Below is a glossary of common terms you'll hear in Cub Scouts.

Do Your Best: The Cub Scout Motto.

Good Turn: A single act of service by a Scout to others.

Leave No Trace: Commonsense guidelines that allow Scouts to camp, hike, and take part in outdoor activities in ways that are environmentally sound and considerate to others.

Scouting America (previously Boy Scouts of America): The national organization in the United States for the following co-ed Scouting programs: Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts BSA, and Venturing. Originally founded in 1910, it instills the values of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

Cub Scouts: The Scouting America program for elementary-aged girls and boys, (Kindergarten - 5th grade), where youth and parents/guardians engage in learning and fun together.

Scouts BSA (previously Boy Scouts): The Scouting America program for young women and young men ages 11-17, focusing on service, community engagement, and leadership as Scouts lead their own activities.

Eagle Scout: The highest rank in Scouting America.

Councils: Administrative bodies responsible for Scouting America in a geographic territory; they provide regional events, training, and support.

Districts: Geographic areas within a Council to support local Scouting Units with events, trainings, and resources.

Charter Organization: The community organization (school, church, civic club, etc.) that sponsors a Unit and often provides meeting space and support.

Unit: The term for a local group of youth and adult leaders; in Cub Scouts, a Unit is called a Pack.

Pack: The Cub Scout term for a Unit, including all Dens within the same Charter Organization.

Dens: Groups within a Pack, organized by grade level.

Ranks: Grade-based levels in Cub Scouts: Lion (K), Tiger (1st), Wolf (2nd), Bear (3rd), Webelos (4th), Arrow of Light (5th).

Adventures: Standardized, themed activities for each Cub Scout Rank; some are required, others electives.

Bobcat: The first required Adventure for each Cub Scout Rank (previously its own Rank).

Webelos: Stands for "We'll Be Loyal Scouts"; the first year of preparing Scouts to transition to a Scouts BSA Troop.

Arrow of Light: The highest Cub Scout Rank; the second and final year before Scouts BSA; the only Cub Scouts badge worn on a Scouts BSA uniform.

Crossover or Bridging: A ceremony where Cub Scouts transition to Scouts BSA.

Rank Badges: Patches awarded for completing all Rank requirements.

Advancement: Progress toward a Rank badge; Packs often hold an Advancement or Rank Up Ceremony annually.

Scoutbook: An website and app allowing leaders, parents/guardians, and Scouts to track individual Scout advancement.

Adult Partner: A required parent or guardian who attends Cub Scout events with their Lion or Tiger Scout.

Guide to Safe Scouting: Scouting America's comprehensive policies and procedures, which outline age-appropriate activities, camping guidelines, and supervision standards to provide a safe and fun Scouting experience for all youth.

Youth Protection: Scouting America's measures and practices designed to safeguard youth from harm, abuse, and exploitation, while ensuring their physical and emotional well-being.

Safeguarding Youth Training: Annual, required training for all leaders to recognize and prevent abuse and maintain Youth Protection standards.

Two-Deep Leadership: Policy of requiring at least two registered adult leaders at every meeting or event.

No One-on-One Interactions: Policy prohibiting one-on-one contact between youth and adult leaders.

Buddy System: A safety practice for swimming or other activities, ensuring no Scout is ever alone.

Cub Scout Six Essentials: Items every Cub Scout should have for outdoor activities: first-aid kit, flashlight, water bottle, trail food, sun protection, whistle.

Class A (Field Uniform): The unofficial nickname for the official Cub Scout Uniform.

Class B (Activity Uniform): The unofficial nickname for a Pack or Cub Scout T-Shirt.

Scout Shop: A store owned by Scouting America selling official Scouting uniforms and merchandise.

Blue & Gold: Annual Pack event to celebrating the founding of Cub Scouts, typically February.

Pinewood Derby (PWD): Annual event where Cub Scouts design, build, and race hand-sized wooden cars on a track.

Range & Target: Activities like archery, BB guns, or slingshots at Council events with certified staff.

Cub Fun Day / Cub Adventure Day / Winterfest: One-day events hosted by Districts or Councils with games, crafts, outdoor skills, and range & target activities.

Cuboree: Weekend event similar to Cub Fun Day, with overnight camping.

Family Camping: Cub Scouts and their families camp together, enjoy outdoor activities, and learn camping skills in a fun, safe environment.

Trail to Troop: Fall camping event for Arrow of Light Scouts, preparing them to move into Scouts BSA.

Day Camp: Multi-day summer camp (2-5 days) attended locally with Pack leaders, returning home each afternoon.

Twilight Camp: Similar to Day Camp but held late afternoon/evening, returning home nightly.

Resident Camp: Overnight summer camp (2-3 nights) at a Council camp with Pack leaders.

Scout Life: Print and online Scouting America magazine for all Scouts.