6. Scout Language

This page will help you AFTER you sign your son up for Scouts.  So glance it over for now and remember it is here for you later... 

If you are new to scouting you will be exposed to "Scoutspeak".  (It’s kinda like when you go to a party and everyone there is a computer programmer except you.)

To help you decode “Scoutspeak”, here are a few handy-dandy definitions:

Achievements

Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts must complete Achievements in their Handbook. These Achievements cover these areas: God, Country, Family, and Self. You must complete the required number of achievements to earn the rank award.

Activity Badge

There are 20 Activity Badges a Webelos scout can earn. These are divided into 5 areas: Physical, Mental, Technology, Outdoor, and Community. A pin is presented for completion of each activity Badge.

Arrow of Light

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

Arrow Points

Arrow Points are awarded to Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts for completion of electives beyond the Achievements covered for earning the Wolf or Bear rank badge. A Gold Arrow Point is awarded for the first 10 electives; A Silver Arrow Point is awarded for each successive 10 electives completed.

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.

Bear

Veteran Cub Scout, now in 3rd Grade. Been there, done that, and looking for action. Chooses his achievements, and looks forward to Webelos. Of 24 possible achievements they must complete the prescribed amount in each area, God, Country, Family, and Self, for a total of 12.

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 child who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, they learn the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Promise, the Law of the Pack the sign, the handshake, the motto, the salute, and what Webelos means.

Scout Life

A Scouting magazine for  children to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing.

Troop Scout

A Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a Scouting America troop. They advances through these ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.

Scouting America (SA)

Formerly The Boy Scouts of America, Scouting America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts (Packs), Scouting America (Troops), Venturing, Sea Scouts & Explorers.

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 Scouting 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.

Chartered Organization Representative

An adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the SA 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 are, made of up districts for administration of the Scouting America programs. We are part of the Golden Gate Area Council.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so girls and boys 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. 

CSLBT

Cub Scout Leader Basic Training is 6 hour training session that covers all basic information needed to be pack leader.

Cubmaster

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

Den

A group of 6-8 same grade boys and girls who meet at regular intervals.

Denner

A Cub Scout who helps the den chief and den leader to run a den meeting.

Den Chief

A Troop level Scout who helps direct the activities of a den

Den Leader

Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with children, 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.

District

Each council is divided into a number of districts.

District Executive

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

Elective

After the Achievements in the Wolf and Bear book. Can be done any time by a Cub Scout, and count toward Arrow Points after the Wolf or Bear badge have been earned. 

Fast Start

Program for new leaders to help them until they can attend CSLBT

Fleur de Lis

International Scouting America Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team. 

FOS

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

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 Wolf tries out hammer.

I

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

Joy

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

Leader

Person who gives an hour each week (or more) to help children grow to be people of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.

Meeting

Semi-chaotic gathering of children where much fun and some learning happens, usually helped along by Den Leaders and Grown-ups. For Tigers, each Tiger Cub and his partner get to host a meeting in turn.

New

Everything for a Tiger Cub! Learning about others, working with his partner, and finding out about the world around him. New things are things to Search--Discover--and Share for the whole Tiger Cub Den.

OA

Order of the Arrow. An honor group of Scouting America who give cheerful service helping others learn to enjoy the outdoors. Arrowmen 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.

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.

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

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 tha make great craft supplies!

Webelos

We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, Scouts in 4th grade. 

Next Page in our Scouting 101 Tour...

In Closing