6. Scout Language

To help you decode “Scoutspeak”, here are a few handy-dandy definitions:

Akela

The Leader of the Pack. 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 scout can earn in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Scouts BSA 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. Chooses their 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’s Life

A Scouting magazine for boys (and girls!) to help broaden their horizons in Cub Scouting.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouting, 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 Pacific Skyline Council.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so scouts 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 blue or khaki uniform.

Cubmaster

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

Den

A group of scouts who are in the same grade who meet at regular intervals to work on Scouting adventures and activities.

Denner

A Cub Scout or Webelos scout elected by their 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 the den moving forward.

District

Each council is divided into a number of districts.

District Executive

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

Fleur de lis

International Boy Scout Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team.

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 scout plays. Good candidate for leader.

Howl

A form of cheer, along with Growls, Whoops, and cheers; all done to show appreciation of Cub Scout skits and stunts in place of mundane old “PTA applause”.

I

Word used with great pride by child in Cub Scouts, as in “I did it!”

Joy

What happens when scout says “I did it!” after trying very hard.

Kid

Young goat, or some one else’s progeny. Good candidate for Cubs.

Leader

Person who gives an hour each week (or so) to help scouts grow. Sets example by giving back to the community.

Lion

A scout in Kindergarten.

Meeting

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

New

Everything for a Lion Cub! Learning about others and finding out about the world around them. New things are things to Search--Discover--and Share for the whole Lion Den.

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

Quiet

Unknown concept.

Scouter

Someone who may or may not currently have children in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping scouts grow.

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 they do 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 proud in blue uniform and new red 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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