camp. We encourage all parents to take this training. Available on-line at www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/ Must be repeated every two years.

Z

Symbol for the unknown. Not even Akela knows all the answers!