advancement

The process by which a member meets certain requirements and earns recognition.

adviser

A counselor other than a Venturing Advisor. Example: "Order of the Arrow lodge adviser."

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.

aims of Scouting

They are character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.

Arrowman

A youth or adult member of the Order of the Arrow. Plural is Arrowmen.

Be Prepared

The Scout motto. The initials of the motto are the initials of Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting.

board of review

A review held to determine if a Boy Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements.

Boy Scout

A registered youth member of a Boy Scout troop or one registered as a Lone Boy Scout.

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.

Boys' Life

The magazine published by the Boy Scouts of America for all boys.

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.

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.

chartered organization representative

A manager of Scouting in a chartered organization who also represents this organization in the local council and district.

commissioner

A commissioned Scouter who works with packs, troops, teams, and Venturing crews to help the units succeed. In addition to the council commissioner, there are district commissioners, assistant district commissioners, roundtable commissioners, huddle commissioners, and unit commissioners.

COPE

A Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience that may include problem-solving exercises, low-course activities (conducted from ground level 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).

crew

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.

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.

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.

Cubmaster

A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to lead a Cub Scout pack.

den

A 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.

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.

Do a Good Turn Daily

This is the Scout slogan.

Do Your Best

The Cub Scout motto.

Eagle Scout

The highest rank for Scouts.

Gilwell Park

The training center of the British Scout Association and the original homesite of Wood Badge training. Located in Epping Forest, England; chosen by Baden-Powell as the territorial designation for his peerage, Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell.

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."

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 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."

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, as: "1993 National Scout Jamboree" or "19th World Scout Jamboree." The BSA has a national jamboree every four years.

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.

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; camp and travel on durable surfaces; pack it in, pack it out; leave what you find; minimize campfire use; respect wildlife; and respect others.

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. There are about 300 local councils in the United States.

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.

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."

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.

methods of Scouting

The eight methods are the ideals (Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan), patrol method, outdoors, advancement, association with adults, personal growth, leadership development, and the uniform.

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."

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.

National Youth Leadership Training

A weeklong experience for youth leaders conducted by the council.  In Hawk Mountain Council it is called Wolf’s Lair.

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.

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.

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.

Philmont Scout Ranch

A western high adventure ranch 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.

pinewood derby

A pack activity that involves making and racing small wooden cars on a track.

pow wow

A one-day training conference for Cub Scout leaders.

Quartermaster Award

The highest rank in Sea Scouts.

raingutter regatta

A pack activity that involves making and racing model boats in a section of rain gutter filled with water.

Ranger Award

The Venturing Ranger Award is available to all Venturers. The purpose of the award is to encourage Venturers to achieve high levels of outdoor skills proficiency and to provide a pathway for outdoor/high-adventure skills training. Once earned, the Ranger Award will identify a Venturer as someone who is skilled at a variety of outdoor sports and interest, is trained in outdoor safety, and is ready to assist others in activities.

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.

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.

roundtable

A monthly 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.

Scout

A registered youth member of  Varsity Scouts and Boy Scouts, but not Cub Scouts.

Scout benediction

May the Great Scoutmaster of all Scouts be with us until we meet again.

Scout Sabbath

The Saturday after February 8, Scouting Anniversary Day.

Scout Sunday

The Sunday before February 8, Scouting Anniversary Day.

Scouter

A registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America who serves in a volunteer or professional capacity.

Scouting Anniversary Day

February 8, 1910, was the day William D. Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America. Also called "Uniform Day."

Scouting Anniversary Week

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.

Scouting magazine

The official magazine for all Scouters. It aims to interpret the program, stimulate action, and strengthen a desire to serve.

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 leadership of adults.

Scoutmaster

A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to lead a Boy Scout troop.

Sea Scout

A registered youth member of a Sea Scout ship.

Sea Scouting

Sea Scouts specialize in traditional nautical activities, i.e., sailing, boating, and maritime careers.

ship

The unit that conducts Sea Scouting for the chartered organization. Equivalent to a Venturing crew.

Silver Antelope Award

A recognition given by the National Court of Honor to a Scouter for distinguished service to youth within the region.

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.

Silver Beaver Award

A recognition given by the National Court of Honor for distinguished service to youth within the council.

Silver Buffalo Award

A recognition given by the National Court of Honor for distinguished service to youth on the national level.

Skipper

The Sea Scouting equivalent of Advisor. Assisted by a "mate."

space derby

A pack activity that involves making and racing model spaceships on a clothesline.

team

A stand-alone unit that conducts Varsity Scouting for the chartered organization.

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.

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."

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.

troop

The unit that conducts Boy Scouting for the chartered organization.

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.

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.

unacceptables

Drug abuse, child abuse, hunger, illiteracy, and youth unemployment in our society are unacceptable to the BSA, which is fighting them with the Drugs: A Deadly Game campaign, Youth Protection guidelines and child abuse educational literature and videos, the Scouting for Food National Good Turn, Boys' Life magazine and other high-quality literature designed to encourage youth to read, and the merit badge program, as well as by continuing to be vigorous in promoting the Scouting program, which builds character in youth and helps them prepare for a meaningful, productive adult life.

unit

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.

Varsity Scout

A young man who is a registered youth member of a Varsity Scout team.

Varsity Scout team

A stand-alone unit that conducts Varsity Scouting for the chartered organization.

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.

Venture

High-adventure activities for a patrol (Venture patrol) of Boy Scouts age 13 and older in a troop.  This is different from Venturing. See "Venturing."

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."

Venturer

A registered youth member of a Venturing crew.

Venturing

The young adult program of the Boy Scouts of America for men and women 14 (who have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age.  Venturing is different from the Boy Scout Venture program.

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.

veteran

A recognition status accorded to members of Scouting who have served five years or more.

Vigil Honor

The highest honor the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members, for service to the lodge, council, and Scouting.

volunteer

Individual who donates service, time, or funds to support the program of the Boy Scouts of America.

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.

Wood Badge

This training award is a leather thong with two wooden beads.  The Wood Badge, a special neckerchief, and a slide (woggle) are to be worn by those who have completed the advanced training for adults called Wood Badge training.

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.

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 by teaching them how to handle child abuse situations.