6. ABC's of Scouting

This page will help you AFTER you sign your child 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:

Adventures

Scouts must complete different achievements as outlined in the handbook for their specific rank. Some adventures are required and others are electives. 

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.

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 child looks to for guidance!

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 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 (BALOO) Training. Offered by the Council for any Cub Scout adult leader or parent who will go on Cub Scout Den or Pack outdoor events, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos Den overnight camping. Overnight events must have at least one BALOO trained adult leader present. 

Bear

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

Boy Scout

A Boy Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a Troop. He or she advances through these ranks: 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

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 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 administration of the Boy Scout programs. We are part of the Inland Northwest Council.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so boys and girls 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. 

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 advises other leaders.

Den

A group of 6-8 Cub Scouts of similar age or grade in school who meet at regular intervals.

Denner

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

Den Chief

A Boy Scout who helps direct the activities of a den.

Den Leader

Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with Scouts, 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 in the Appaloosa District. 

District Executive

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

Elective

These are adventures that can be earned in addition to the required adventures to help a Scout obtain the next rank.

Fast Start

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

Fleur de lis

International Boy 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 Scouts with tools, fire, and holding things while Scouts play. Good candidate for leader.

Howl

A form of cheer, along with Growls and Whoops; 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 a Scout says “I did it!” after trying very hard.

Kid

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

Leader

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

Meeting

Semi-chaotic gathering of Scouts where much fun and some learning happens, usually helped along by Den Leaders and Grown-ups. 

Never Ending Fun

How many Scouts describe participating in activities and outdoor adventures. 

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. We are Pack 325!

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 Scouts learn to Do Their Duty to God, Country, Family, and self.

Quiet

Unknown concept.

Scouter

Someone who may or may not have youth in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping Scouts grow to young adults.

Scout Life

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

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 that make great craft supplies!

Victory

What a Scout wins every time he or she does 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, Scouts in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Boy Scout uniform (means they outgrew the blue one). Works on Activity Pins, 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.

X,Y, and Z

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

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