5. Scout Language

Adventures

Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts must complete Adventures in their Handbook. Your child must complete the required number of achievements to earn the rank award.

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 scout looks to for guidance!

Arrow of Light

The Arrow of Light is the highest award a scout 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

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

Assistant Den Leader

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. Bear scouts have been there, done that, and looking for action. Chooses his achievements, and looks forward to Webelos.

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 scout who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, he/she learns the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout sign, the Scout handshake, the Cub Scout motto, the Cub Scout salute, and what Webelos means.

Boy Scout

A Boy Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a Troop. The scout 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 are, made of up districts for administration of the Boy Scout programs. We are part of the Daniel Beard Council.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so scouts 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. Likes to eat DingDongs and Bug Juice.

Cubmaster

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

Den

A gender-specific group of 6-8 scouts who meet at regular intervals. Dens are either all-girl or all-boy. Per BSA policy, dens may not be co-ed.

Denner

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

Den Chief

A Den Chief is 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 BSA council is divided into a number of districts.

District Executive

A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district. This person is the only employee of the BSA that works in a District. The rest of the District positions are all volunteers.

Fleur de lis

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

Friends of Scouting (FOS)

Friends of Scouting is your council’s annual giving campaign. In most councils, Friends of Scouting (or FOS) represents the council’s largest source of income. Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.

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

The Pinewood Derby is an annual Pack racing competition, where Cubs and their parents work together to make model pinewood derby cars and compete for prizes.

Scout Life

The BSA's Scouting magazine for scouts to help broaden their horizons in Cub Scouts.

Scouter

Someone who may or may not have active scouts in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping children and teenagers grow to young men and women.

Tiger Cub Partner

A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Tiger Cub to help him/her Search, Discover and Share the world as they play and do 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

Webelos

We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Scouts in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Scouts BSA uniform (means your scout outgrew the blue one). Works on Adventure Pins, camps, goes on hikes, prepares to be a 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.