View Term Starting With: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A
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.”
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Academics program, Academics pin, Academics belt loop See
“Cub Scout Academics and Sports program.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Activity badge counselor An adult, noncommissioned
volunteer who counsels a Webelos Scout on one or more of the activity badges.
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Activity chair A Venturer appointed by the crew Advisor
and president to chair a crew activity or project.
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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Aims of Scouting They are character development,
citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.
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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.”
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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.
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Alumni Former Scouts, family members of Scouts (past and
present), volunteers, Scouters, and Scouting supporters.
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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.”
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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.
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Anniversary Week See “Scouting Anniversary
Week.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Appendix When referencing the book’s appendix within the
text, it is not capitalized.
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Apprentice The entrance rank in Sea Scouting.
Combinations: “Apprentice Award,” “Apprentice Sea Scout,”
“Apprentice rank,” “Apprentice requirements.”
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Aquatics Instructor BSA See “BSA Aquatics
Instructor.”
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Area An administrative section of a BSA region containing
a number of councils. Regions have from five to eight areas. Combinations:
“Area 2,” “areawide.”
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Area codes The preferred style is to use a hyphen with
the area code rather than parentheses: 972-580-2000.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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Arrowman A youth or adult member of the Order of the
Arrow. Plural is Arrowmen.
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Assistant Chief Scout Executive Back to Top
Assistant Cubmaster A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older,
appointed by the chartered organization to help the Cubmaster.
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Assistant den leader A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older,
appointed by the chartered organization to help the Cub Scout den leader.
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Assistant denner A Cub Scout or Webelos Scout elected by
his peers to help the denner.
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Assistant patrol leader A Boy Scout who is appointed by
the patrol leader to help him and to take his place in his absence.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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Astronaut It is not a formal title. Do not capitalize
when used before a name: “astronaut Jim Lovell.”
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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.”
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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.
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Awards of merit See “District Award of Merit”
and “Unit Leader Award of Merit.”
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B
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.”
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Badge Usually lowercase when referred to badges that
Scouts can earn: “Webelos activity badge,” “Wolf badge,”
“Boy Scout badge,” “merit badge”; however, “Wood
Badge.”
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BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)This
training experience teaches volunteer leaders how to plan and carry out an
outdoor experience for Cub Scouts.
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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.
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Band-Aid A trademark for a type of adhesive bandage. Use
the generic term “adhesive bandage.” See “trademarks.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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Bimonthly Means every other month.
“Semimonthly” means twice a month.
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Biweekly Means every other week. “Semiweekly”
means twice a week.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Boatswain’s mate The Sea Scouting equivalent of vice
president in a Venturing crew.
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Bobcat The first rank earned by every boy in Cub
Scouting.
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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.”
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Boy-fact survey A survey used to find
who potential youth members are and where they live.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.)
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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).
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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.
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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.
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Bridge of honor An award presentation ceremony in Sea
Scouting.
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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.
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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.
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BSA Aquatics Instructor A five-year training designation
awarded to an adult who satisfactorily completes the Aquatics section at a
BSA National Camping School.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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BSA Foundation See “Boy Scouts of America National
Foundation.”
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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.
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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.”
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BSA Lifeguard Counselor The certification for adults who
train BSA Aquatics Instructors.
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BSA Lifeguard Instructor Back to Top
BSA local council Not “BSA council” or
“local BSA council.”
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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.
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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:
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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.
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Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership. Back to Top
Serve America’s communities and families with its quality values-based
program.
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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.
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Budget plan A method used by a unit to develop thrift
habits. A yearly budget is established and weekly dues are agreed upon.
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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.
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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.
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C
Caliber The form: “.22-caliber rifle.” Also see
“firearms.”
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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.
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Camp director The Scouter in charge of the administration
of a Boy Scout resident camp or a Cub Scout day camp or resident camp.
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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.
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Campaign for Local Council Endowment See “Nationally
Coordinated Campaign for Local Council Endowment.”
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Camping Camping is the hallmark of Scouting. See
“day camp,” “long-term camping,” “outdoor
program,” “high adventure,” “High Adventure
Department,” and “resident camping.”
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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.
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Campmaster A volunteer Scouter trained to assist in
short-term camping. Many councils organize a campmaster corps as a resource
for their units.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Campout A camping activity with at least one overnight
stay. One word.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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§ 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.

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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.”
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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.
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Certificate of merit See “Local Council Certificate
of Merit” and “National Certificate of Merit.”
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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.
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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.
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Chapter An optional geographic administrative unit of an
Order of the Arrow lodge corresponding to a district or multiple districts.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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Charter presentation A formal ceremony at which the
charter, Scouter commissions, and membership certificates are presented to
organization authorities and members of the unit.
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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Chartered partner Do not use this term in place of
“chartered organization,” and do not use “partner” when
referring to a chartered organization.
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Cheermaster This Scout is in charge of leading patrol
songs, yells, stunts, and campfire programs. He is appointed by the patrol
leader.
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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.
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Chief Scout The United Kingdom’s version of Chief Scout
Executive.
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Chief Scout Citizen Theodore Roosevelt was named Chief
Scout Citizen in 1910 when the Boy Scouts of America was founded. Always
capitalize.
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Chief Scout Executive The top-ranking professional
Scouter of the Boy Scouts of America. This is the only professional title
that is routinely capitalized.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Coach The commissioned volunteer Scouter, 21 or older,
appointed to lead a Varsity Scout team.
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Coach’s Corner A short inspirational message given by the
Coach during a Varsity Scout team meeting.
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Cocaptain An assistant youth leader of a Varsity Scout
team.
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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.
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Commissioned personnel The commissioned personnel of a
council includes all professional Scouters and all commissioners.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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:
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Titles of books and booklets: Boy Scout Handbook

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Periodicals: Boys’ Life; ProSpeak

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Newspapers: Dallas Morning News

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Sections of newspapers published separately: New York Times Book
Review

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Plays: Romeo and Juliet

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Movies: Gone With the Wind

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Long poems published separately: Milton’s Paradise Lost

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Operas and other long musical compositions

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Works of art: Grant Wood’s American Gothic

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Enclose the following titles in quotation marks: Back to Top

Articles and features in periodicals and newspapers

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Chapter titles in books

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Short stories and essays

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Short poems

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TV and radio shows

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Songs and short musical compositions

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Computer games: “The Sims”

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DVDs and CDs

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Do not use quotation marks or italics for posters, calendars, short
fliers, cards, and the like.

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Conclave A section training meeting for Order of the
Arrow members from a specific geographic area.
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Congress Capitalize “U.S. Congress” and
“Congress” when referring to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
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Congressional Lowercase unless part of a proper name:
“congressional salaries,” “the Congressional Quarterly,”
“the Congressional Record.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cookout No hyphen. Back to Top
COPE See “Project COPE.” Back to Top
Core Values See “Cub Scouting’s 12 Core
Values.”
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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.”
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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).
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Council junior leader training conference This term is
now obsolete. See “National Youth Leadership Training.”
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Council office See “council service center.” Back to Top
Council president The elected volunteer Scouter who heads
the council and chairs its executive board.
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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Crew leader The elected youth leader of a Sea Scout or
high-adventure base crew.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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Cub Scout Leader Basic Training Designed to provide Cub
Scout and Webelos Scout leaders with basic information about their
responsibilities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cubmaster A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed by
the chartered organization to lead a Cub Scout pack.
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Cubmaster’s Minute See “Den Leader’s Minute.” Back to Top

D
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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Den leader A volunteer leader, 21 or older, appointed by
the pack committee to plan and direct the den’s activities.
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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.
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Denner A Cub Scout or Webelos Scout elected by his peers
to help the den chief and den leader.
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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.”
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Different Takes the preposition “from,” not
“than.” Example: “This boot is different from the one I’m
wearing.”
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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.
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Disabilities Follow these guidelines when referring to
people with physical disabilities:
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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.

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Handicapped. Avoid this term in describing a disability or a
person who is disabled.

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Blind. Describes a person with complete loss of sight. For
others, use terms such as “visually impaired” or “person with
low vision.”

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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.”

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Wheelchair-user. A person who uses a wheelchair for independent
mobility. Do not use “confined to a wheelchair” or
“wheelchair-bound.”

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Distinguished citizen award dinner A testimonial
fundraising dinner honoring a key community leader.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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Drugs: A Deadly Game The BSA’s campaign to encourage
youth to repudiate illicit drugs and drug use.
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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.
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E
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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Eagle Scout Magazine A periodical published for members of
the National Eagle Scout Association. Formerly called the Eagletter.
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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.
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Elected officers’ seminar An annual planning and training
program conducted by the Advisor for newly elected Venturing crew youth
officers.
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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.”
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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Ethnic heritage Do not use a hyphen for terms describing
dual ethnic heritage: African American, Asian American, Hispanic American.
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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.”
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Executive Applies specifically to the Scout executive and
generally to all professional Scouters. Capitalize only when used with the
Chief Scout Executive title.
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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.”
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Experience areas Venturing is designed around social,
citizenship, service, leadership, fitness, and outdoor experience areas.
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F

F

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.”
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Federal charter See “Charter of the Boy Scouts of
America.”
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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:
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Air rifle

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Caliber

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Gauge

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Muzzleloader

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Pistol

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Revolver

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Rifle

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Shell

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Shot

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Shotgun

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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.
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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.”
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Flier Use instead of “flyer” to refer to small
pieces of literature (such as those published by the BSA).
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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Fundraising, fundraiser No hyphen. Back to Top

G
Geocaching The hobby of treasure hunting using a GPS
(global positioning system) receiver to find the location of the hidden prize
or “cache.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Goodwill fund A budget item for every Cub Scout pack, Boy
Scout troop, and Varsity Scout team.
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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.
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Group An administrative branch of the National Council;
comprises departments. Examples: “Program Group,”
“Administrative Group.”
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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.
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Guns See “firearms.” Back to Top

H
Handbooks Back to Top

Bear Handbook

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Boy Scout Handbook

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Sea Scout Manual

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Tiger Cub Handbook

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Venturer/Ranger Handbook

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Webelos Handbook

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Wolf Handbook

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Handicapped Avoid using this term. See
“disabilities.”
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HB9S The ham radio station of the World Scout Bureau
headquarters in Switzerland.
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Health care Two words as a noun; hyphenated as an
adjective: “Health care is expensive”; “she is a health-care
worker.”
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Health lodge A quiet, properly equipped place in which to
give temporary care to ill or injured campers.
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Heritage Society See “Scouting Heritage
Society.”
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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.”
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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”).
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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.
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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.”
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Home office Formerly the term used for “national
office.” Appropriate only in a historical context.
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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.”
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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.
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I
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Investiture A ceremony placing the responsibilities of an
office or rank upon an individual.
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Islamorada Site of the Florida National High Adventure
Sea Base. It is pronounced aisle-a-more-AH-dah.
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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.
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J
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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Jamborette A camporee or camporall involving Scouting
units of neighboring nations. Not capitalized unless used in the title of a
specific jamborette.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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K
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.”
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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.
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KISMIF A Cub Scouting acronym standing for “Keep It
Simple, Make It Fun.”
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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.
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Kwik kalendar A computerized work schedule backdating
program, provided by the national office for use by local council employees.
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L
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.
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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.
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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.
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Librarian A Scout who supervises the use of troop-owned
books; appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice
and consent.
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Life Scout The rank below Eagle Scout and above Star
Scout.
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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Lodge A local council Order of the Arrow group chartered
annually by the National Council. A large lodge may be organized into
chapters.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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Long Cruise badge An award given to Sea Scouts of
Ordinary rank who have completed a two-week cruise.
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Long-term camping A camping experience consisting of five
or more consecutive days and nights in the outdoors.
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Loss prevention Preventing accidents, reducing injuries,
and minimizing costs, both personal and financial, are the objectives of the
BSA’s emphasis on loss prevention.
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M
Major gifts Lowercase. Back to Top
Mate The Sea Scouting equivalent of associate Advisor.
See “boatswain’s mate” and “Skipper.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Merit badge show A demonstration of merit badge skills
from booths. Spectators walk around and participate in the merit badge
features that interest them.
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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.
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Mormon See “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.”
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Motto See “Cub Scout motto” or “Scout
motto.”
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Movement See “Scouting movement.” Back to Top
Museums See “Kit Carson Museum,” “Seton
Memorial Library and Philmont Museum,” and “National Scouting
Museum.”
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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.
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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.
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N
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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National vice chief The youth Arrowman elected by his
peers to assist the national chief. Lowercase except when used with a name.
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National Youth Leadership Training A weeklong experience
for youth leaders conducted by the council. See “introduction to
leadership” and “Troop Leadership Training.”
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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.
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Native American See “American Indian,” which is
preferred.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Now & Then A quarterly newsletter for the retired men
and women of Scouting.
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O
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.
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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.
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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.
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Open house A special meeting held by Boy Scout troops and
Venturing crews to recruit new members. Formerly called a
“firstnighter” in Venturing.
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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.
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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.
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Ordinary The rank in Sea Scouting above Apprentice and
below Able. Combinations: “Ordinary Award,” “Ordinary
rank,” “Ordinary requirements,” “Ordinary Sea
Scout.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Overnighter See “Webelos Scout overnighter.” Back to Top

P
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.”
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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.
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Parent and family talent survey An inventory of parents’
interests and abilities conducted by the Cub Scout pack to determine program
potential.
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Parents’ night An open house conducted by a Venturing
crew to inform parents and involve them in the Venturing crew and local
council.
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Partner Do not use “partner” when referring to
a chartered organization. Also see “adult partner” and
“chartered organization.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pedro The long-eared, four-footed mailburro of the
“Hitchin’ Rack” column in Boys’ Life magazine.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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Pinewood derby A pack activity that involves making and
racing small wooden cars on a track. Combinations: “Pack 1 Pinewood
Derby,” “the pinewood derby.”
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Pow wow A one-day training conference for Cub Scout
leaders. Combinations: “Cub Scout leader pow wow,” “Apache
District Pow Wow.”
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Program Generally lowercase: Cub Scout Academic and
Sports program; BSA Family program. Also see “Scouting program.”
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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.
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Progress Toward Ranks beads See “immediate
recognition patch.”
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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).
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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.
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Promise See “Cub Scout Promise” and “Scout
Oath or Promise.”
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ProSpeak This electronic newsletter for all career men
and women in the BSA is distributed monthly from the national office.
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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.
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Q
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.”
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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.
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Quartermaster The highest rank in Sea Scouting, conferred
with the Quartermaster Award.
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R
Raingutter regatta A pack activity that involves making
and racing model boats. Combinations: “Pack 1 Raingutter Regatta,”
“the raingutter regatta.”
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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.”
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Recharter Avoid the use of this term; use “to renew
a charter.” See “charter.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Roundup An organized fall recruiting plan during which
members invite others to join a Scouting unit.
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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.
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S
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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Salute See “Cub Scout salute,” “Scout
salute,” and “Venturing salute.”
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Salvation Army, The Note the capitalization of
“The” in the name of the group.
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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.
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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.
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Scout-a-Rama This is incorrect; see
“Scoutorama.”
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Scout benediction May the Great Scoutmaster of all
Scouts be with us until we meet again.
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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.
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Scout Executives’ Alliance A fellowship of professional
and professional-technical Scouters that provides immediate funds to the
family of a deceased member.
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Scout handshake This unique greeting is given with the
left hand, the thumb separated from the fingers.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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Scout Sabbath The Saturday after February 8, Scouting
Anniversary Day.
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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.
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Scout shop A BSA-owned store, operated by the Supply
Group, that sells official Scouting merchandise.
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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.
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Scout slogan Do a Good Turn Daily. Back to Top
Scout Sunday The Sunday before February 8, Scouting
Anniversary Day.
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Scouter A registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of
America who serves in a volunteer or professional capacity.
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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.
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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.
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Scouting Anniversary Day February 8, 1910, was the day
William D. Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Scouting Heritage Society Local council recognition
program for those who have made a current or deferred gift to the council’s
endowment trust fund.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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Scoutmaster A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed
by the chartered organization to lead a Boy Scout troop.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Scoutorama A show or demonstration of Scouting
activities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Second Class The rank above Tenderfoot in Boy Scout and
Varsity Scout advancement. Combinations: “Second Class Scout,”
“Second Class rank.”
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Secretary A Varsity Scout or Venturer elected to this
office in the team or crew.
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Section Geographical and administrative grouping of Order
of the Arrow lodges.
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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.
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Service center The business office for a local council.
Combinations: “Longhorn Council Service Center,” “local
council service center.”
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Service patrol The name given to a patrol that has
accepted an extra work assignment for the good of the troop.
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Service star An insignia worn over the left shirt pocket
of the uniform to denote number of years of service.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Shooting sports Back to Top
Short-term camping A camping experience consisting of one
to four days and at least one night outdoors.
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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.
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Silver Antelope Award A recognition given by the National
Court of Honor to a Scouter for distinguished service to youth within the
region.
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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.
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Silver Beaver Award A recognition given by the National
Court of Honor for distinguished service to youth within the council.
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Silver Buffalo Award A recognition given by the National
Court of Honor for distinguished service to youth on the national level.
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Silver Palm See “Eagle Palms.” Back to Top
Skipper The Sea Scouting equivalent of Advisor. Assisted
by a “mate.”
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Social media The Boy Scouts of America uses a variety of
social media to reach out to Scouts, Scouters, and the community at-large.
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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
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Space derby A pack activity that involves making and
racing model spaceships. Combinations: “Pack 1 Space Derby,”
“the space derby.”
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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.
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Squad A Varsity Scout team subdivision that consists of
four to eight members; equivalent to a patrol in a Boy Scout troop.
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Squad leader Elected by squad members, this Varsity Scout
leads the squad and, with other team members, develops team meeting agendas.
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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.
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Star The rank above First Class and below Life in Scout
advancement. Combinations: “Star Scout,” “Star rank.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Supply item Offset supply numbers with a comma, not
parentheses. E.g., “BSA Handbook, No. 34622.”
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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”).
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Nonswimmer: Anyone who has not completed either the beginner or swimmer
tests.

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T
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.”
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Tenderfoot The first rank in the Boy Scout advancement
program. Always singular. Example: “Boys must pass Tenderfoot
requirements before they can become Tenderfoot Scouts.”
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This Is Scouting This online training experience
introduces all adult leaders to the fundamentals of Scouting.
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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Total available youth (TAY) The number of youth in an
area who meet BSA membership requirements.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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Treasure Island A Scout camp belonging to the
Philadelphia Council; the Order of the Arrow was founded there in July 1915.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Troop resource survey A survey of the talents, skills,
and interests of adults who could provide program assistance to the troop.
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U
Under way Two words except in nautical uses: “The
project is under way,” “The naval maneuvers are under way,”
“an underway ship.”
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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.”
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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.
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Unit leader The adult leader of a unit is a Cubmaster,
Scoutmaster, Coach, Advisor, or Skipper.
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Unit Leadership Enhancements Supplemental training that
takes place in the Cub Scout pack and is conducted by a member of the pack
committee.
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Unit-serving executive See “youth-serving
executive.”
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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.
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Universal Scout badge A miniature Tenderfoot insignia.
Often worn on civilian clothes by Scouters.
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University of Scouting As a general term, lowercase. When
used as part of a proper noun, capitalize: “Longhorn Council University
of Scouting.”
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V
Varsity Sports activities in a Varsity Scout team (not in
a troop). See “Varsity Scouting” and “Venture.”
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Varsity Scout Coach The adult leader of a Varsity Scout
team.
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Varsity Scout A young man who is a registered youth
member of a Varsity Scout team.
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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.
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Varsity Scout team A stand-alone unit that conducts
Varsity Scouting for the chartered organization.
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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Venturing Impact Plan A council organizational plan to
“sell” business, industry, labor, professional, church, and
community groups to organize Venturing crews.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Venturing salute A hard salute made by Venturers with all
four fingers of the right hand extended, as for a military salute.
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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.
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Vice chairman A National Council, local council,
district, or unit committee title. This term is not hyphenated.
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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.
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Vigil Honor The highest honor the Order of the Arrow can
bestow upon its members, for service to the lodge, council, and Scouting.
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Vision statement See “BSA Vision Statement.” Back to Top

W
Wagonmaster A campmaster for Cub Scout family camping
programs. See also “campmaster.”
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Webelos badge The fifth rank in Cub Scouting; earned by
Webelos Scouts in a Webelos den.
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Webelos den A group of Webelos Scouts who meet weekly
under the supervision of a Webelos den leader.
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Webelos den chief A Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer
who has been appointed to help direct the activities of a Webelos den.
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Webelos den leader A registered volunteer member, age 21
or older, appointed by the pack committee to plan and direct the den’s
activities.
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Webelos denner A Webelos Scout who is elected by other
members of his den to help the Webelos den chief.
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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.
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Webelos resource person The assistant Scoutmaster who
serves as liaison between the troop and the Webelos den.
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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.
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Webelos Scout overnighter A one- or two-night campout by
Webelos Scouts and their adult partners.
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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.”
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Webelos Woods An activity designed to introduce Webelos
Scouts, each with an adult family member, to the many outdoor adventures of
Boy Scouting.
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Websites, BSA Back to Top

www.scouting.org.
The official website of the Boy Scouts of America.

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www.boyslife.org.
The website of Boys’ Life magazine contains information about the
current issue, games to play, projects to download, and more.

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www.bsafieldbook.org.
This is a companion site to the BSA’s Fieldbook.

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www.bsainfo.com

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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.

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www.bsamuseum.org.
The official website of the National Scouting Museum.

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www.bsaseabase.org.
The website of the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base.

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www.goodturnforamerica.org.
This is a support resource site for the Good Turn for America initiative.

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www.joincubscouting.org.
Provides information about Cub Scouting to prospective members, including
boys, parents, and organizations that may be interested in starting a pack.

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www.mybsa.org

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www.myscouting.org

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Netbsa

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www.nesa.org. This site
has information about the National Eagle Scout Association, including a
section for NESA members.

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www.ntier.org. The
website of the Northern Tier National High Adventure Bases.

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www.scoutingmagazine.org.
The Scouting magazine website contains a complete archive of past
editions going back to 1998.

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www.scoutingvalelapena.org.
The official Spanish-language website of the Boy Scouts of America.

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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.

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www.scoutstuff.org.
The BSA’s official online source for camping equipment, uniforms, handbooks,
pinewood derby supplies, and other essential Scouting merchandise.

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www.soccerandscouting.org.
The website that supports the Soccer and Scouting program.

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www.thescoutzone.org.
This site provides information about Boy Scouting to prospective members.

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www.toothoftimetraders.org.
Philmont’s Scout Ranch’s online trading post.

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Wilderness Commitment Those who make the Wilderness
Commitment follow the Outdoor Code and the Wilderness Pledge.
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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.
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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.”
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Winners’ Circle See “Chief Scout Executive’s
Winners’ Circle.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Woods tools Those tools, including knife, ax, and saw,
used by Boy Scouts and Scouters carrying out outdoor skills and related
advancement requirements.
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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.
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World Baden-Powell Fellowship This program of the World
Scout Foundation recognizes individuals for their financial support of world
Scouting. See “World Scout Foundation.”
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World brotherhood of Scouting Back to Top
World Crest This emblem may be worn by all members as an
expression of world brotherhood.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Y
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.
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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 . . .”).
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Youth leader training See “National Youth Leadership
Training.”
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Youth ministry outreach Used to describe how the Scouting
program is used within a religious organization.
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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
.
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Youth-serving executive A Scouting professional who
serves the council at the unit level. Note the use of the hyphen.
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Z
Zip code Back to Top
Zip line (n), zip-line (v) Back to Top