What?!

If you are new to scouting you will be exposed to "Scout Speak". (It’s kinda like when you go to a party and everyone there is a computer programmer except you. When you're this emoji -->😳)


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

Adult Partner

A parent, an adult big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Scout to help them search, discover and share the world as they play and learn with other Cubs and their adult partners. A Grown-Up, if you will. Youth in the Lion and Tiger dens are required to have an adult partner present at meetings and events.

Adventures

All Cub Scouts must complete Adventures in their Handbook. The Adventures cover the Scouting aims of character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness. Your Cub must complete the required number of Adventures to earn the rank award and may earn as many elective Adventures as time and interest permit.

Akela

The Leader of the Pack. Does not have to wear leather or ride a Harley, although sometimes it helps. Usually the Cubmaster, but Akela also means Den Leaders and YOU--the main leader your son or daughter looks to for guidance!

Arrow of Light

This is the highest award a youth can earn in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform.

BALOO

Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation - a one-and-a-half day course is designed as an introduction to the Cub Scout outdoor program for leaders. Consists of an on-line course (available at my.scouting.org) and an overnight campout.

Bear

Veteran Cub Scout, now in 3rd Grade. Been there, done that, and looking for action.

Blue & Gold

Generally held in February to celebrate the birthday of Scouts. This celebration can be an annual pot luck dinner, banquet or whatever the pack decides to make it.

Additionally, the colors blue and gold are the Cub Scout colors. Blue stands for truth and spirituality, loyalty, and the sky above. Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.

Bobcat

Every youth in 1st grade or older who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, they learn the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Scout Law and Promise, the sign, the handshake, the motto, the salute, and what Webelos means. Kindergarten age youth in the Lion Den are introduced to this material, but won't earn their Bobcat until the following year.

Boy Scouts

The former name of the scouting program for youth between the ages of 11 and 18. Now called Scouts BSA.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA)

The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts), and Venture Crews

Buddy System

The buddy system is when two people pair off and watch out for each other. Using the buddy system is important in swimming, bicycling, hiking, or any other activity. Pack 163 uses the buddy system every time we are away from Liberty Baptist Church together--camp outs, district/council events, go-and-sees, etc.

Charter

Formal permission from the Boy Scouts of America allowing a pack to organize.

Charter Organization

An organization that sponsors the pack. Monthly meetings are usually held in a building owned by that organization. Our Pack's Chartered Organization is Liberty Baptist Church.

Charter Organization Representative

An adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the BSA charters. Reports information to and from the chartered organization.

Commissioner

A volunteer Scouter who works with packs, troops, and crews to help the unit succeed.

Committee

This is a group of adult volunteers who “run” the pack. Any interested adult is welcome to attend committee meetings.

Committee Chair

The adult leader of the Pack Committee. Provides the motivation and direction to the committee to get the pack program implemented.

Council

A geographical area, made of up districts for the administration of the BSA programs. Our Pack is part of the Circle Ten council, which covers 24 counties in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so youth between the ages of 5 and 11 who get together and have fun at Den and Pack meetings. Marked by curiosity, easy laughter, speed, and blue uniform. Likes to eat Ding Dongs and drink Bug Juice.

Cubmaster

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

Den

A group of 6-8 boys who meet at regular intervals.

Den Leader

Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with boys, even if it involves large quantities of patience. Easily smiles, asks others for help, and uses all kinds of resources to keep smiling.

District

Each council is divided into a number of districts. Our Pack is part of the East Trinity Trails district which is located in the Northeast corner of the Metroplex.

District Executive

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

Elective Adventure

Found after the Required Adventures in the Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear or Webelos book. Can be done any time by a youth. Youth may earn as many elective adventures as they wish. All ranks other than Lion require one Elective Adventure of the Cub's choice.

Family Scouting

A Cub Scout Pack which has all-boy and all-girl dens.

Fleur de Lis

International Scout Emblem. Also used by the New Orleans Saints NFL team.

Friends of Scouting (FOS)

Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.

Grown-Up

Largish post-Cub Scout human, good for helping youth with tools, fire, and holding things while the Cubs play. Good candidate for leader.

Howl

A form of cheer, along with Growls, Whoops, and the Disco Mosquito cheer; all done to show appreciation of Cub Scout skits and stunts in place of mundane old “PTA applause." Also, sound made when a Wolf tries out a hammer.

Leader

Person who gives an hour each week (or more) to help boys and girls grow to be young men and women of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.

Lion

Youngest member of the Pack. A Kindergarten aged boy who is starting to explore the world and Cub Scouts.

Meeting

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

Pack

The whole group – all or our dens and families together is called a Pack. The pack usually meets once a month.

Pinewood Derby

A pack racing competition, where Cubs and their parents work together to make model pinewood derby cars and compete for prizes.

Position Specific Training

Cub Scout Leader training for a specific leadership role. Available on-line at my.scouting.org.

Promise

What leaders try to deliver. To do their Best, to help others, and to help boys learn to Do Their Duty to God, Country, Family, and self.

Quiet

Unknown concept.

Roundtable

An opportunity for parents and Scout leaders from different units to meet, socialize and learn new things. Usually held monthly and are organized by the district.

Scouter

Someone who may or may not have youth in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping boys and girls grow to men and women.

Tiger

A first-grade Cub Scout. Wears the orange of the tiger and full of energy for bouncing and having fun!

Training

Available in many varieties to help everyone Do Their Best to be a good leader. Fast Start, Basic, and Youth Protection are common types. Available on-line at my.scouting.org.

Webelos

We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, youth in 4th grade. Works on Adventures, camps, goes on hikes, and prepares to be a Scouts BSA Scout. Old hand at this Cub Scout business--can build a Pinewood Derby car blindfolded.

Wolf

Cub Scout in 2nd grade. Incredibly cute in blue uniform and new red neckerchief. Full of life and enthusiasm, eager to learn all about Cubs.

YPT

Youth Protection Training. Learn how to keep our youth (and leaders) safe. This training is required for all leaders as well as any parents attending camp. We encourage all parents to take this training. Available on-line at www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/ Must be repeated every two years.

You've reached the end! You're a BSA pro now!