Scouting has it's own language and this page will help you decipher some of the new terminology you will hear after joining Cub Scouts.
Adventures
All Scout ranks will work on multiple adventures throughout the year. Each adventure has some activities that are required and some that are optional. The completion of an adventure will result in your Scout receiving either a belt loop (Lion, Tiger, Wolf and Bear) or a pin (Webelos and Arrow of Light). Your Scout must complete the required number of adventures to earn the rank award in May.
Akela
Any person the Scout looks to for guidance and support. This can be the Cubmaster, Den Leader or another leader in the pack, but most importantly this means YOU.
Arrow of Light
This is the highest award a Scout can earn in Cub Scouting. This is also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Scouts, BSA Uniform. Scouts in fifth grade are working towards earning this rank while preparing for the transition from Cub Scouts to Scouts, BSA.
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 plan and run meetings and fills in when the Den Leader is unavailable.
BALOO
BALOO stands for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation. It’s the introductory training Cub Scout leaders should complete before taking Cub Scouts on an overnight camping trip. The BSA requires that you have at least one BALOO-trained adult on every Cub Scout den or pack overnight outdoor event. That includes pack camping and Webelos den overnighters.
Bear
Veteran Cub Scout, now in third 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 child who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, she/he learns 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 Scouts of America (BSA)
The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and Venture Crews.
Buddy System
The method of requiring Scouts to have a partner during all activities. This is done for safety reasons and to help build relationships among the Scouts.
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 Scouts, BSA programs. We are part of the Denver Area Council.
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 a blue uniform. Likes to eat Ding Dongs and 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 6-12 youth, in the same grade, 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 Scouts, BSA youth who helps the den leader direct the activities of a den.
Den Leader
Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with kids, even if it involves large quantities of patience. Easily smiles, asks others for help and uses all kinds of resources to keep smiling.
District
Each council is divided into a number of districts. We are located in the Alpine District.
District Executive
A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.
Elective
Optional adventures that can be completed at any rank. Each rank requires one or two electives, although a Scout can earn as many as they want.
Fleur de lis
International Scout Emblem.
FOS
Friends of Scouting. Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.
Leader
Person who gives an hour each week (or more) to help youth grow to be young adults of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.
Lion
Kindergarten-aged Scouts who are ready to learn and make new friends. The Lion Guide helps both Scouts and adult partners learn about the Cub Scout program and prepares them to jump in with both feet the following year as Tiger Scouts.
Lion Cub Partner
A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Lion Cub to help him/her Search, Discover and Share the world as s/he plays and does things with other Lions and their partners.
Lion Guide
Adult liaison between Tiger Cub parents and the Pack. The Lion Guide coordinates and helps run all Lion Den meetings and activities.
Meeting
Semi-chaotic gathering of youth where much fun and some learning happens, usually helped along by Den Leaders. For Lions, each Cub Scout and his/her partner get to host a meeting.
OA
Order of the Arrow. An honor group of Scouts, BSA who give cheerful service helping others learn to enjoy the outdoors.
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.
Scout (formerly called Boy Scout)
A Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a troop. S/he advances through these ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.
Scouter
Someone who may or may not have youth in Scouting and gets satisfaction from helping youth in the program succeed.
Scout Life
A Scouting magazine for youth.
Tiger
First grade Scouts and their adult partners. This is the year the adults begin actively running the den and there is a lot to learn and do! Both Scouts and adults will have received a solid foundation and learned about the Cub Scout program from their Lion Guide the previous year.
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 s/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. Youth Protection is a basic training required of all Cub Scout leaders and parents are encouraged to take it as well.
Webelos
We Be Loyal Scouts. Also, youth in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Scouts, BSA uniform (means s/he outgrew the blue one!). Works on Adventure Pins, camps, goes on hikes and 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 red neckerchief. Full of life and enthusiasm, eager to learn all about Cub Scouts.