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:

Adventure

Scouts must complete Adventures in their Handbook. These Adventures cover these areas: God, Country, Family, and Self. You must complete the required number of Adventures to earn the rank award. Some are required and and some are elective.

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 boy looks to for guidance!

Arrow of Light

Final year Cub Scout, now in 5th grade. This is the highest award a boy 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.

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 boy who joins Cub Scouts at any age must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, he learns the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Boy Scout Oath and Law, the Cub Scout handshake, motto, salute, and what Webelos means.

Boy’s Life

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

Boy Scout

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

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, 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 (CO)

An organization that sponsors the pack. Monthly meetings are usually held in a building owned by that organization.

Chartered Organization Representative (COR)

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 (CC)

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 Boy Scout programs. We are part of the Longhorn Council.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so boys between the ages of 6 and 11 who get together and have fun at Den and Pack meetings. Marked by curiosity, easy laughter, speed, and blue uniform.

Cubmaster (CM)

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

Den

A group of 6-8 boys who meet at regular intervals.

Denner

A Cub Scout or Webelo Scout elected by his peers to help the den chief and den leader.

Den Chief (DC)

A Boy Scout who helps direct the activities of a den

Den Leader (DL)

Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with boys, 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. We are members of the Topsanah District.

District Executive (DE)

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

Elective

Adventures at each rank the Scout can choose (usually as part of their Den) to complete their rank requirements. There is one elective required for Tiger, Wolf, and Bear. two for Webelo and three for Arrow of Light.

Fast Start

Program for new leaders to help them get started quickly in Scouting. More training is available thereafter.

Fleur de lis

International Boy Scout Emblem.

FOS

Friends of Scouting. Donations to support less fortunate Scouters, camps, materials, and special events.

Grown-up

Largish post-Cub Scout person, good for helping boys with tools, fire, and holding things while boy plays. Good candidate for leader.

Leader

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

Meeting

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

OA

Order of the Arrow. An honor group of Boy Scouts 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.

Tiger

Cub Scout in 1st grade. Learns the way of the Pack and forms new relationships with his Den. Fearless at campouts but need a microphone for skits.

Tiger Scout 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 he plays and does things with other Tigers and their partners.

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. Some are in person, some are online.

Webelos

We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, boys in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Boy Scout uniform (means he outgrew the blue one). Works on Adventures, camps, goes on hikes, prepares to be a Boy 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 yellow neckerchief. Full of life and enthusiasm, eager to learn all about Cubs.

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