Glossary of Terms

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Able Next-to-the-highest rank in Sea Scouting, awarded to registered Sea Scouts who have met the requirements. Combinations: “Able Award,” “Able rank,” “Able requirements,” “Able Sea Scout.”	Back to Top
Academics program, Academics pin, Academics belt loop See “Cub Scout Academics and Sports program.”	Back to Top
Achievement The name given to a major requirement in Cub Scouting. There are achievements for the Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear ranks. Capitalize only when writing about a specific achievement: “Feats of Skill, Wolf Achievement 1”; “Bear achievement.”	Back to Top
Activity badge One of 20 specialized recognitions earned by Webelos Scouts. Capitalize the name of the badge only. Example: “Earn the Aquanaut and Sportsman activity badges.”	Back to Top
Activity badge counselor An adult, noncommissioned volunteer who counsels a Webelos Scout on one or more of the activity badges.	Back to Top
Activity chair A Venturer appointed by the crew Advisor and president to chair a crew activity or project.	Back to Top
Adult Mentor program Adult mentors work with young people enrolled in the God and Country program. An adult who completes the mentor studies receives a certificate and lapel pin to wear on nonuniform clothing.	Back to Top
Adult partner The adult member of a Tiger Cub team.	Back to Top
Advanced Seamanship This Sea Scouting course is designed for those who have completed the Safe Boating course. Those who complete it earn the Qualified Seaman bar. See “Safe Boating.”	Back to Top
Advancement The process by which a youth member meets certain requirements and earns recognition. There is no advancement program for adults. See “methods of Scouting.”	Back to Top
Adviser See “advisor.”	Back to Top
Advisor Lowercase when describing a counselor other than a Venturing Advisor. Examples: “Order of the Arrow lodge advisor,” “professional advisor.”	Back to Top
Advisor The top adult leader of a Venturing crew who is responsible for program, coordination, and the training of the elected youth officers of the crew or ship. The Advisor or Skipper is appointed by the crew or ship committee, approved by the chartered organization, and commissioned, upon approval of the registration, by the Boy Scouts of America. Advisors must be at least 21 years of age, be citizens or legal residents of the United States, accept the BSA Declaration of Religious Principle (see “Religious Principle, Declaration of”), and be of high moral character. All adult positions in Venturing are open to men and women.	Back to Top
Advisory Council The Advisory Council to the National Executive Board is composed of nonvoting members of the National Council who, because of experience, have a particular expertise that would benefit the national movement. They are elected to National Advisory Council membership by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board members present at any meeting.	Back to Top
Aims of Scouting They are character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.	Back to Top
Akela (Pronounced Ah-KAY-la.) A title of respect used in Cub Scouting—any good leader is Akela. Akela is also the leader and guide for Cub Scouts on the Wolf trail. The name comes from Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. See “Law of the Pack.”	Back to Top
Alliance See “Scout Executives’ Alliance.”	Back to Top
Alpha Phi Omega A coeducational service fraternity organized in many of the colleges and universities of America. It was founded on the principles of the BSA and Scout Oath and Scout Law.	Back to Top
Alumni Former Scouts, family members of Scouts (past and present), volunteers, Scouters, and Scouting supporters.	Back to Top
American Indian This term is preferred to “Native American” when referring to indigenous people of the continental United States. “Native American” more generally applies to also include native peoples of the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Guam. When possible, be precise and use the name of a specific tribe, such as “Chinook tribe,” “Chinook Indian tribe.”	Back to Top
Ampersand (&)The BSA follows The Associated Press style in editing, which states that the ampersand should be used only when it is part of a company’s formal name, like “Proctor & Gamble.” The ampersand should not otherwise be used in place of “and,” because it is a symbol, not a word.	Back to Top
Anniversary Week See “Scouting Anniversary Week.”	Back to Top
Annual An event cannot be described as “annual” until it has been held in at least two successive years. Do not use the term “first annual.” Instead, note that sponsors plan to hold an event annually. Examples: “First Venturing Jam,” “Second Annual Venturing Jam.”	Back to Top
Annual Giving Campaign (AGC) An opportunity for National Council employees and selected national-level prospects to provide financial support for national operations. See also “Friends of Scouting.”	Back to Top
Annual meeting These meetings are held to elect officers, hear reports of the year’s activities, and study plans for the coming year. Capitalize only when naming a specific meeting. Example: “Fairfield Council Annual Meeting.” See also “National Annual Meeting.”	Back to Top
Appendix When referencing the book’s appendix within the text, it is not capitalized.	Back to Top
Apprentice The entrance rank in Sea Scouting. Combinations: “Apprentice Award,” “Apprentice Sea Scout,” “Apprentice rank,” “Apprentice requirements.”	Back to Top
Aquatics Instructor BSA See “BSA Aquatics Instructor.”	Back to Top
Area An administrative section of a BSA region containing a number of councils. Regions have from five to eight areas. Combinations: “Area 2,” “areawide.”	Back to Top
Area codes The preferred style is to use a hyphen with the area code rather than parentheses: 972-580-2000.	Back to Top
Area president The ranking elected volunteer officer in an area (noncommissioned) who heads the area committee and serves as a member of the regional cabinet.	Back to Top
Arena show A series of exciting and dramatic displays of Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing skills and talents put on by the members themselves for a seated audience. See also “booth show.”	Back to Top
Arrow of Light Award The highest rank in Cub Scouting and the only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.	Back to Top
Arrow Point An award for earning 10 elective credits as a Wolf or Bear Cub Scout: The first 10 electives earned in either rank are represented by a Gold Arrow Point; subsequent groups of 10 earn Silver Arrow Points.	Back to Top
Arrowman A youth or adult member of the Order of the Arrow. Plural is Arrowmen.	Back to Top
Assistant Chief Scout Executive	Back to Top
Assistant Cubmaster A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to help the Cubmaster.	Back to Top
Assistant den leader A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to help the Cub Scout den leader.	Back to Top
Assistant denner A Cub Scout or Webelos Scout elected by his peers to help the denner.	Back to Top
Assistant patrol leader A Boy Scout who is appointed by the patrol leader to help him and to take his place in his absence.	Back to Top
Assistant Scoutmaster A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to help the Scoutmaster by working with a new-Scout patrol, Varsity Scout team, or Venture patrol.	Back to Top
Assistant senior patrol leader A troop youth leader, usually in larger troops, who helps the senior patrol leader. Appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent.	Back to Top
Assistant Webelos den leader A leader in a pack, at least 18 years of age, who is appointed by the chartered organization to help the Webelos den leader.	Back to Top
Associate Advisor Each Venturing crew or Sea Scout ship should have one or more adults, 21 years of age or older, who perform such duties as may be assigned by the Advisor. Associate Advisors often are assigned administrative and program functions. An associate Advisor in a Sea Scout ship is called a “mate.”	Back to Top
Astronaut It is not a formal title. Do not capitalize when used before a name: “astronaut Jim Lovell.”	Back to Top
At-risk An ill-defined term that should be avoided.	Back to Top
Award Capitalize only when referring to the name of a specific award: “the Arrow of Light Award.”	Back to Top
Awards and decorations Capitalize them: “Honor Medal,” “Heroism Award,” “Medal of Merit,” etc. However, do not capitalize “emblem” (see “emblem”). See individual names of medals, honors, and emblems.	Back to Top
Awards of merit See “District Award of Merit” and “Unit Leader Award of Merit.”	Back to Top

Baden-Powell, Robert Stephenson Smyth Founder of the worldwide Scouting movement. Born February 22, 1857, in London. Made a baron in 1929. He is referred to as Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, Chief Scout of the World. Died January 8, 1941. Abbreviate to B-P (without periods). Do not use his first name with his title: “Lord Baden-Powell,” but never “Lord Robert Baden-Powell.”	Back to Top
Badge Usually lowercase when referred to badges that Scouts can earn: “Webelos activity badge,” “Wolf badge,” “Boy Scout badge,” “merit badge”; however, “Wood Badge.”	Back to Top
BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)This training experience teaches volunteer leaders how to plan and carry out an outdoor experience for Cub Scouts.	Back to Top
Baloo (Pronounced Bah-LOO.) The friendly bear in Kipling’s Jungle Book taught Mowgli the ways of the jungle. Parents and adult guides act as Baloo for Cub Scouts on the Bear trail in the same way they took the part of Akela for Cub Scouts on the Wolf trail.	Back to Top
Band-Aid A trademark for a type of adhesive bandage. Use the generic term “adhesive bandage.” See “trademarks.”	Back to Top
Baptist churches Do not apply the term “church” to any Baptist unit except the local church. There are more than 20 Baptist bodies in the United States, the largest being the Southern Baptist Convention.	Back to Top
Be Prepared The Scout motto. The initials of the motto are the initials of Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. Capitalize only if standing alone: “The Scout must always be prepared.” “The Scout motto is Be Prepared.”	Back to Top
Bear The rank designed for a Cub Scout in the third grade (or 9 years old). Combinations: “Bear achievements,” “Bear badge,” “Bear Cub Scout,” “Bear electives,” “Bear trail.”	Back to Top
Belt loop	Back to Top
Biannual, biennial Biannual means twice a year and is a synonym for the word “semiannual.” “Biennial” means every two years.	Back to Top
Bimonthly Means every other month. “Semimonthly” means twice a month.	Back to Top
Biweekly Means every other week. “Semiweekly” means twice a week.	Back to Top
Blue and gold banquet A birthday dinner for Scouting held by Cub Scout packs in February to celebrate the founding of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 and of Cub Scouting in 1930. May be called “blue and gold dinner.” Capitalize only when part of a full title: “Pack 214 Blue and Gold Banquet.”	Back to Top
Board This may refer to an executive board and is written without capitalization in general reference. It may refer to a board of review only on second reference.	Back to Top
Board of regents Recipients of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award are invited to join the Board of Regents of the National Eagle Scout Association. The chair of the NESA Board of Regents is elected by those who have accepted membership. Capitalize only when reference is clearly to the NESA Board of Regents.	Back to Top
Board of review A review held to determine if a Boy Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements. A review may be held also to encourage Boy Scouts who are not advancing. For the first five ranks, the board of review is conducted by the troop committee. For the Eagle Scout rank, the council decides whether the unit committee or the district or council committee responsible for advancement conducts the board of review. At least one district or council advancement representative shall be a member of the unit board of review. Always lowercase: “Eagle Scout board of review.”	Back to Top
Boats See “ships and spacecraft.”	Back to Top
Boatswain (Pronounced BO-sun.) The elected youth leader of a Sea Scout ship. The office is comparable to president of a Venturing crew.	Back to Top
Boatswain’s mate The Sea Scouting equivalent of vice president in a Venturing crew.	Back to Top
Bobcat The first rank earned by every boy in Cub Scouting.	Back to Top
Book titles See “composition titles.”	Back to Top
Booth show Booth displays by Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers are put on simultaneously while the audience walks around to observe them. This indoor or outdoor event may include stage shows for individual unit demonstrations. See also “arena show.”	Back to Top
Boy-fact survey A survey used to find who potential youth members are and where they live.	Back to Top
Boy Scout A registered youth member of a Boy Scout troop or one registered as a Lone Boy Scout. On second reference or in informal usage, “Scout” is synonymous with “Boy Scout.” The Boy Scout badge signifies fulfillment of the joining requirements; it does not represent a rank. See “Boy Scouting.”	Back to Top
Boy Scout Leader Wood Badge See “Wood Badge.”	Back to Top
Boy Scouting That part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for boys and young men not yet 18 years old, and who are at least 11, or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old, or who have earned the Arrow of Light Award in Cub Scouting and are at least 10 years old. Boy Scouts advance through Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life ranks to Eagle Scout. The emphasis is on outdoor activity, learning skills, developing leadership ability, and service. The unit is a Boy Scout troop. See “Scouting program.”	Back to Top
Boy Scouts of America The legal name of the organization is singular. Example: “In 2010 the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate its 100th anniversary.” The abbreviation is BSA (without periods) and is used with the article (“the BSA”) when used as a noun. See “National Council” and “national office.”	Back to Top
Boy Scouts of America National Foundation A foundation established by the BSA to help local councils raise new gifts, provide technical assistance and advice for major gifts, and help donors establish gifts such as donor advised funds, charitable unitrusts, gift annuities, scholarship funds, and many others. The Foundation also distributes and tracks financial grants to local councils, raises funds for national BSA initiatives, and serves as trustee for charitable trusts benefiting Scouting. (Also commonly referred to as the BSA Foundation.)	Back to Top
Boys’ Life The magazine for all boys published by the Boy Scouts of America. The title should be typeset in italics and underlined when italics is not available. Note the placement of the apostrophe (not Boy’s).	Back to Top
Brand names When they are used, capitalize them. “Brand name” is a nonlegal term for “service mark” or “trademark.” Brand names normally should be used only if they are essential; otherwise, use generic terms. See “trademarks.” The International Trademark Association website has a trademark database of brand names and their accepted generic terms.	Back to Top
Brand on Demand Brand on Demand is an asset management resource, located at www.mybsa.org, designed to help councils produce brand-consistent and cost-effective marketing pieces. Only licensed users can access Brand on Demand.	Back to Top
Bridge of honor An award presentation ceremony in Sea Scouting.	Back to Top
Bronze Award Five Bronze awards are available to Venturers. Each Bronze Award relates to one of the five Venturing special-interest clusters: sports, arts and hobbies, youth ministries, outdoors, and Sea Scouting. Venturers may earn all five awards. Achievement of at least one Bronze Award is a requirement for the Gold Award.	Back to Top
Bronze Palm See “Eagle Palms.”	Back to Top
Brotherhood membership The second and final induction phase of membership in the Order of the Arrow. Capitalize Brotherhood only when referring to membership or to the ceremony. Do not capitalize when referring to friendship.	Back to Top
BSA Aquatics Instructor A five-year training designation awarded to an adult who satisfactorily completes the Aquatics section at a BSA National Camping School.	Back to Top
BSA Bike Safe A set of standard bicycling principles.	Back to Top
BSA Family Award The BSA Family Award is earned by a Cub Scout and his family when they complete five of eight requirements that are outlined in the BSA Family Book.	Back to Top
BSA family camping An outdoor camping experience, other than resident camping, that involves elements of Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, or Venturing in overnight settings with two or more family members, including at least one BSA member of the family.	Back to Top
BSA Family program The BSA Family program, as outlined in the BSA Family Book, helps strengthen families of Cub Scouts and encourages family involvement in Scouting. The program includes a weekly “family talk” that provides family members an opportunity to learn and practice relationship skills as well as suggested family activities that fulfill requirements for registered BSA families to earn the BSA Family Award.	Back to Top
BSA Foundation See “Boy Scouts of America National Foundation.”	Back to Top
BSA Intranet A private and secure computer network designed to connect all local council and business units of the BSA using technology similar to that of the Internet.	Back to Top
BSA Lifeguard A three-year training designation awarded to Boy Scouts, Venturers, and adults who meet prescribed requirements in aquatics skills, Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, first aid, and emergency action. See “BSA Aquatics Instructor.”	Back to Top
BSA Lifeguard Counselor The certification for adults who train BSA Aquatics Instructors.	Back to Top
BSA Lifeguard Instructor	Back to Top
BSA local council Not “BSA council” or “local BSA council.”	Back to Top
BSA Mission Statement The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.	Back to Top
BSA Vision Statement The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. In the future Scouting will continue to:	Back to Top
Offer young people responsible fun and adventure.	Back to Top
Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law.	Back to Top
Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership.	Back to Top
Serve America’s communities and families with its quality values-based program.	Back to Top
Buddy system One part of the Safe Swim Defense plan. 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. The buddy system is also used in other aquatics, hiking, and camping activities for safety reasons and in working with a merit badge counselor.	Back to Top
Budget plan A method used by a unit to develop thrift habits. A yearly budget is established and weekly dues are agreed upon.	Back to Top
Bugler An appointed youth position of responsibility in a Sea Scout ship or a Boy Scout troop. As of January 1, 2010, bugler is not considered a position of leadership.	Back to Top
Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America The document that defines all legal aspects of the operation of the Boy Scouts of America corporation. Contained in the Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America.	Back to Top

Caliber The form: “.22-caliber rifle.” Also see “firearms.”	Back to Top
Calling-out ceremony The ceremony that begins the membership induction process for a newly elected Order of the Arrow candidate. Can use “callout” on subsequent references.	Back to Top
Camp director The Scouter in charge of the administration of a Boy Scout resident camp or a Cub Scout day camp or resident camp.	Back to Top
Camp ranger A ranger’s responsibilities may include keeping camp facilities functioning properly, performing camp improvements and maintenance, issuing supplies and equipment related to maintenance, directing the maintenance staff, and managing the off-season program.	Back to Top
Campaign for Local Council Endowment See “Nationally Coordinated Campaign for Local Council Endowment.”	Back to Top
Camping Camping is the hallmark of Scouting. See “day camp,” “long-term camping,” “outdoor program,” “high adventure,” “High Adventure Department,” and “resident camping.”	Back to Top
Camping director A professional Scouter who is responsible for development of the year-round camping program of the local council. This person supervises the long-term camping program and may or may not serve as the resident camp director.	Back to Top
Campmaster A volunteer Scouter trained to assist in short-term camping. Many councils organize a campmaster corps as a resource for their units.	Back to Top
Camporall A weekend council activity in which all districts of a council participate in a coordinated camporee-type program. Capitalize only when referring to a specific council’s camporall: “Circle Ten Council Camporall.”	Back to Top
Camporama An activity that combines the essential elements of a camporee or camporall and a booth Scouting show. Capitalize only when referring to a specific council’s camporama: “National Capital Area Council Camporama.”	Back to Top
Camporee Derived from two words: camp and jamboree. A camporee is a district or council troop activity that demonstrates the techniques of living in camp. Involves a one- or two-night camping experience and may include outdoor skills competition. Capitalize only when referring to a specific district’s or troop’s event: “Hiawatha District Camporee.”	Back to Top
Campout A camping activity with at least one overnight stay. One word.	Back to Top
Campsite A unit’s outdoor home for an overnight, resident, or long-term camp or for den activities at Cub Scout day camp. One word.	Back to Top
Campways A nationwide system of stopover camps for traveling Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews using official BSA tour and activity plans.	Back to Top
Capitalization In general, avoid unnecessary capitalization. When in doubt, don’t capitalize.Many words and phrases, including special cases, are listed separately in this guide. Entries that are capitalized without further comment should be capitalized in all uses. If there is no relevant listing in this guide for a particular word or phrase, consult the latest edition of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Use lowercase if the dictionary lists it as an acceptable form for the sense in which the word is being used.As used in this book, “capitalize” means to use uppercase for the first letter of a word. If additional capital letters are needed, they are called for by an example or a phrase such as “use all caps.”Following are some Scouting specifics:	Back to Top
Activities. Do not capitalize “pow wow,” “camporee,” “lunchoree,” “jamboree,” or “show” unless the reference is to a specific event: Midland District Pow Wow, South Central Camporee, the 1997 National Scout Jamboree, Pioneer Day Scouting Show.	Back to Top
Groups. Do not capitalize “pack,” “den,” “troop,” “patrol,” “team,” “ship,” “crew,” “district,” “council,” “region,” or “area” unless the reference is specific: Pack 10, Den 5, Troop 6, Fox Patrol, Ship 2, Central District, Circle Ten Council, Western Region, Area 2.	Back to Top
Headings and Titles of Works. In headings and titles that use uppercase and lowercase letters, capitalize the first letter of the first word, the first letter of the last word, and all other words except “to” in infinitives (Dare to Fly With the Eagles), articles (a, an, the), coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for), and prepositions of fewer than four letters (at, by, for, in, of, off, on, per, to, up, via), except when used as part of an adverb in a title (Climb On Safely). Do capitalize prepositions of four letters or more (With, From, Between, After). Note that subordinating conjunctions (as, if, when) are capitalized (Scouts to Work at Cleanup As Their Good Turn).	Back to Top
Titles of Office or Group Members. Always capitalize Tiger Cub, Wolf Cub Scout, Bear Cub Scout, Webelos Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturer, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Coach (Varsity Scout Coach only), Advisor (Venturing Advisor only), Skipper, Scouter, Chief Scout Executive, and Chief Scout of the World. Capitalize other titles only when they precede the name: District Executive Thorpe is working with other district executives; she is the council’s Scout executive.	Back to Top
§ Capitalize the names of nationalities, religious organizations, and tribal or racial groups. Do not capitalize group names that refer to color. Examples: American, Islamic, Hispanic, African American, Asian, American Indian, black, white.	Back to Top
Also see “composition titles.”	Back to Top
Captain The elected youth leader of a Varsity Scout team.	Back to Top
Centennial Quality awards Quality awards available from 2007 to 2010 in celebration of the BSA centennial. See “Quality awards.”	Back to Top
Center for Professional Development Professional Development Levels 1, 2, and 3 (abbreviated PD-L1, PD-L2, and PD-L3) and other courses for professional Scouters and professional-technical employees are taught at this center, which is located near the national office.	Back to Top
Certificate of merit See “Local Council Certificate of Merit” and “National Certificate of Merit.”	Back to Top
Chaplain (1) A spiritual leader for units appointed by the faith-based community organization chartered to use the Scouting program. (2) One who gives spiritual leadership to a camp or jamboree community; conducts religious services according to his or her faith and arranges for other religious observance as needed; provides help in dealing with morale; and visits those who are ill and provides counseling in case of bereavement.	Back to Top
Chaplain aide A youth leader who works with the troop chaplain to ensure all members have appropriate religious observance during outings and helps other Scouts in the religious emblems program. Appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent.	Back to Top
Chapter An optional geographic administrative unit of an Order of the Arrow lodge corresponding to a district or multiple districts.	Back to Top
Character Connections® This method of emphasizing character development through the 12 Core Values is woven throughout the Cub Scouting program and is not a separate “program.” It challenges Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts to consider (1) knowledge (What do I know or think about the core value, the experience, etc.); (2) commitment (How do I feel about this value); and (3) practice (What can I do to demonstrate this value at school, at home, with my friends). See “Cub Scouting’s 12 Core Values.”	Back to Top
Charles L. Sommers High Adventure Base This year-round facility in Ely, Minnesota, offers cold-weather camping and access to dozens of wilderness routes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. See “Northern Tier National High Adventure Program.”	Back to Top
Charter In the BSA, charters authorize (1) an organization to operate BSA Scouting units (see “chartered organization”); (2) a local council to incorporate as a BSA local council; (3) operation of an Order of the Arrow lodge; or (4) the Boy Scouts of America to incorporate. See “Charter of the Boy Scouts of America” and “Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America.” When used as a verb, use “to obtain a charter” and “to renew a charter” rather than “to charter” or “to recharter.”	Back to Top
Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America The published booklet containing the two documents. Underlined when typed and italic when typeset if reference is to the physical book; titles of the separate documents are not underlined or italicized.	Back to Top
Charter of the Boy Scouts of America This Congressional Act of Incorporation, passed on June 15, 1916, authorized and set standards for the incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America. It also protects the name, emblems, badges, and descriptive or designating marks, words, or phrases of the program. See “Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America.”	Back to Top
Charter presentation A formal ceremony at which the charter, Scouter commissions, and membership certificates are presented to organization authorities and members of the unit.	Back to Top
Charter renewal An annual meeting attended by the chartered organization representative, head of the chartered organization, troop leaders, and unit commissioner for the purpose of completing the charter application and making plans for the charter presentation.	Back to Top
Charter review See “membership inventory.”	Back to Top
Chartered organization A religious, civic, fraternal, educational, or other community-based organization that has applied for and received a charter to operate a BSA Scouting unit. Do not use the term “chartered partner” or the term “sponsoring unit.”	Back to Top
Chartered organization representative A manager of Scouting in a chartered organization who also represents this organization in the local council and district. Formerly called “Scouting coordinator.”	Back to Top
Chartered partner Do not use this term in place of “chartered organization,” and do not use “partner” when referring to a chartered organization.	Back to Top
Cheermaster This Scout is in charge of leading patrol songs, yells, stunts, and campfire programs. He is appointed by the patrol leader.	Back to Top
Chief The key elected youth leader in the Order of the Arrow who may be a chapter chief, lodge chief, section chief, regional chief, or national chief.	Back to Top
Chief Scout The United Kingdom’s version of Chief Scout Executive.	Back to Top
Chief Scout Citizen Theodore Roosevelt was named Chief Scout Citizen in 1910 when the Boy Scouts of America was founded. Always capitalize.	Back to Top
Chief Scout Executive The top-ranking professional Scouter of the Boy Scouts of America. This is the only professional title that is routinely capitalized.	Back to Top
Chief Scout Executive’s Winners’ Circle Scouting professionals with a direct or supporting membership responsibility must have a gain in membership in their service area on June 30 over the same period one year before and a gain in total units to be in the Winners’ Circle.	Back to Top
Church Capitalize as part of the formal name of building, congregation, or denomination; lowercase in other uses: “St. Mary’s Church,” “the Roman Catholic Church,” “a Presbyterian church.” Do not use as a catch-all phrase in reference to places of worship.	Back to Top
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Note the punctuation and capitalization of “Latter-day.” Other preferred forms include “The Church of Jesus Christ” or “the Church.”� Any other form of the church name is discouraged. Shortened references to members include “Latter-day Saints” and “Mormons.” Refer to the two official online glossaries for all other references: newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/glossary and mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/glossary.	Back to Top
Climb On Safely The BSA’s recommended procedure for organizing unit climbing and rappelling activities. The eight points—qualified supervision, qualified instruction, physical fitness, safe area, equipment, planning, environmental conditions, and discipline —help ensure the safety and well-being of participants. Note the uppercase “On.”	Back to Top
Cluster A grouping of Venturing crews by program interest. The five national Venturing clusters are arts and hobbies, outdoors, sports, youth ministries, and Sea Scouting.	Back to Top
Coach The commissioned volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed to lead a Varsity Scout team.	Back to Top
Coach’s Corner A short inspirational message given by the Coach during a Varsity Scout team meeting.	Back to Top
Cocaptain An assistant youth leader of a Varsity Scout team.	Back to Top
Coed Venturing crews The membership policy of a Venturing crew is determined by the organization chartering the crew. The organization may determine whether its crew is to be coed, all male, or all female. (The majority of crews are coed.) It is recommended that coed crews have male and female adult leaders.	Back to Top
Commissioned personnel The commissioned personnel of a council includes all professional Scouters and all commissioners.	Back to Top
Commissioner A commissioned Scouter who works with packs, troops, teams, and Venturer crews to help units succeed. In addition to the council commissioner, there are district commissioners, assistant district commissioners, roundtable commissioners, huddle commissioners, and unit commissioners. Also see “international commissioner.”	Back to Top
Committee (1) The work of the National Council is conducted by volunteers working in committees with the guidance of professional Scouters. There are five group standing committees of the National Executive Board: the Administration Group Committee, Program Group Committee, Human Resources Group Committee, Regional Presidents’ Group Committee, and Relationships/Marketing Group Committee. Under these are 14 support standing committees: the Supply Committee, Finance and Investment Committee, Properties Committee, Marketing Committee, Relationships Committee, Cub Scout Committee, Boy Scout Committee, Venturing Committee, Finance Support Committee, High Adventure Committee, Council Services Committee, Professional Development Committee, Compensation and Benefits Committee, and Human Resources Administration Committee. (2) A council may have committees to direct any of the various aspects of the program as it deems necessary. (3) The district committee is a group of volunteer adults responsible for carrying out the council program within their district. (4) A local chartered organization has a unit committee, composed of volunteers, to administer the affairs of each unit it operates. (5) Some national organizations have advisory committees to guide the use of Scouting by their affiliated local community and religious organizations and to promote cooperation between them and the Boy Scouts of America. Capitalize “committee” only in the official name of a particular committee. Combinations: “national Boy Scout Committee,” “Longhorn Council Finance Committee,” “district membership committees,” “troop committee,” “National Catholic Committee on Scouting.”	Back to Top
Compass points emblem Awarded to Webelos Scouts when they have earned four activity badges in addition to those needed for the Webelos badge. A metal compass point may be pinned to the emblem for each four activity badges earned subsequently until three compass points have been earned.	Back to Top
Composition titles Capitalize the principal words, including prepositions of four or more letters. The word “to” in infinitives is not capitalized. See also “capitalization.” Italicize the following:	Back to Top
Titles of books and booklets: Boy Scout Handbook	Back to Top
Periodicals: Boys’ Life; ProSpeak	Back to Top
Newspapers: Dallas Morning News	Back to Top
Sections of newspapers published separately: New York Times Book Review	Back to Top
Plays: Romeo and Juliet	Back to Top
Movies: Gone With the Wind	Back to Top
Long poems published separately: Milton’s Paradise Lost	Back to Top
Operas and other long musical compositions	Back to Top
Works of art: Grant Wood’s American Gothic	Back to Top
Enclose the following titles in quotation marks:	Back to Top
Articles and features in periodicals and newspapers	Back to Top
Chapter titles in books	Back to Top
Short stories and essays	Back to Top
Short poems	Back to Top
TV and radio shows	Back to Top
Songs and short musical compositions	Back to Top
Computer games: “The Sims”	Back to Top
DVDs and CDs	Back to Top
Do not use quotation marks or italics for posters, calendars, short fliers, cards, and the like.	Back to Top
Conclave A section training meeting for Order of the Arrow members from a specific geographic area.	Back to Top
Congress Capitalize “U.S. Congress” and “Congress” when referring to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.	Back to Top
Congressional Lowercase unless part of a proper name: “congressional salaries,” “the Congressional Quarterly,” “the Congressional Record.”	Back to Top
Conservation Good Turn An opportunity for Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews to join with conservation or environmental organizations (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a Conservation Good Turn in their communities.	Back to Top
Constitution Capitalize references to the U.S. Constitution, with or without the “U.S.” modifier: “The president said he supports the Constitution.” Lowercase in other uses: “the organization’s constitution.” Lowercase “constitutional” in all uses.	Back to Top
Consultant A person who has special skills, equipment, facilities, or contacts in an interest area related to the interests of Venturing crew members or of a Varsity Scout team activity.	Back to Top
Contingent May be used to describe an official Scout group at an official Scout event. Otherwise, use “delegation.” The term “delegation” also is used when referring to the group of Scouts who attend the annual Report to the Nation.	Back to Top
Contractions Don’t be afraid to use them, but don’t overdo it. Contractions reflect informal speech and writing. Contractions are acceptable in informal contexts where they reflect the way a phrase commonly appears in speech or writing and when they won’t cause confusion.	Back to Top
Cookout No hyphen.	Back to Top
COPE See “Project COPE.”	Back to Top
Core Values See “Cub Scouting’s 12 Core Values.”	Back to Top
Council An administrative body chartered to be responsible for Scouting in a designated geographic territory. See “BSA local council,” “local council,” and “National Council.” Capitalize only when referring to a specific local council or the National Council: “Moby Dick Council,” “Gulf Coast Council.”	Back to Top
Council employee A full-time or part-time employee serving in a support position not classified under professional, professional-technical, or paraprofessional guidelines (i.e., secretaries, clerks, custodial personnel, most camp rangers, and seasonal camp employees).	Back to Top
Council junior leader training conference This term is now obsolete. See “National Youth Leadership Training.”	Back to Top
Council office See “council service center.”	Back to Top
Council president The elected volunteer Scouter who heads the council and chairs its executive board.	Back to Top
Council service center The business center for the local administration of Scouting. “Council office” may be used, but “council service center” is preferred as being more representative of its function.	Back to Top
Court of honor A recognition ceremony for those who have met the requirements of any one of the Boy Scout ranks, merit badges, or other awards. See “National Court of Honor.” Always lowercase: “Eagle Scout court of honor.”	Back to Top
Crew (1) A working group of Sea Scouts in a ship. There are usually several crews in a ship. This compares with the Cub Scout den, the Boy Scout patrol, and the Varsity Scout team. (2) A working group of five to 12 members of a high-adventure base contingent. (3) Capitalize only when used with the crew number: “Crew 101.” See also “Venturing crew.”	Back to Top
Crew code and bylaws A set of bylaws adopted by the members of a Venturing crew or Sea Scout ship to guide their officers and program. The Venturing Code is included as a preamble.	Back to Top
Crew leader The elected youth leader of a Sea Scout or high-adventure base crew.	Back to Top
Cub Scout A registered youth member of a Cub Scout pack or one registered as a Lone Cub Scout who has completed first grade but who has not yet completed third grade, or who is age 8 or 9. See “Cub Scouting.”	Back to Top
Cub Scout Academics and Sports program A supplemental enrichment program that complements Cub Scouting. A pack may select any of 51 sports or academic subjects to pursue. Academics or Sports belt loops, pins, and jacket letters recognize the Cub Scouts for participation and practice.	Back to Top
Cub Scout day camp See “day camp.”	Back to Top
Cub Scout handshake Used by Cub Scouts and Cub Scouters; like an ordinary handshake with the right hand except that the index and middle fingers are extended toward the other person, touching his wrist.	Back to Top
Cub Scout Leader Basic Training Designed to provide Cub Scout and Webelos Scout leaders with basic information about their responsibilities.	Back to Top
Cub Scout Leave No Trace Pledge I promise to practice the Leave No Trace frontcountry guidelines wherever I go: 1) Plan ahead. 2) Stick to trails. 3) Manage your pet. 4) Leave what you find. 5) Respect other visitors. 6) Trash your trash.	Back to Top
Cub Scout motto Do Your Best.	Back to Top
Cub Scout Promise I, [name], promise to do my bestTo do my duty to God and my country,To help other people,and To obey the Law of the Pack.	Back to Top
Cub Scout resident camp See “resident camping.”	Back to Top
Cub Scout salute A hand salute made by Cub Scouts and Cub Scouters with the fingers of the right hand held in position as for the Cub Scout sign, except that the index and middle fingers are held together. The tips of the fingers touch the right eyebrow or the bill of the Cub Scout cap.	Back to Top
Cub Scout sign A sign made by raising the right hand straight up high over the head with the palm forward. The first two fingers are wide apart and pointing up as in a V. The thumb covers the nails of the ring and little fingers. Used when repeating the Cub Scout Promise or Law of the Pack and as a signal for quiet in meetings.	Back to Top
Cub Scouter A registered member of a Cub Scout pack, 18 or older, or a professional Scouter who works with Cub Scouting. (Do not use “Cubber” to correspond to “Scouter” because “Cub” is not a verb.)	Back to Top
Cub Scouting That part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or are 7 through 10 years old). Tiger Cubs are in the first grade (or age 7); Cub Scouts, second or third grade (or ages 8 or 9); and Webelos Scouts, fourth and fifth grade (or age 10). The unit is a Cub Scout pack and the pack is made up of dens of the various age groups. The emphasis is on family-centered activities, group activities, learning, and having fun. (Never use the term “Cubbing”; “Cub” is not a verb.)	Back to Top
Cub Scouting’s Leave No Trace Awareness Award Cub Scout youth and adult members can earn this award by taking the Cub Scout Leave No Trace Pledge and fulfilling six age-appropriate requirements.	Back to Top
Cub Scouting’s 12 Core Values The 12 Core Values of Cub Scouting are citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health and fitness, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect, and responsibility.	Back to Top
Cubbing, Cubber Do not use to correspond to “Scouting” and “Scouter” because “Cub” is not a verb. However, “Cubbing” may be appropriate in historical contexts, as the term was used before 1945.	Back to Top
Cubmaster A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to lead a Cub Scout pack.	Back to Top
Cubmaster’s Minute See “Den Leader’s Minute.”	Back to Top

Day camp Always lowercase. An organized, multiple-day, theme-oriented program for Tiger Cubs and their adult partners, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts that is conducted by the council/district under trained leadership at an approved site during daylight or early evening hours.	Back to Top
Den A neighborhood group of four to eight Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts that meets periodically, usually once a week, and is part of a Cub Scout pack.	Back to Top
Den chief A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer who helps direct the activities of a Cub Scout den. Appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent. Also see “Webelos den chief.”	Back to Top
Den Chief training A one-day training experience conducted by the pack, district, or council to equip den chiefs with the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to perform their responsibilities.	Back to Top
Den leader A volunteer leader, 21 or older, appointed by the pack committee to plan and direct the den’s activities.	Back to Top
Den Leader’s Minute An important, inspirational thought for the day or a brief story that reflects on the Cub Scout Promise, the Law of the Pack, the Cub Scout motto, or a patriotic item—told without moralizing. Told as part of the closing at the end of a meeting. A Cubmaster may also close with a Cubmaster’s Minute.	Back to Top
Denner A Cub Scout or Webelos Scout elected by his peers to help the den chief and den leader.	Back to Top
Density Of the total available youth in a designated area, the percentage who are members. Example: “West District has a Cub Scout density of 45.6 percent.”	Back to Top
Different Takes the preposition “from,” not “than.” Example: “This boot is different from the one I’m wearing.”	Back to Top
Direct Service Formerly called the “Direct Service Council.” This is the national office service through which U.S. citizens in other parts of the world not served by the Far East or Transatlantic Councils can retain membership and affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America.	Back to Top
Disabilities Follow these guidelines when referring to people with physical disabilities:	Back to Top
Disabled. A general term used for a physical or cognitive condition that substantially limits one or more of the major daily life activities. Avoid the use of “the disabled” to describe disabled people as a group.	Back to Top
Handicapped. Avoid this term in describing a disability or a person who is disabled.	Back to Top
Blind. Describes a person with complete loss of sight. For others, use terms such as “visually impaired” or “person with low vision.”	Back to Top
Deaf. Describes a person with total hearing loss. For others, use “partial hearing loss,” “hearing impaired,” or “partially deaf.” Avoid the term “deaf mute”; do not use “deaf and dumb.”	Back to Top
Wheelchair-user. A person who uses a wheelchair for independent mobility. Do not use “confined to a wheelchair” or “wheelchair-bound.”	Back to Top
Distinguished citizen award dinner A testimonial fundraising dinner honoring a key community leader.	Back to Top
Distinguished Eagle Scout Award A recognition bestowed upon a man who received the Eagle Scout Award 25 or more years ago and has made a significant contribution to his community.	Back to Top
Distributor See “Scouting distributor.”	Back to Top
District A geographical area of the council determined by the council executive board to help ensure the growth and success of Scouting units within the district’s territory. Capitalize only when naming a specific district: “Arrowhead District,” “District 2,” “districtwide.”	Back to Top
District committee Consisting of chartered organization representatives and elected district members at large, the district committee coordinates the functions of the district to carry out the policies and objectives of the council. The executive officer of the district committee is the district chairman.	Back to Top
District executive A professional Scouter who works under the direction of the local council Scout executive and acts as an adviser to the volunteer leaders in the district.	Back to Top
Do a Good Turn Daily This is the Scout slogan.	Back to Top
Do Your Best This is the Cub Scout motto.	Back to Top
Donald Rogert Canoeing High Adventure Base This base in Atikokan, Ontario, Canada, offers trips north and northeast in the White Otter area and south into the Quetico Provincial Park. See “Northern Tier National High Adventure Program.”	Back to Top
Drugs: A Deadly Game The BSA’s campaign to encourage youth to repudiate illicit drugs and drug use.	Back to Top
Dutch oven A heavy iron or aluminum pot used for cooking food over an open fire or coals. A traditional Scout dessert is peach cobbler baked in a Dutch oven.	Back to Top

E-Learning Course Management System Available through MyScouting at www.scouting.org, this provides a selection of courses for adult volunteers that may be taken for credit.	Back to Top
Eagle Palms Each Palm worn on the Eagle Scout Award ribbon represents being active in the troop and patrol for at least three months after becoming an Eagle Scout or earning the last Palm, showing Scout spirit, making a satisfactory effort to develop and demonstrate leadership ability, earning five additional merit badges, and taking part in a Scoutmaster conference. The Bronze Palm represents the first five merit badges after Eagle Scout, the Gold Palm the next five, and the Silver Palm the third five. (Thereafter, combine them; e.g., one Bronze Palm and one Silver Palm for 20 merit badges after Eagle Scout.) Combinations: “Eagle Palm,” “Palm,” “Palms.”	Back to Top
Eagle Scout The highest rank for Scouts. Combinations: “Eagle Scout badge,” “Eagle Scout requirements,” “Eagle Scout rank,” “Eagle Scout Award,” “Eagle Scout court of honor,” “Eagle Scout board of review.”	Back to Top
Eagle Scout board of review The meeting that council and district advancement committees have with a Boy Scout to determine his understanding of Scouting ideals and experiences, and to evaluate how he’s getting along in his troop. It’s also a time to review rank requirements to ensure that they have been met. Always lowercase.	Back to Top
Eagle Scout court of honor A public ceremony that recognizes a Boy Scout for completing all of the requirements necessary to earn the Eagle Scout Award. Always lowercase.	Back to Top
Eagle Scout service project While a Life Scout, a boy plans, develops, and gives leadership to others in a project that benefits any religious organization, school, or community. Required for the Eagle Scout rank.	Back to Top
Eagle Scout Magazine A periodical published for members of the National Eagle Scout Association. Formerly called the Eagletter.	Back to Top
Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner (or Day) An annual event in which the council or a group of councils recognizes Scouts who have earned the Eagle Scout Award during the previous year.	Back to Top
Elected officers’ seminar An annual planning and training program conducted by the Advisor for newly elected Venturing crew youth officers.	Back to Top
Elective A part of Cub Scout advancement. There are 24 electives in the Bear Cub Scout Book and 22 in the Wolf Cub Scout Book. For every 10 elective projects completed, a Cub Scout is awarded one Arrow Point. Capitalize only when writing about a specific elective: “Wolf Elective 4,” “a Bear elective.”	Back to Top
Emblem Do not capitalize: jamboree emblem, compass points emblem, Trained Leader emblem, and all of the religious emblems (God and Me emblem, Alpha Omega emblem).	Back to Top
Endowment fund Assets owned and invested by a council from which generally only the income can be expended for current operations. Endowments can be restricted for particular purposes.	Back to Top
Ernest F. Schmidt Scholarship Grant The American Camping Association recognizes professional Scouters active in camping with this scholarship, which covers the fees and expenses for participation in its annual conference.	Back to Top
Eskimo, Eskimos This term is acceptable when making general references to native peoples of northern North America. However, Aleuts and Inuits should be called such when possible. See also “American Indian.”	Back to Top
Ethnic heritage Do not use a hyphen for terms describing dual ethnic heritage: African American, Asian American, Hispanic American.	Back to Top
European Camp Staff program Registered members of the BSA may apply to serve as staff members at a Scouting camp in Europe. Applicants are screened by the BSA national office and the prospective host council. See “International Camp Staff program.”	Back to Top
Executive Applies specifically to the Scout executive and generally to all professional Scouters. Capitalize only when used with the Chief Scout Executive title.	Back to Top
Executive board (1) The National Executive Board is the governing body of the Boy Scouts of America. Voting memberships include regular membership, attained by election; ex officio membership, held by regional presidents, the chairman of the Advisory Council, and the chairman of the Board of Regents of the National Eagle Scout Association; and youth membership (at any time, the board may include five or fewer youth members appointed by the president). (2) The executive board in each local council is its policy-making body. Voting members include between 25 and 50 regular council members, the chairmen of the committees of the executive board, the chairmen of the district committees, and up to two youth members. The Scout executive is a nonvoting member. Capitalize “executive board” only in the name of a specific local council executive board or when reference is clearly to the National Executive Board: “Orange County Council Executive Board,” “the executive board of the Houston Area Council.”	Back to Top
Experience areas Venturing is designed around social, citizenship, service, leadership, fitness, and outdoor experience areas.	Back to Top

Family camping See “BSA family camping.”	Back to Top
Fast Start training Adult volunteer leadership training that immediately furnishes the information new leaders need to help them get started, help them understand what is expected of them, and assist in establishing effective meeting patterns. Combinations: “Boy Scout Leader Fast Start training,” “take Fast Start training.”	Back to Top
Federal charter See “Charter of the Boy Scouts of America.”	Back to Top
Firearms “Gun” and “firearm” are acceptable terms. All references to handgun should be changed to pistol. Do not use the term “weapon.” Note the following terms:	Back to Top
Air rifle	Back to Top
Caliber	Back to Top
Gauge	Back to Top
Muzzleloader	Back to Top
Pistol	Back to Top
Revolver	Back to Top
Rifle	Back to Top
Shell	Back to Top
Shot	Back to Top
Shotgun	Back to Top
First Class The rank above Second Class Scout and below Star Scout in Boy Scouting. Combinations: “First Class Scout,” “First Class rank,” “achieve First Class.” Always uppercase.	Back to Top
Firstnighter Obsolete term for a special meeting held by each Venturing crew, usually in the fall, to recruit new members. The current term is “open house.”	Back to Top
Flier Use instead of “flyer” to refer to small pieces of literature (such as those published by the BSA).	Back to Top
Florida National High Adventure Sea Base Aquatics adventure programs, including canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, and exploring the reefs of the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, are offered for older Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers. Address: Florida Sea Base; Boy Scouts of America; P.O. Box 1906; Islamorada (pronounced aisle-a-more-AH-dah), FL 33036. See “High Adventure Department.”	Back to Top
Founders Circle Award For financial donors who make a deferred gift of $100,000 or more through a will or trust to benefit their local council endowment funds. The program includes four specific levels of recognition.	Back to Top
Friends of Scouting (FOS) Use this term instead of “Sustaining Membership Enrollment.” An annual opportunity for Scouters and interested people in the community to be identified with the local council through their financial support and influence in the expansion of the council program. Enrollees are known as “Friends.” See “Annual Giving Campaign.”	Back to Top
Fundraising, fundraiser No hyphen.	Back to Top

Geocaching The hobby of treasure hunting using a GPS (global positioning system) receiver to find the location of the hidden prize or “cache.”	Back to Top
Gift annuity program A contract between a council and donor whereby the donor, or donor’s named beneficiary, receives annual payments for life. Also known as a charitable gift annuity.	Back to Top
Gilwell Park The home of Scout leader training on the edge of Epping Forest, London, England. It is also the place the founder of Scouting, Robert Baden-Powell, chose as his original training ground. Gilwell Park is an international Scout activity center and training center of The Scout Association of the United Kingdom.	Back to Top
Gold Arrow Point See “Arrow Point.”	Back to Top
Gold Award, Venturing The Gold Award is available to Venturers. It is designed to recognize significant accomplishment in a Venturer’s life as he or she has proven outstanding performance in a broad spectrum of activities. Achievement of the Gold Award is a requirement for the Silver Award.	Back to Top
Gold Palm See “Eagle Palms.”	Back to Top
Good Turn A distinctive feature of Boy Scouting is its emphasis on service to others. The Good Turn habit is one that all Scouts endeavor to acquire. Always capitalize. See “Scout slogan.”	Back to Top
Good Turn for America A national service initiative by the BSA to address the issues of hunger, homelessness, and poor health. Participating organizations include the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and The Salvation Army.	Back to Top
Goodwill fund A budget item for every Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, and Varsity Scout team.	Back to Top
Grand howl A special Cub Scout yell to recognize a leader or a Cub Scout’s achievement. May also be used to close a den or pack meeting. See the Cub Scout Leader How-To Book.	Back to Top
Group An administrative branch of the National Council; comprises departments. Examples: “Program Group,” “Administrative Group.”	Back to Top
Grubmaster The informal name of the Scout in charge of patrol hike and camp menus and assembling food for outdoor patrol activities. He is appointed by the patrol leader.	Back to Top
Guns See “firearms.”	Back to Top

Handbooks	Back to Top
Bear Handbook	Back to Top
Boy Scout Handbook	Back to Top
Sea Scout Manual	Back to Top
Tiger Cub Handbook	Back to Top
Venturer/Ranger Handbook	Back to Top
Webelos Handbook	Back to Top
Wolf Handbook	Back to Top
Handicapped Avoid using this term. See “disabilities.”	Back to Top
HB9S The ham radio station of the World Scout Bureau headquarters in Switzerland.	Back to Top
Health care Two words as a noun; hyphenated as an adjective: “Health care is expensive”; “she is a health-care worker.”	Back to Top
Health lodge A quiet, properly equipped place in which to give temporary care to ill or injured campers.	Back to Top
Heritage Society See “Scouting Heritage Society.”	Back to Top
Heroism Award A lifesaving award presented to a registered youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at minimum risk to self. See “Honor Medal,” “Medal of Merit,” and “National Certificate of Merit.”	Back to Top
High adventure Can refer to high-adventure activities or to trek programs administered by local councils for older Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers. Use a hyphen when the words are used as a modifier (“high-adventure program”) except in titles of departments and bases as noted in the Language of Scouting (“High Adventure Department”).	Back to Top
High Adventure Department This national office department develops and administers the national high-adventure program for older Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers offered at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys, the Northern Tier National High Adventure Program in northern Minnesota and Canada, and Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico.	Back to Top
His, her Do not presume maleness in constructing a sentence. If possible, recast in the plural to avoid wordiness. Avoid: “A district executive should keep his volunteer records organized.” Better: “A district executive should keep his or her volunteer records organized.” Even better: “District executives should keep their volunteer records organized.”	Back to Top
Home office Formerly the term used for “national office.” Appropriate only in a historical context.	Back to Top
Honor Medal A lifesaving award presented to a registered youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated unusual heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to self. May also be presented with crossed palms (Honor Medal With Crossed Palms) when both unusual heroism and extraordinary skill or resourcefulness are demonstrated in saving or attempting to save a life at extreme risk to self. See “Heroism Award,” “Medal of Merit,” and “National Certificate of Merit.”	Back to Top
Honor Patrol Award An embroidered star worn beneath the patrol medallion distinguishes a member of a patrol that has won this award by meeting requirements in patrol spirit; patrol meetings; hikes, outdoor activities, and other events; Good Turns or service projects; advancement; membership; uniform; and patrol leaders’ council attendance. Formerly known as the Baden-Powell Patrol Award.	Back to Top

Immediate recognition patch This Cub Scout patch indicates how Cub Scouts are progressing in rank. As a Cub Scout fulfills requirements, he earns the Progress Toward Ranks beads, which hang from a leather thong attached to the pocket button. A yellow bead is presented for each three Wolf achievements earned; red beads are presented for each three Bear achievements earned. Together, these are worn on the Cub Scout’s uniform along with the patch until they become Webelos Scouts.	Back to Top
Indian Camperships An Order of the Arrow program that provides partial summer camp fees for Scouts of American Indian lineage. Sometimes referred to as the Maury Clancy Indian Campership Fund.	Back to Top
Instructor (1) This youth leader helps other youth members with rank advancement; appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent. (2) This term can also apply to any youth or adult who can instruct others on parts of the Scouting program.	Back to Top
Interamerican Scout Foundation Contributions to this nonprofit corporation support the Scouting movement in the Americas. See “Order of the Condor.”	Back to Top
International Camp Staff program Local councils throughout the United States may invite qualified Scouters from other countries to be a part of their summer camp and Cub Scout day camp programs. Applicants are screened by their own Scout associations, the BSA national office, and the prospective host council.	Back to Top
International commissioner A volunteer Scouter who represents the Boy Scouts of America in matters dealing with other national Scout organizations and with the World Organization of the Scout Movement.	Back to Top
International Letter of Introduction A document of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, issued by the individual member associations and recognized worldwide as an official means of identification with the movement. For members of the BSA, it is issued by the International Department.	Back to Top
International representative In cooperation with the council leadership, a nominated volunteer keeps the council membership informed of the opportunities for program enrichment in the area of international Scouting.	Back to Top
Internet Always capitalize.	Back to Top
Interpreter strip A badge available to Boy Scouts who can write, translate, and speak a foreign language or can carry on a conversation in American Sign Language.	Back to Top
Intravest An optional program available to councils through the Treasury Department of the National Council, to help councils invest their endowment trust fund assets with potentially greater flexibility and efficiency. It utilizes a series of Fidelity fund portfolios already used by the National Council, for reduced fees and economy of scale in investing, and allows councils to select and change their portfolio mix at any time.	Back to Top
Investiture A ceremony placing the responsibilities of an office or rank upon an individual.	Back to Top
Islamorada Site of the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. It is pronounced aisle-a-more-AH-dah.	Back to Top
Italics Use italics in the following situations: for emphasis (but use sparingly), for some composition titles (see “composition titles”), for new vocabulary, and for foreign words that are not listed in the dictionary.	Back to Top

Jamboree A term chosen by Baden-Powell to describe the first international gathering of Scouts camping together in London in 1920. The term is restricted to indicate a national or world jamboree. Not capitalized unless in the title of a specific jamboree, such as “1993 National Scout Jamboree” or “19th World Scout Jamboree.” Use “2013 National Scout Jamboree” on first reference. For subsequent references, use “national Scout jamboree” (preferred), “2013 National Jamboree,” or “jamboree.” The BSA has a national jamboree every four years. See “contingent” regarding the use of the word to describe Scouting groups attending a jamboree.	Back to Top
Jamboree emblem A jamboree emblem may be worn by any member who is registered to attend a jamboree or who has attended a jamboree as a registered participant or staff member.	Back to Top
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) The World Scout Bureau of the World Organization of the Scout Movement sponsors the Jamboree-on-the-Air, held the third full weekend of October each year. This worldwide ham radio event promotes communication and understanding among Scouts all over the world. The BSA’s participation is coordinated by the International Department. See “K2BSA” and “HB9S.”	Back to Top
Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) The World Scout Bureau of the World Organization of the Scout Movement sponsors the Jamboree-on-the-Internet, held the third full weekend of October each year. This worldwide Internet event promotes communication and understanding among Scouts all over the world. The BSA’s participation is coordinated by the International Department.	Back to Top
Jamborette A camporee or camporall involving Scouting units of neighboring nations. Not capitalized unless used in the title of a specific jamborette.	Back to Top
James E. West Fellowship Award Named in honor of the first Chief Scout Executive, this award is given to individuals donating $1,000 or more in cash or securities, beyond their regular contribution, to local council endowment trust funds.	Back to Top
Job Avoid this word, but especially in reference to positions of responsibility for volunteers. Use a word like “position,” “responsibility,” or “career,” depending on context.	Back to Top
Journey to Excellence Scouting’s Journey to Excellence is the performance measurement and recognition program for councils, districts, and units that replaced the Centennial Quality program in 2011.	Back to Top
Junior assistant Scoutmaster A troop may have any number of junior assistant Scoutmasters. They are 16- or 17-year-old Scouts who help the senior patrol leader; they are appointed by him, with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent.	Back to Top

K2BSA The BSA headquarters ham radio station in Fort Worth, Texas. See “HB9S” and “Jamboree-on-the-Air.”	Back to Top
Kanik The Kanik snow camping program is offered by Philmont Scout Ranch. Ski touring, snow shelter building, snow camping, winter ecology, use of winter tools and equipment, and techniques for designing and making equipment are featured. Kanik (pronounced CAN-ick) is from the Eskimo word for “snowflake.” See “Okpik” and “National Cold-Weather Camping Development Center.”	Back to Top
Key 3 (1) The council Key 3: the council president, council commissioner, and Scout executive; (2) the district Key 3: the district chairman, district commissioner, and district executive. The numeral “3” is always used in Key 3; it is not spelled out.	Back to Top
KISMIF A Cub Scouting acronym standing for “Keep It Simple, Make It Fun.”	Back to Top
Kit Carson Museum Located at Philmont Scout Ranch.	Back to Top
Klondike derby A competitive Boy Scout event conducted by patrols to demonstrate proficiency in Scouting skills. Traditionally conducted in winter. Patrols move from station to station pulling equipment on a replica of a Klondike gold rush sled.	Back to Top
Kwik kalendar A computerized work schedule backdating program, provided by the national office for use by local council employees.	Back to Top

Law of the Pack The Cub Scout follows Akela.The Cub Scout helps the pack go. The pack helps the Cub Scout grow. The Cub Scout gives goodwill.	Back to Top
Law, the Scout See “Scout Law.”	Back to Top
LDS Church Do not use this abbreviation. See “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”	Back to Top
Leader-specific training The basic course of training for adult leaders such as Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training and Varsity Coach and Assistant Coach Leader Specific Training.	Back to Top
Leave No Trace The BSA is committed to this nationally recognized outdoor skills and ethics awareness program to reduce impacts on the environment and other people. The seven principles should be followed at all times in the outdoors: Plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly (pack it in, pack it out); leave what you find; minimize campfire impacts; respect wildlife; and be considerate of other visitors. When used as an adjective, capitalize and do not hyphenate: “Follow all Leave No Trace principles in the backcountry.” Always spell out.	Back to Top
Librarian A Scout who supervises the use of troop-owned books; appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent.	Back to Top
Life Scout The rank below Eagle Scout and above Star Scout.	Back to Top
Living Circle A ceremony that is used occasionally as an opening or closing at a Cub Scout meeting. It reminds boys of the friendships they are making that link them together with other Cub Scouts.	Back to Top
Local council An administrative body chartered by the National Council to be responsible for Scouting in a designated geographic territory. Voting membership may include active members at large and chartered organization representatives. The program is directed by an executive board of volunteers and administered by a Scout executive and staff of professional Scouters. As of January 1, 2010, there were just under 300 local councils in the United States. The number changes as councils merge and split. The term council is not capitalized except in the name of a specific council. Combinations: “councilwide,” “Quivira Council,” “council executive board,” “Longhorn Council Executive Board.” See “executive board” and “National Council.”	Back to Top
Local Council Certificate of Merit This may be awarded for meritorious actions that do not qualify for the National Certificate of Merit. See “Heroism Award,” “Honor Medal,” “Medal of Merit,” and “National Certificate of Merit.”	Back to Top
Lodge A local council Order of the Arrow group chartered annually by the National Council. A large lodge may be organized into chapters.	Back to Top
Lone Boy Scout A Boy Scout who, unable to join a troop because of unusual conditions, follows the program as an individual under the leadership of a Lone Scout friend and counselor. See also “Lone Cub Scout.”	Back to Top
Lone Cub Scout A Cub Scout who, unable to join a pack because of unusual conditions, follows the program as an individual under the leadership of a Lone Cub Scout friend and counselor. See also “Lone Boy Scout.”	Back to Top
Long Cruise arc A red Long Cruise arc worn over the Long Cruise badge represents an additional two-week cruise. When five have been completed, the red arcs are replaced by one white arc.	Back to Top
Long Cruise badge An award given to Sea Scouts of Ordinary rank who have completed a two-week cruise.	Back to Top
Long-term camping A camping experience consisting of five or more consecutive days and nights in the outdoors.	Back to Top
Loss prevention Preventing accidents, reducing injuries, and minimizing costs, both personal and financial, are the objectives of the BSA’s emphasis on loss prevention.	Back to Top

Major gifts Lowercase.	Back to Top
Mate The Sea Scouting equivalent of associate Advisor. See “boatswain’s mate” and “Skipper.”	Back to Top
Medal of Merit May be awarded by the National Court of Honor to a registered youth member or adult leader who has performed an act of service of a rare or exceptional character. Such action need not necessarily be a rescue or involve risk to self. See “Heroism Award,” “Honor Medal,” and “National Certificate of Merit.”	Back to Top
Member at large (1) Elected voting member of a council or district who is not a chartered organization representative. (2) Voting member of the National Council other than a local council representative.	Back to Top
Membership inventory Part of a unit’s annual charter renewal process when the activity of the unit during the past year is reviewed. Usually held in conjunction with a uniform inspection.	Back to Top
Merit badge A recognition given to a Boy Scout for completing the requirements for the badge. There are more than a hundred subjects in life skills, hobby, and career fields, with requirements and supporting pamphlets to help Scouts broaden their outlook. Capitalize the name but not the words “merit badge.” Example: “earn the Lifesaving and Swimming merit badges.” When referring to the merit badge pamphlet, italicize the title. Example: “Journalism merit badge pamphlet.”	Back to Top
Merit badge counselor A registered adult volunteer at least age 18 who is expert in a merit badge field and shares enthusiasm for that field with Scouts and who certifies that requirements have been met.	Back to Top
Merit badge show A demonstration of merit badge skills from booths. Spectators walk around and participate in the merit badge features that interest them.	Back to Top
Methods of Scouting The eight methods are the ideals (Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan), patrol method, outdoors, advancement, association with adults, personal growth, leadership development, and the uniform.	Back to Top
Mormon See “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”	Back to Top
Motto See “Cub Scout motto” or “Scout motto.”	Back to Top
Movement See “Scouting movement.”	Back to Top
Museums See “Kit Carson Museum,” “Seton Memorial Library and Philmont Museum,” and “National Scouting Museum.”	Back to Top
MyBSA www.mybsa.org is a centralized Intranet location where BSA and local council employees can, from any Internet-connected computer, access their BSA e-mail accounts, Scouting news, network support, software training, links to BSA information, and many other resources.	Back to Top
MyScouting An Internet portal for our members that provides access to their account data, automated tour and activity plan applications, the E-Learning Course Management System, and more.	Back to Top

National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) Conducted at Philmont Scout Ranch, this advanced training is designed to prepare Boy Scout and Venturing youth leaders for positions of leadership.	Back to Top
National Annual Business Meeting Always capitalize.	Back to Top
National Annual Meeting Always capitalize.	Back to Top
National Boy Scouts of America Foundation A foundation established to provide a convenient way for a donor to make one gift but have it distributed among several Scouting entities. The foundation can also serve as trustee for a wide variety of charitable gifts benefiting Scouting.	Back to Top
National Camping School A weeklong training experience for adults who are key staff members in council camp operations, including Management, Program, Ranger, Commissioner, Chaplain, Aquatics, Climbing, Project COPE, Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports, and Trek Leader.	Back to Top
National Certificate of Merit This award may be presented by the National Court of Honor to a registered BSA member, youth or adult, who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition. Such action need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self, but puts into practice Scouting skills or ideals. See “Heroism Award,” “Honor Medal,” “Local Council Certificate of Merit,” and “Medal of Merit.”	Back to Top
National chief The top youth Arrowman in the Order of the Arrow. This position is elected by youth Arrowmen. Lowercase except when used with a name: “National Chief Pete Mitchell.”	Back to Top
National Council This is the corporate membership chartered by the United States Congress to operate the program of the Boy Scouts of America. Members include all elected members of the National Executive Board, members of regional executive committees, elected local council representatives, elected members at large, and elected (nonvoting) honorary members. The program of the National Council is directed by the National Executive Board and administered by the Chief Scout Executive and a staff of professional Scouters at the national office and in other locations. Biennial National Council meetings are held, such as the 1992 National Council Meeting.	Back to Top
National Court of Honor A committee of the Boy Scouts of America that is responsible for administering lifesaving awards, meritorious action awards, and distinguished service awards.	Back to Top
National Distribution Center The Supply Group warehouse from which BSA equipment and supplies are dispensed. The address is 2109 Westinghouse Blvd.; P.O. Box 7143; Charlotte, NC 28241-7143.	Back to Top
National Eagle Scout Association This group provides an opportunity for all Eagle Scouts to retain identification with Scouting through service to the local council in which they live.	Back to Top
National Executive Board See “executive board.”	Back to Top
National Leadership Seminar A weekend leadership training conference conducted by the Order of the Arrow at the regional level.	Back to Top
National Leadership Training Conference (NLTC)	Back to Top
National office The address of the administrative offices of the Boy Scouts of America is Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079. “Home office” is not used, except in historical references.	Back to Top
National Order of the Arrow Conference The Order of the Arrow’s biennial conference, designed to improve program and leadership skills of all Arrowmen. Training, activities, shows, and Indian events are included in this five-day, even-year event. Capitalize all instances: “1998 National Order of the Arrow Conference,” “last year’s Order of the Arrow Conference.”	Back to Top
National Outdoor Challenge	Back to Top
National Outdoor Leadership Seminar (NOLS)	Back to Top
National Outdoor Program Seminar	Back to Top
National Scout jamboree See “jamboree.”	Back to Top
National Scouting Museum Established in 1959, the National Scouting Museum is recognized as the official museum of the Boy Scouts of America, and its mission is to preserve the legacy of Scouting and promote the movement to future generations. The museum includes a Scouting fine art collection and an extensive artifact and archive collection. It features full-sized indoor campsites, virtual reality adventures, and interactive exhibits. The museum also offers educational and advancement activities and workshops.
National Standard Camp Rating The method used by the BSA for accrediting physical facilities, staff, program, development, and provisions for the health and safety of camps.	Back to Top
National vice chief The youth Arrowman elected by his peers to assist the national chief. Lowercase except when used with a name.	Back to Top
National Youth Leadership Training A weeklong experience for youth leaders conducted by the council. See “introduction to leadership” and “Troop Leadership Training.”	Back to Top
Nationally Coordinated Campaign for Local Council Endowment This program of emphasis launched in 1993 is designed to assist local councils in generating additional gifts to their endowment fund.	Back to Top
Native American See “American Indian,” which is preferred.	Back to Top
New-Scout patrol When a boy joins a Boy Scout troop, he becomes a member of a patrol composed of new Scouts, where an assistant Scoutmaster and a troop guide help him get a good start in Scouting.	Back to Top
New-unit organization A systematic approach to organizing a large number of units that includes techniques for recruiting the right volunteers, careful planning and scheduling, and an effective publicity campaign.	Back to Top
1910 Society, The (or just 1910 Society)A recognition program for donors of $25,000 or more in cash, or easily liquidated assets, to a local council endowment program. The program includes four specific levels of recognition.	Back to Top
No-trace camping Refers to the Leave No Trace principles for techniques that minimize the effects of Scouting groups on the environment. See also “Leave No Trace.”	Back to Top
No-trace ethic Refers to the Leave No Trace principles. The no-trace ethic should always be practiced in the outdoors, but more care is needed in areas that show few signs of modern human activity. To follow Leave No Trace ethic, such an area would be left in a natural state by removing all evidence that anyone had been there. See also “Leave No Trace.”	Back to Top
Northern Tier National High Adventure Program The Charles L. Sommers High Adventure Base in Ely, Minnesota, the Northern Expeditions Base in Bissett, Manitoba, Canada, and the Donald Rogert Canoeing High Adventure Base in Atikokan, Ontario, Canada, serve as launching points for canoeing, fishing, and camping by older Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers, and families of registered adult BSA members. Cold-weather camping is offered only at the Ely base camp. The mailing address is Northern Tier National High Adventure; Boy Scouts of America; P.O. Box 509; Ely, MN 55731-0509. See “High Adventure Department” and “Okpik.”	Back to Top
Now & Then A quarterly newsletter for the retired men and women of Scouting.	Back to Top

Oath See “Scout Oath or Promise.”	Back to Top
Office “Council service center” is preferred to “council office.” “National office” is correct; the national office does not perform services of the type offered at local council service centers.	Back to Top
Officer (1) The National Council, each region, and each council have elected volunteer officers who act on behalf of the executive board between board meetings. (2) In Venturing the elected youth officers typically are president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. (3) In Sea Scouting the elected youth officers typically are boatswain, boatswain’s mate, yeoman, purser, and storekeeper.	Back to Top
Okpik (pronounced OOK-pik) The Okpik Cold Weather Camping Program is offered by the Northern Tier National High Adventure Program. Cold-weather camping, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing, expedition travel, and shelter building are featured. Okpik is derived from the Eskimo word for “snowy owl.” See “Kanik” and “National Cold-Weather Camping Development Center.” Do not put in all capitals.	Back to Top
Open house A special meeting held by Boy Scout troops and Venturing crews to recruit new members. Formerly called a “firstnighter” in Venturing.	Back to Top
Ordeal membership The induction phase of membership in the Order of the Arrow. A candidate becomes an Ordeal member upon completion of the Ordeal and Ordeal ceremony.	Back to Top
Order of the Arrow Scouting’s national honor society. Youth members (Arrowmen) must hold First Class Scout rank; they are elected by all youth members of the troop, based on their Scouting spirit and camping ability. The aim of the OA is to promote the outdoor program and service to Scouting.	Back to Top
Ordinary The rank in Sea Scouting above Apprentice and below Able. Combinations: “Ordinary Award,” “Ordinary rank,” “Ordinary requirements,” “Ordinary Sea Scout.”	Back to Top
Outdoor Code As an American, I will do my best to- Be clean in my outdoor manners. I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I will take care of it for myself and others. I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and roadways. Be careful with fire. I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only when and where they are permitted and appropriate. When I have finished using fire, I will make sure it is cold-out. I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire. Be considerate in the outdoors. I will treat public and private property with respect. I will follow the principles of Leave No Trace for all outdoors activities. Be conservation-minded. I will learn about and practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy. I will urge others to do the same.	Back to Top
Outdoor program The total scope of outdoor activities offered by the Boy Scouts of America, in which youth members’ differing skill and experience levels are accommodated. Includes Cub Scout overnighters, day camp, council-organized family camps, and resident camp; Webelos Scout overnight camping; Boy Scout overnight, resident, and long-term camping; Venture patrol and Varsity activities; jamborees; council and national high adventure; and wilderness camping.	Back to Top
Outdoor skills Skills for living in the outdoors: using shelter for protection, building fires for food preparation, knowing the skills of field sanitation, and properly using woods tools.	Back to Top
Overnighter See “Webelos Scout overnighter.”	Back to Top

Pack A group made up of several Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout dens. The pack includes not only the boys in the dens but also their families and leaders. Capitalize only when used with the pack number. Combinations: “Cub Scout pack,” “Pack 5.”	Back to Top
Palms See “Eagle Palms.”	Back to Top
Pan American jamboree The treatment of this term varies by actual jamboree year; for instance, no hyphen for the 1994 Pan American Jamboree.	Back to Top
Parent and family talent survey An inventory of parents’ interests and abilities conducted by the Cub Scout pack to determine program potential.	Back to Top
Parents’ night An open house conducted by a Venturing crew to inform parents and involve them in the Venturing crew and local council.	Back to Top
Partner Do not use “partner” when referring to a chartered organization. Also see “adult partner” and “chartered organization.”	Back to Top
Patrol A small group of Boy Scouts (usually five to eight) who belong to a troop and work together in and out of troop meetings. Normally, there are several patrols in one troop. Capitalize only when part of a title, such as “Fox Patrol.” See also “Venture patrol.” Note: Webelos dens are not patrols.	Back to Top
Patrol leader Elected by the patrol members, this Boy Scout leads the patrol and represents it on the patrol leaders’ council, which plans the troop program.	Back to Top
Patrol leaders’ council Each patrol leader, representing his patrol, meets with other patrol leaders and the senior patrol leader to plan their troop program. The Scoutmaster acts as an adviser.	Back to Top
Pedro The long-eared, four-footed mailburro of the “Hitchin’ Rack” column in Boys’ Life magazine.	Back to Top
Philmont Scout Ranch Western high adventure happens here for older Scouts and Venturers in almost 140,000 acres of rugged northern New Mexico. The ranch also has a center for volunteer and professional training. The address is 17 Deer Run Road, Cimarron, NM 87714. (Cimarron is pronounced sim-a-ROAN.)	Back to Top
Philmont Staff Association Former and current summer and permanent staff members of Philmont Scout Ranch, and of the Philmont Training Center, Cimarron, New Mexico, are eligible for membership. Some association objectives are to promote wilderness camping and other ranch programs, suggest new programs in ranch management, and offer time and talent to local councils for promoting the ranch.	Back to Top
Philmont Training Center The national volunteer training center of the BSA, located at Philmont Scout Ranch. The center hosts professional and BSA local council conferences.	Back to Top
Pinewood derby A pack activity that involves making and racing small wooden cars on a track. Combinations: “Pack 1 Pinewood Derby,” “the pinewood derby.”	Back to Top
Pow wow A one-day training conference for Cub Scout leaders. Combinations: “Cub Scout leader pow wow,” “Apache District Pow Wow.”	Back to Top
P.R.A.Y. Abbreviation for Programs of Religious Activities With Youth. An organization outside the BSA that administers religious awards for youth-serving organizations, including the BSA, Girl Scouts, and Camp Fire. Note the periods in the abbreviation.	Back to Top
President Specific BSA usages: (1) An elected volunteer executive. See “area president,” “council president,” and “regional president.” There is also a national president of the BSA. (2) A Venturer elected by peers to this office conducts crew business.	Back to Top
Professional Circle	Back to Top
Professional Development Levels 1, 2, and 3 Abbreviated as PD-L1, PD-L2, and PD-L3. See “Center for Professional Development.”	Back to Top
Professional Scouter A registered, salaried, full-time employee who is commissioned to serve in an approved professional position in a local council or on the national staff by having successfully completed formal training (Professional Development Level 1, National Executive Institute, or National Training School), or who has been designated by the Chief Scout Executive as a member of the national management executive staff.	Back to Top
Program Generally lowercase: Cub Scout Academic and Sports program; BSA Family program. Also see “Scouting program.”	Back to Top
Program manager A Varsity Scout who supervises one of the five program fields of emphasis: advancement, high adventure, personal development, service, and special programs and events.	Back to Top
Progress Toward Ranks beads See “immediate recognition patch.”	Back to Top
Project COPE A Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience that may include problem-solving exercises, low-course activities (conducted from ground level up to 6 feet above ground), and high-course events (several combined activities that require each participant to be belayed, conducted 30 feet or more above ground).	Back to Top
Project selling A fundraising method of isolating specific budget items or projects for presentation to interested donors. “To project sell” may be used as a verb if needed.	Back to Top
Promise See “Cub Scout Promise” and “Scout Oath or Promise.”	Back to Top
ProSpeak This electronic newsletter for all career men and women in the BSA is distributed monthly from the national office.	Back to Top
Provisional unit When individual Scouts or Venturers are to participate in an activity (such as a jamboree), they may be organized into temporary (provisional) troops, teams, or crews.	Back to Top

Quality awards Replaced by the Centennial Quality Award until the end of 2010. Recognition given each charter year to units and each calendar year to districts, councils, areas, and regions that commit to and meet specified national standards pertaining to leader training, service, advancement, camping, and membership growth. Examples: “The Quality Unit Award is given to Quality Units,” “national Quality Unit Award.”	Back to Top
Quartermaster A youth officer in a troop, patrol, or Varsity Scout team who keeps the equipment in good shape and maintains an up-to-date inventory of it. In the troop, the quartermaster is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent; in the patrol, he is appointed by the patrol leader.	Back to Top
Quartermaster The highest rank in Sea Scouting, conferred with the Quartermaster Award.	Back to Top

Raingutter regatta A pack activity that involves making and racing model boats. Combinations: “Pack 1 Raingutter Regatta,” “the raingutter regatta.”	Back to Top
Ranger See “camp ranger.”	Back to Top
Rank The six Cub Scout ranks are Bobcat, Tiger Cub, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Award. There are six ranks for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Scout. The Sea Scouting ranks are Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster. Combinations: “First Class rank,” “Star Scout.”	Back to Top
Recharter Avoid the use of this term; use “to renew a charter.” See “charter.”	Back to Top
Region (1) One of four geographical administrative units of the BSA: Northeast Region, Southern Region, Central Region, and Western Region. There are regional directors, regional staffs, regional presidents, and regional committee members. (2) The World Organization of the Scout Movement has six regions. See “World Scout Bureau.” Do not capitalize “region” when used alone. When referring to obsolete regional designations, use numerals: Region 2, Region 12.	Back to Top
Regional committee Consists of all National Council representatives (local council representatives and members at large), council presidents, and council commissioners in the region. Meets annually to elect regional officers.	Back to Top
Regional president The ranking elected volunteer officer in a region who heads the regional committee and cabinet and is an ex officio member of the National Executive Board.	Back to Top
Regional staff Professional Scouters on the national staff who work within the regional structure. This includes the regional director, assistant regional directors, area directors, and associate regional directors.	Back to Top
Registered member Annually, every youth and adult who wants to join or continue membership in the Boy Scouts of America must submit a completed application form or reregister and pay an annual registration fee. Membership is a privilege, not a right. See “College Scouter Reserve,” “Scouters’ Reserve,” “tenure,” and “veteran.”	Back to Top
Religious emblems program Various religious organizations have designed requirements and procedures for participants in this Scouting program to earn the religious emblem of their faith.	Back to Top
Religious Principle, Declaration of The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no person can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, acknowledges the religious element in the development of youth members. However, the BSA is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious development. Its policy is that the organization or institution with which youth members are connected shall give definite attention to their religious life. Only adults willing to subscribe to this declaration of principle and the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership.	Back to Top
Report to the Nation The printed BSA annual Report to the Nation is presented to the president of the United States, both houses of Congress, and other government officials each February by a selected delegation of youth members and their advisers.	Back to Top
Report to the States	Back to Top
Resident camping A council-organized, theme-oriented, overnight camping program for Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts that operates for at least two nights and is conducted under trained leadership at a camp approved by the council.	Back to Top
Retention The term used to describe the percentage of boys who move from one phase of the Scouting program to another, such as from Cub Scouting into Boy Scouting.	Back to Top
Rifle See “firearms.”	Back to Top
Roundtable An event conducted by a roundtable commissioner and roundtable staff to help the unit leadership of a district plan and carry out their own unit programs.	Back to Top
Roundup An organized fall recruiting plan during which members invite others to join a Scouting unit.	Back to Top
Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America Article I of the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America states, “the [National] Executive Board may establish and amend Rules and Regulations for the further governance and guidance of the Boy Scouts of America including its local councils and affiliates.” Italicize or underscore only if reference is obviously to the published booklet, Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America.	Back to Top

Safe Boating This course is designed for Sea Scout ships whose members may not be interested in following the advancement plan leading to Quartermaster, or as supplementary training for traditional ships. Those who complete the course earn the Small-Boat Handler bar. See “Advanced Seamanship.”	Back to Top
Safe haven Do not use this term to describe or imply the atmosphere of a Scouting activity. Scouting strives to create an environment that is governed by the Scout Oath and Scout Law where everyone should feel physically and emotionally secure.	Back to Top
Safe Swim Defense An eight-point plan of recommended procedures for conducting group swims. The eight points are (1) qualified supervision, (2) physical fitness, (3) safe area, (4) lifeguards on duty, (5) lookout, (6) ability groups, (7) buddy system, and (8) discipline.	Back to Top
Safety Afloat Guidelines for safe unit activity afloat in craft less than 26 feet long: (1) qualified supervision, (2) personal health review, (3) swimming ability, (4) personal flotation equipment, (5) buddy system, (6) skill proficiency, (7) planning, (8) equipment, and (9) discipline.	Back to Top
Salute See “Cub Scout salute,” “Scout salute,” and “Venturing salute.”	Back to Top
Salvation Army, The Note the capitalization of “The” in the name of the group.	Back to Top
School Night for Scouting A one-night event held in a neighborhood school, place of worship, community center, etc., where boys and parents gather to hear how Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting operate and how they can join.	Back to Top
Scout May be synonymous with the term “Boy Scout” or may be used to include Varsity Scouts and Boy Scouts (not Cub Scouts). Use on second reference or also in informal usage when the meaning is clearly understood. Capitalize “Scout” and all words beginning with “Scout” (such as “Scouting” and “Scouter”) unless the meaning is not related to the Scouting movement.	Back to Top
Scout-a-Rama This is incorrect; see “Scoutorama.”	Back to Top
Scout benediction May the Great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with us until we meet again.	Back to Top
Scout executive The chief executive officer of the local council responsible for the administration, financing, marketing, motivation, recruiting, and staffing required for successful council operations. Capitalize only when the title precedes the name. Examples: “Scout Executive John Smiley,” “John Smiley is the Scout executive.” Chief Scout Executive is the only title routinely capitalized.	Back to Top
Scout Executives’ Alliance A fellowship of professional and professional-technical Scouters that provides immediate funds to the family of a deceased member.	Back to Top
Scout handshake This unique greeting is given with the left hand, the thumb separated from the fingers.	Back to Top
Scout Law A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. (There are 12 points to the Scout Law.)	Back to Top
Scout motto Be Prepared.	Back to Top
Scout Oath or Promise On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.	Back to Top
Scout reservation or camp Land owned by or leased to the Boy Scouts of America to further the Scouting program. A Scout reservation usually has two or more camps.	Back to Top
Scout Sabbath The Saturday after February 8, Scouting Anniversary Day.	Back to Top
Scout salute A hand salute made by Scouts and Scouters with the fingers of the right hand held in position as for the Scout sign.	Back to Top
Scout shop A BSA-owned store, operated by the Supply Group, that sells official Scouting merchandise.	Back to Top
Scout show See “Scouting show.”	Back to Top
Scout sign A sign made by raising the right hand palm forward, upper arm straight, and out to the side. The arm is bent at the elbow, forming a right angle. The three middle fingers are held erect and the thumb covers the nail of the little finger.	Back to Top
Scout slogan Do a Good Turn Daily.	Back to Top
Scout Sunday The Sunday before February 8, Scouting Anniversary Day.	Back to Top
Scouter A registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America who serves in a volunteer or professional capacity.	Back to Top
Scouters’ Reserve A registration status for adults who want to remain identified with Scouting without a specific assignment. They may be called upon to help with short-term projects.	Back to Top
Scouting Alumni Association An official organization for individuals who have been positively and personally impacted by the Boy Scouts of America. It is led by a volunteer committee and supported by the BSA’s director of Alumni Relations.	Back to Top
Scouting Anniversary Day February 8, 1910, was the day William D. Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America.	Back to Top
Scouting Anniversary Week This is the week, beginning on Sunday, that includes February 8, Scouting Anniversary Day. During the week, units are encouraged to conduct rededication ceremonies and to demonstrate Scouting’s purposeful activities.	Back to Top
Scouting family When an organization is chartered to operate a Cub Scout pack, a Boy Scout troop, a Varsity Scout team, and a Venturing crew, it is said to have the whole Scouting family.	Back to Top
Scouting for Food National Good Turn First conducted in November 1988, this nationwide food collection effort is the BSA’s response to hunger in our society.	Back to Top
Scouting Heritage Society Local council recognition program for those who have made a current or deferred gift to the council’s endowment trust fund.	Back to Top
Scouting magazine The official magazine for all Scouters. It aims to interpret the program, stimulate action, and strengthen a desire to serve. The title is typeset in italics and underlined in typewritten copy. The word “magazine” may or may not be used, is not part of the title, and is not capitalized or italicized.	Back to Top
Scouting movement An idea started in England by Baden-Powell, based on the conviction that boys can live up to a code of conduct and can develop themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually in association with other boys through a program of appealing activities and advancement challenges under the guidance of adults. Use in historical references or when referring to the worldwide Scouting movement.	Back to Top
Scouting.org Official website of the Boy Scouts of America. The website provides resources and information about Scouting for youth, parents, volunteers, alumni, and the general public.	Back to Top
Scouting program Historically, “Scouting” has been the generic term for the organization and activities of the Boy Scouts of America. It refers also to Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and troop and team activities. The program of the Boy Scouts of America is designed to fulfill its chartered purpose to achieve objectives in character development, citizenship training, and fitness adapted to the age groups: Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers. The program is carried out in units run by local organizations chartered by the Boy Scouts of America.	Back to Top
Scouting show Not “Scout show” unless only Boy Scouts and no Cub Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturers are involved. See also “arena show” and “booth show.”	Back to Top
Scoutmaster A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to lead a Boy Scout troop.	Back to Top
Scoutmaster conference A distinctive feature of the troop advancement plan in which a Scoutmaster helps a Scout accept the responsibility for his own growth toward each rank.	Back to Top
Scoutmaster’s Minute A part of the closing ceremony of a troop meeting or campfire in which the Scoutmaster encourages Scoutlike conduct by telling a story.	Back to Top
ScoutNET A wide area network that electronically connects all local councils, regional offices, the National Distribution Center, the Center for Professional Development, and the national office.	Back to Top
Scoutorama A show or demonstration of Scouting activities.	Back to Top
ScoutParent No italics.	Back to Top
Scoutreach An emphasis that some councils are currently using to reach out to urban and rural communities. Scoutreach represents the council’s commitment to making sure that all young people have an opportunity to join Scouting, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background.	Back to Top
Scouts with disabilities/Scouts with special needs A program element of the Boy Scouts of America that emphasizes the involvement of youth who have visual, hearing, or other physical disabilities, or are emotionally disturbed or mentally retarded. An alternative advancement program is available for these youth members.	Back to Top
Scribe A youth officer who checks attendance and keeps records. The troop scribe is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent. The patrol scribe is appointed by the patrol leader.	Back to Top
Sea Scout A registered youth member of a Sea Scout ship.	Back to Top
Sea Scouting Sea Scouts specialize in traditional nautical activities, e.g., sailing, motorboating, and maritime careers. Sea Scouting is a branch of Venturing.	Back to Top
Second Class The rank above Tenderfoot in Boy Scout and Varsity Scout advancement. Combinations: “Second Class Scout,” “Second Class rank.”	Back to Top
Secretary A Varsity Scout or Venturer elected to this office in the team or crew.	Back to Top
Section Geographical and administrative grouping of Order of the Arrow lodges.	Back to Top
Senior patrol leader Each troop has one senior patrol leader, a Scout elected by the Scouts to help all the patrols succeed. He may be assisted by one or more assistant senior patrol leaders.	Back to Top
Service center The business office for a local council. Combinations: “Longhorn Council Service Center,” “local council service center.”	Back to Top
Service patrol The name given to a patrol that has accepted an extra work assignment for the good of the troop.	Back to Top
Service star An insignia worn over the left shirt pocket of the uniform to denote number of years of service.	Back to Top
Seton Memorial Library and Philmont Museum Located at Philmont Scout Ranch, this facility contains exhibits related to the history and program of the ranch and the Southwest as well as a library of books, art, and artifacts of one of the BSA’s founders, Ernest Thompson Seton.	Back to Top
Ship The unit that conducts Sea Scouting for the chartered organization. Equivalent to a Venturing crew. Combinations: “Sea Scout ship,” “Ship 38,” “Sea Scout Ship 38.”	Back to Top
Ships and spacecraft Italicize the names of ships (the Titanic) and spacecraft (the Discovery) unless you are referring to a spacecraft that is named after a part of the space program, such as Apollo 13. Lowercase “space shuttle.” Do not italicize abbreviations that appear before the name of a ship, such as SS or HMS: SS United States.	Back to Top
Shooting sports	Back to Top
Short-term camping A camping experience consisting of one to four days and at least one night outdoors.	Back to Top
Shotgun See “firearms.”	Back to Top
Showando An outdoor event—”showing and doing”—that helps a leader blend leadership skills with outdoor and camping skills.	Back to Top
Silver Antelope Award A recognition given by the National Court of Honor to a Scouter for distinguished service to youth within the region.	Back to Top
Silver Arrow Point See “Arrow Point.”	Back to Top
Silver Award The Silver Award is available to all Venturers. Its purpose is to provide a pathway for personal development; encourage Venturers to learn, grow and serve; and recognize the high level of achievement of Venturers who acquire Venturing skills. Candidates must first achieve at least one Bronze Award and the Venturing Gold Award.	Back to Top
Silver Beaver Award A recognition given by the National Court of Honor for distinguished service to youth within the council.	Back to Top
Silver Buffalo Award A recognition given by the National Court of Honor for distinguished service to youth on the national level.	Back to Top
Silver Palm See “Eagle Palms.”	Back to Top
Skipper The Sea Scouting equivalent of Advisor. Assisted by a “mate.”	Back to Top
Social media The Boy Scouts of America uses a variety of social media to reach out to Scouts, Scouters, and the community at-large.	Back to Top
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Boy-Scouts-of-America/113441755297	Back to Top
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/boyscoutsofamerica	Back to Top
Twitter: www.twitter.com/boyscouts	Back to Top
YouTube: www.youtube.com/bsa100years	Back to Top
Space derby A pack activity that involves making and racing model spaceships. Combinations: “Pack 1 Space Derby,” “the space derby.”	Back to Top
Spacecraft See “ships and spacecraft.”	Back to Top
Spouse Use when some of the people involved may be men. For example: “Scouters and their spouses,” not “Scouters and their wives.” However, do not presume maleness in reference to Scouters—volunteer or professional.	Back to Top
Squad A Varsity Scout team subdivision that consists of four to eight members; equivalent to a patrol in a Boy Scout troop.	Back to Top
Squad leader Elected by squad members, this Varsity Scout leads the squad and, with other team members, develops team meeting agendas.	Back to Top
Square knot Generally, embroidered square knots are representative of pin-on medals or around-the-neck awards and are designed for the greater convenience of the wearer. They are the only wearable insignia for the Award of Merit and Professional Training Award. Embroidered knots from other Scout associations may be worn on Scouters’ uniforms.	Back to Top
Star The rank above First Class and below Life in Scout advancement. Combinations: “Star Scout,” “Star rank.”	Back to Top
State names Spell out the names of U.S. states unless space is a factor (such as in the Trailblazers section of ProSpeak or in tabular material), and then use the Associated Press standard abbreviations. Use the two-letter postal abbreviations in addresses with zip codes only. Punctuation: Place a comma between the city and state name, and another comma after the state name: “He traveled from Chicago, Illinois, to Dallas, Texas, en route to his home in Flagstaff, Arizona.”	Back to Top
Strategic Plan, National A three- to five-year plan that helps provide a focus for the growth and success of Scouting. Capitalize when referring to the BSA’s National Strategic Plan; council strategic plans should be lowercase.	Back to Top
Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve Located near Beckley, West Virginia, this new BSA property will be a multipurpose, year-round destination for Scouting activities and adventures. It will become the permanent home for the national Scout jamboree beginning in 2013 and also feature a high-adventure base, a national flagship Scout camp, and a leadership training center.	Back to Top
Superactivity A major annual activity, trip, or project of a Venturing crew requiring long-range planning and extensive preparation. Generally the highlight of the crew’s program year.	Back to Top
Supply Group The arm of the Boy Scouts of America that supplies official uniforms, equipment, and literature to the field. Includes administrative offices located in the national office, the National Distribution Center, and Scout shops located nationwide.	Back to Top
Supply item Offset supply numbers with a comma, not parentheses. E.g., “BSA Handbook, No. 34622.”	Back to Top
Symbols Symbols such as the ampersand (&) and number sign (#) should not be used in running text, titles, and so forth. The ampersand should not be used for the word “and;” use “No.” in reference to a number, such as a catalog item number (“No. 54321”).	Back to Top
Swimmer test The minimum level of swimming ability required for deep-water swimming. The test is as follows: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.	Back to Top
All youth and adult participants are designated as swimmers, beginners, or nonswimmers based on swimming ability confirmed by standardized BSA swim classification tests, which should be renewed annually.	Back to Top
Swimmers: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.	Back to Top
Beginners: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and swim 25 feet on the surface. Stop, turn sharply, resume swimming and return to the starting place.	Back to Top
Nonswimmer: Anyone who has not completed either the beginner or swimmer tests.	Back to Top

TAY See “total available youth.”	Back to Top
Team (1) A stand-alone unit that conducts Varsity Scouting for the chartered organization. (2) A Tiger Cub and his adult partner. (3) An administrative branch of a National Council department. Example: “Professional Development Team,” “Health and Safety Team.”	Back to Top
Tenderfoot The first rank in the Boy Scout advancement program. Always singular. Example: “Boys must pass Tenderfoot requirements before they can become Tenderfoot Scouts.”	Back to Top
This Is Scouting This online training experience introduces all adult leaders to the fundamentals of Scouting.	Back to Top
Three R’s Traditionally, they are “reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic.” In Scouting, the three R’s of Youth Protection are recognize, resist, and report. See “Youth Protection program.”	Back to Top
Tiger Cub A boy who is in the first grade (or is 7 years old) and registered, with his adult partner, as a member of a Tiger Cub den.	Back to Top
Tiger Cub den A den of five to eight Tiger Cubs and their adult partners. Part of a Cub Scout pack. No longer called a “Tiger Cub group.”	Back to Top
Times Use figures, except for “noon” and “midnight”: 11 a.m. (not 11:00), 3:30 p.m. Use lowercase for a.m. and p.m.	Back to Top
Titles with names In general, confine capitalization to formal titles used directly before an individual’s name: “District Executive Karla Wallace”; “Karla was a district executive.” An exception is Chief Scout Executive, which is always capitalized. See also “capitalization” and “composition titles.”	Back to Top
Top Hands conference The plan of action for the BSA’s future direction is crafted in these meetings of Scout executives and regional and national personnel.	Back to Top
Total available youth (TAY) The number of youth in an area who meet BSA membership requirements.	Back to Top
Totin’ Chip A recognition given to Scouts who subscribe to the Outdoor Code and understand and can demonstrate the proper handling, care, and use of woods tools.	Back to Top
Tour and activity plan Units complete or submit this form when planning for local, national, or international adventure. The plan helps ensure the unit is properly prepared, that qualified and trained leadership is in place, and that the right equipment is available for the adventure.	Back to Top
Trademarks When possible, use a generic equivalent for a trademarked name unless the trademark is essential. Some common examples: “adhesive bandage” rather than Band-Aid; “polystyrene plastic foam” (or “plastic foam”) rather than Styrofoam; “chocolate bar” rather than Hershey bar; “tissue” rather than Kleenex; “resealable plastic bag” rather than Ziploc bag; “flying disk” rather than Frisbee. When a trademark is used, capitalize it. A useful Trademark Checklist with generic equivalents from the International Trademark Association is available online at www.inta.org; you can call the ITA hotline at 212-768-9886, 2–5 p.m. Eastern time.	Back to Top
Trading post The camp or reservation store where equipment and supplies may be purchased by campers. A distributor’s Scouting department is sometimes referred to as the trading post.	Back to Top
Train-the-trainer conference In this conference, the people responsible for training unit leaders become acquainted with the principles, methods, and techniques of training. The conference is held by the council or a cluster of councils. Do not capitalize unless giving the name of a specific conference: “Viking Council Train-the-Trainer Conference.”	Back to Top
Trained leader Every leadership position in Scouting has several training requirements to be considered fully trained. When a leader completes all of the requirements for the particular position, they are qualified to wear the “trained” emblem on that uniform.	Back to Top
Trained Leader emblem This emblem may be worn by all leaders, youth and adult, who have completed the Fast Start and basic training programs appropriate to their positions. It may be worn only in connection with the emblem of office for which training has been completed. Do not italicize.	Back to Top
Treasure Island A Scout camp belonging to the Philadelphia Council; the Order of the Arrow was founded there in July 1915.	Back to Top
Treasurer (1) A Varsity Scout or Venturer elected to be responsible for funds in the team or crew. (2) A Boy Scout who keeps a record of patrol dues and makes up a budget for patrol outings; appointed by the patrol leader.	Back to Top
Trek Safely The BSA’s recommended procedure for unit outings involving all types of trekking, including backpacking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bicycling, mountain climbing, and sailing. The seven points—qualified supervision, keep fit, plan ahead, gear up, communicate clearly and completely, monitor conditions, and discipline—help ensure the safety and well-being of participants.	Back to Top
Troop The unit that conducts Boy Scouting for the chartered organization. Capitalize only when used with the troop number. Combinations: “Boy Scout troop,” “Troop 14.”	Back to Top
Troop guide A youth leader who works with Scouts in the new-Scout patrol; appointed by the Scoutmaster in consultation with the assistant Scoutmaster responsible for new Scouts.	Back to Top
Troop historian This youth leader records the troop’s activities both in writing and visually; appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent.	Back to Top
Troop Leadership Training The first course in the youth leadership training continuum; designed to be conducted frequently in a troop setting whenever there are new Scouts or there has been a shift in leadership positions within the patrol or troop.	Back to Top
Troop open house Same as “troop rally night.”	Back to Top
Troop rally night A coordinated council or district membership effort using volunteers and professionals in which boys are identified through a boy-fact survey and referred to troops. The program at a troop rally night should be aimed to sell Scouting to prospective Scouts.	Back to Top
Troop resource survey A survey of the talents, skills, and interests of adults who could provide program assistance to the troop.	Back to Top

Under way Two words except in nautical uses: “The project is under way,” “The naval maneuvers are under way,” “an underway ship.”	Back to Top
Uniform A distinctive part of Scouting is its uniformed membership. Combinations: “Varsity Scout uniform,” “dress uniform,” “field uniform,” “Scouter uniform,” and “Sea Scout uniform.” See “methods of Scouting.”	Back to Top
Unit The entity that conducts Scouting for the chartered organization; it consists of registered youth members and registered adult volunteer members. A unit may be a pack, troop, team, crew, or ship. Its affairs are administered by the unit committee, which is appointed by the chartered organization.	Back to Top
Unit leader The adult leader of a unit is a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Coach, Advisor, or Skipper.	Back to Top
Unit Leadership Enhancements Supplemental training that takes place in the Cub Scout pack and is conducted by a member of the pack committee.	Back to Top
Unit-serving executive See “youth-serving executive.”	Back to Top
United States Fund for International Scouting An independent nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to secure funds and help finance Scouting projects around the world. Gifts to the USFIS are deductible as charitable contributions.	Back to Top
Universal Scout badge A miniature Tenderfoot insignia. Often worn on civilian clothes by Scouters.	Back to Top
University of Scouting As a general term, lowercase. When used as part of a proper noun, capitalize: “Longhorn Council University of Scouting.”	Back to Top

Varsity Sports activities in a Varsity Scout team (not in a troop). See “Varsity Scouting” and “Venture.”	Back to Top
Varsity Scout Coach The adult leader of a Varsity Scout team.	Back to Top
Varsity Scout A young man who is a registered youth member of a Varsity Scout team.	Back to Top
Varsity Scout Pledge As a Varsity Scout, I will: Live by the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan; honor the dignity and worth of all persons; promote the cause of freedom; and do my best to be a good team member.	Back to Top
Varsity Scout team A stand-alone unit that conducts Varsity Scouting for the chartered organization.	Back to Top
Varsity Scouting A part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men (Varsity Scouts) who are at least 14 but not yet 18 years old. The unit is a team; the unit leader is a Coach. Emphasis is on advancement, high adventure, personal development, service, and special programs and events. See “Scouting program” and “Varsity.”	Back to Top
Venture High-adventure activities for a patrol (Venture patrol) of Boy Scouts age 13 and older in a troop. Do not refer to these Boy Scouts as Venture Scouts. This is different from Venturing. See “Venturing.”	Back to Top
Venture patrol A patrol of Boy Scouts age 13 and older in a troop; the patrol participates in high-adventure activities. This is different from a Venturing crew. See “Venturing crew.”	Back to Top
Venturer A registered youth member of a Venturing crew. The word “Venturer” should be used only as a noun referring to a youth member. Use “Venturing” when a modifier is needed. The forms: “One Venturer built a kayak.” “One member of the Venturing crew built a kayak.” Venturing is different from the Boy Scout Venture program. See “Venture.”	Back to Top
Venturing The young adult program of the Boy Scouts of America for men and women ages 14 through 20, or 13 with completion of the eighth grade. “Venturing” is both a noun and a modifier. The forms: “Venturing is a program for young adults.” “Young women and men take part in Venturing activities.” “Good Venturing Advisors are crucial to successful Venturing crews.” Venturing is different from the Boy Scout Venture program. See “Venture.”	Back to Top
Venturing activity interest survey An annual survey of the career and leisure interests of high school students conducted by the local council. Survey results may be available to help crews recruit new members.	Back to Top
Venturing Code As a Venturer, I believe that America’s strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people. I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life. I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it. I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life. I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.	Back to Top
Venturing crew Youth members and adult leaders who conduct the Venturing program within an organization chartered by the BSA. This is different from a Venture patrol. See “Venture patrol.”	Back to Top
Venturing Impact Plan A council organizational plan to “sell” business, industry, labor, professional, church, and community groups to organize Venturing crews.	Back to Top
Venturing Oath As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.	Back to Top
Venturing officers’ association A group of youth officers on a district, council, area, or region tier that promotes membership, resource sharing, and events for Venturing in their territory.	Back to Top
Venturing program conference Conducted by many councils to provide program support and training to Venturing leaders. The Advisor, associate Advisors, president, and vice presidents from each crew attend.	Back to Top
Venturing salute A hard salute made by Venturers with all four fingers of the right hand extended, as for a military salute.	Back to Top
Veteran A recognition status accorded to members of Scouting who have served five years or more. Combinations: “10-year veteran,” “15-year veteran,” “20-year veteran.” Units also achieve veteran status and may display veteran insignia on their flags and uniforms.	Back to Top
Vice chairman A National Council, local council, district, or unit committee title. This term is not hyphenated.	Back to Top
Vice president (1) An adult volunteer elected position in the National Council or a local council. (2) An elected youth position in a Venturing crew. This term is not hyphenated.	Back to Top
Vigil Honor The highest honor the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members, for service to the lodge, council, and Scouting.	Back to Top
Vision statement See “BSA Vision Statement.”	Back to Top

Wagonmaster A campmaster for Cub Scout family camping programs. See also “campmaster.”	Back to Top
Webelos badge The fifth rank in Cub Scouting; earned by Webelos Scouts in a Webelos den.	Back to Top
Webelos den A group of Webelos Scouts who meet weekly under the supervision of a Webelos den leader.	Back to Top
Webelos den chief A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer who has been appointed to help direct the activities of a Webelos den.	Back to Top
Webelos den leader A registered volunteer member, age 21 or older, appointed by the pack committee to plan and direct the den’s activities.	Back to Top
Webelos denner A Webelos Scout who is elected by other members of his den to help the Webelos den chief.	Back to Top
Webelos Leader Outdoor Training A supplemental training experience conducted by the district or council to provide Webelos leaders with the skills needed to conduct den parent-son overnight camping.	Back to Top
Webelos resource person The assistant Scoutmaster who serves as liaison between the troop and the Webelos den.	Back to Top
Webelos Scout (Pronounced WEE-buh-los.) A Cub Scout who has completed the third grade or is age 10 but has not yet completed fifth grade or reached age 11 1/2, and is a member of a Webelos den. The word “Webelos” (means WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts) should always be used as a modifier, never as a noun.	Back to Top
Webelos Scout overnighter A one- or two-night campout by Webelos Scouts and their adult partners.	Back to Top
Webelos-to-Scout transition plan When Webelos Scouts become Boy Scouts. The preparation and graduation of a Webelos Scout from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting. Use instead of “Webelos-to-Scout transition” or “Webelos crossover.”	Back to Top
Webelos Woods An activity designed to introduce Webelos Scouts, each with an adult family member, to the many outdoor adventures of Boy Scouting.	Back to Top
Websites, BSA	Back to Top
www.scouting.org. The official website of the Boy Scouts of America.	Back to Top
www.boyslife.org. The website of Boys’ Life magazine contains information about the current issue, games to play, projects to download, and more.	Back to Top
www.bsafieldbook.org. This is a companion site to the BSA’s Fieldbook.	Back to Top
www.bsainfo.com	Back to Top
www.bsalegal.org. This site was developed on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America to inform the public about the issues that confront the Scouting movement.	Back to Top
www.bsamuseum.org. The official website of the National Scouting Museum.	Back to Top
www.bsaseabase.org. The website of the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base.	Back to Top
www.goodturnforamerica.org. This is a support resource site for the Good Turn for America initiative.	Back to Top
www.joincubscouting.org. Provides information about Cub Scouting to prospective members, including boys, parents, and organizations that may be interested in starting a pack.	Back to Top
www.mybsa.org	Back to Top
www.myscouting.org	Back to Top
Netbsa	Back to Top
www.nesa.org. This site has information about the National Eagle Scout Association, including a section for NESA members.	Back to Top
www.ntier.org. The website of the Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases.	Back to Top
www.scoutingmagazine.org. The Scouting magazine website contains a complete archive of past editions going back to 1998.	Back to Top
www.scoutingvalelapena.org. The official Spanish-language website of the Boy Scouts of America.	Back to Top
www.scoutreachbsa.org. Provides information and support for local efforts to ensure that all young people, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background, have an opportunity to join Scouting.	Back to Top
www.scoutstuff.org. The BSA’s official online source for camping equipment, uniforms, handbooks, pinewood derby supplies, and other essential Scouting merchandise.	Back to Top
www.soccerandscouting.org. The website that supports the Soccer and Scouting program.	Back to Top
www.thescoutzone.org. This site provides information about Boy Scouting to prospective members.	Back to Top
www.toothoftimetraders.org. Philmont’s Scout Ranch’s online trading post.	Back to Top
Wilderness Commitment Those who make the Wilderness Commitment follow the Outdoor Code and the Wilderness Pledge.	Back to Top
Wilderness Pledge Through good camping and hiking practices, I pledge myself to preserve the beauty and splendor of America’s wilderness, primitive and backcountry areasI commit myself to:Set a personal example in following the Outdoor Code.Train those I lead in the skills and attitudes needed to protect and preserve wilderness for future generations.Assure that parties of which I am part observe the hiking and camping standards that will “leave no trace” of our passing.	Back to Top
Wilderness Use Policy An official policy that outlines the size limit, skill level, and conduct of any Scouting group going into backcountry or wilderness areas. The objective is to minimize the effect such groups have on those delicate areas. See “Leave No Trace.”	Back to Top
Winners’ Circle See “Chief Scout Executive’s Winners’ Circle.”	Back to Top
Woggle See “Wood Badge.”	Back to Top
Wolf The rank designed for a second-grade or 8-year-old Cub Scout. Combinations: “Wolf achievements,” “Wolf Cub Scout,” “Wolf electives,” “Wolf rank.”	Back to Top
Wood Badge Training award granted upon completion of the Wood Badge for the 21st Century course. A leather thong with two wooden beads, a special neckerchief, and a slide (woggle) are worn by those who have completed the training. See also “Gilwell Park.”	Back to Top
Woods tools Those tools, including knife, ax, and saw, used by Boy Scouts and Scouters carrying out outdoor skills and related advancement requirements.	Back to Top
Words to Live By National recruitment campaign launched in 2009. The campaign includes recruitment elements for the full family of Scouting, including Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. The goal of Words to Live By is to motivate more young people to join Scouting. Version 2.0 was launched in 2010.	Back to Top
World Baden-Powell Fellowship This program of the World Scout Foundation recognizes individuals for their financial support of world Scouting. See “World Scout Foundation.”	Back to Top
World brotherhood of Scouting	Back to Top
World Crest This emblem may be worn by all members as an expression of world brotherhood.	Back to Top
World Friendship Fund The means by which Scouts and Scouters in the United States of America may provide material help to Scouts and Scouting around the world.	Back to Top
World jamboree See “jamboree.”	Back to Top
World Organization of the Scout Movement An international, nongovernmental organization that is composed of three principle parts: the World Scout Conference, the World Scout Committee, and the World Scout Bureau. As of February 2010, 160 National Scout Organizations are members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.	Back to Top
World Scout Bureau The secretariat that carries out the instructions of the World Scout Conference and the World Scout Committee. The head office is in Geneva, Switzerland, and regional offices are in Egypt, Kenya, Panama, the Philippines, Switzerland, and Ukraine.	Back to Top
World Scout Committee The executive body that represents the World Scout Conference between meetings. There are 12 committee members from 12 countries; they are elected for terms of six years. The members represent the interests of Scouting as a whole and not their own countries.	Back to Top
World Scout Conference Meeting every three years, this is the general assembly of Scouting that is composed of delegates from each of the member Scout organizations. If there is more than one Scout association in a country, a federation must be formed for world membership.	Back to Top
World Scout Foundation Contributions to this foundation are invested permanently to produce regular income for the benefit of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.	Back to Top
World Scout jamboree	Back to Top
World Scout Parliamentary Union	Back to Top
World Scouting flag	Back to Top
World Scouting News This monthly bulletin, published by the World Organization of the Scout Movement, contains Scouting news items from around the world.	Back to Top

Young American Awards These local council awards may be given annually to young adults between the ages of 15 and 25 who have achieved excellence in the fields of science, religion, service, government, business, athletics, art, music, or literature. Recipients need not be members of the Boy Scouts of America.	Back to Top
Youth, youths In reference to individuals or the period in life, use the singular form. “Youth” may also be used as a collective noun, such as in reference to a group of young people that cannot practically be counted (“The youth of this state . . .”). In reference to a countable group, however, use the plural form (“The youths of this congregation . . .”).	Back to Top
Youth leader training See “National Youth Leadership Training.”	Back to Top
Youth ministry outreach Used to describe how the Scouting program is used within a religious organization.	Back to Top
Youth Protection program This BSA emphasis fights child abuse by teaching youth the “three R’s”: Recognize, Resist, and Report child abuse; by helping parents and Scouters learn to recognize indications of child abuse and situations that could lead to potential abuse; and by teaching them how to handle child abuse situations or reports.	Back to Top
Youth-serving executive A Scouting professional who serves the council at the unit level. Note the use of the hyphen.	Back to Top

Zip code	Back to Top
Zip line (n), zip-line (v)	Back to Top