Common Cub Scout Terms
A
Achievement - The name given to a major requirement in the Cub Scout program. There are 12 achievements for the Wolf rank and 24 achievements for the Bear rank.
Activity Badge - One of 20 specialized recognitions earned by Webelos scouts
Advancement - The process by which a member meets certain requirements and earns recognition.
Akela - A title of respect used in Cub Scouting; any good leader is Akela. The name comes from Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book.
Arrow of Light Award - Highest rank in Cub Scouting. The only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.
Arrow Point - An award given to a cub Scout who has completed 10 elective projects beyond the rank for his grade. A gold arrow point is given for the first 10 projects and a silver arrow point is given for each additional 10 projects thereafter. He may earn any number of silver arrow points for his rank.
Assistant Cubmaster (CA) - A person 18 years or older person appointed to help the Cubmaster.
Assistant Den Leader (DA) - A person appointed to help the Cub Scout den leader.
Assistant District Commissioner (ADC) - A volunteer Scouter who helps the district commissioner. An ADC is in charge of all unit commissioners in an assigned area of the district.
B
Baden-Powell, Robert Stephenson Smyth - Founder of the worldwide Scouting movement. Born in London, February 22, 1857. He is referred to as Lord Baden- Powell of Gilwell, Chief Scout of the World. Died January 8, 1941.
BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) - A six-hour training course that an adult member of the pack must complete before the pack can participate in a pack overnighter.
Basic Training - Formal introduction to the program, purpose, ideals and procedures of the Cub Scout program necessary for a volunteer to function with the ease and confidence that comes with knowledge.
Bear Rank - awarded to the Third grade Cub Scout for completing 12 of the 24 achievements.
Blue and Gold Banquet - A birthday dinner for Scouting held by Cub packs in February.
Bobcat - The first rank for all Cub Scouts.
Boy's Life - The magazine published by the Boy Scouts of America to help boys broaden their horizons in Scouting.
Buddy System - A part of Safe Swim Defense. Swimmers of like ability are paired, check in and out of the water together, and stay within 10 feet of each other during the swim. Buddy system is used also in other activities such as hiking and field trips for safety reasons.
C
Camporee - A council or district event where Boy Scout troops come together for one or two nights of joint camping. Usually involves competition between troops in Scoutcraft skills. Cub Scouts (especially Webelos) are sometimes invited to attend.
Charter - Formal permission from the Boy Scouts of America allowing a pack to organize.
Chartered Organization - The sponsoring organization of the pack. This organization may be a religious, civic, fraternal, educational or other community based group. Monthly pack meetings are usually held in a building owned by that organization.
Class A Uniform - The official Boy Scout uniform consisting of the blue or tan shirt, blue or green Scout pants, or Scout shorts, neckerchief, Scout belt, and Scout cap. This uniform is to worn to all Scout meetings, activities, campouts unless a Scout is specifically told to wear something else.
Class B Uniform - The Pack blue T-shirt, blue Scout pants, or Scout shorts with white socks or scout socks, Scout belt, and Scout cap. This uniform is worn when the Den Leader or Cubmaster requests it.
Commissioner - A volunteer Scouter who works with packs and/or troops to help units succeed.
Committee Chairman (CC) - An adult 21 years of age or older, the executive officer of the committee, who works with the Cubmaster to assure that the pack provides the Cub Scout phase of the Scouting program.
Compass Point Patch - Award earned by Webelos Scouts as they advance in the Webelos program. This cloth patch is hung by a loop from a button on the boy's right shirt pocket. Metal pins are added to the patch and attached at compass points (north, east, south and west) as the boy advances by earning activity badges.
Council - A chartered body of representatives from organizations operating Scouting units and members at large responsible for Scouting in a designated geographic area.
Council headquarters - The local office for Scouting in a specific geographic area. The country is divided into more than 400 local councils.
Crossover - When Webelos Scouts become Boy Scouts: Webelos crossover.”
Cubmaster (CM) - An adult 21 years of age or older, who holds this commission in a Cub Scout pack. The pack leader and Akela for the pack, serves as Master of Ceremonies during monthly pack meetings.
Cubmaster Award - A blue square knot on a gold field awarded to Cubmaster’s who have completed training and performance and served for 2 years.
Cub Scout - A boy or girl who is registered with a Cub Scout pack. Also, the reason why we're all here!!!
Cub Scouter Award - A blue and gold square knot on a blue field awarded to Cub Scouters who have completed training and performance and served for 2 years at the pack level and/or in a district or council Cub Scout position.
Cub Scout Handshake - Used by Cub Scouts and Scouters with the right hand. It is given like an ordinary handshake except the index and middle fingers are extended toward the other person, touching his wrist.
Cub Scout Motto - "Do Your Best."
Cub Scout Promise -
I, (name), promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
To help other people, and
To obey the Law of the Pack
Cub Scout Salute - A hand salute made by Cub Scouts and Scouters with the fingers of the right hand held in position as for Cub Scout Sign, except that the index and middle fingers are held together. The tips of the fingers touch the right eyebrow or the Cub Scout hat.
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. This sign symbolizes the ears of Akela, and when held up, the group should become silent.
D
Day Camp - Summertime fun for all registered Cub Scouts. This daytime program allows boys to interact with boys from other packs and keeps boys and adults active in the Cub Scout movement.
Den - Small group of Cub Scouts who meet once a week in the home of a den leader to work on projects, learn games, songs, tricks and skits to be presented at monthly pack meeting.
Den Chief - A Boy Scout who has been appointed to help direct the activities of a Cub Scout den.
Den Doodle - Advancements record using beads, spools or markers hung on string, lacing or yarn by each boy or girl to represent his advancement. It is displayed at monthly pack meetings.
Den Leader (DL) - The adult on-the-scene supervisor of a Cub Scout den. A registered member of the pack who attends basic training.
Den Leader Award - A gold square knot on a blue field awarded to den leaders who have completed training and performance and served for two years.
Denner - Cub Scout who helps the den leader with den and pack meetings. This is generally a rotating position so each Cub Scout may serve and learn a little about helping and leadership.
District - Level of the Cub Scout organization directly under the council. Each Cub Scout belongs to a den, each den belongs to a pack, each pack belongs to a district, each district belongs to a council, each council belongs to a region, and all regions belong to the national organization of the Boy Scouts of America.
District Award of Merit - A silver knot on a dark blue field awarded for outstanding service by a volunteer on the district level.
District Commissioner (DC) - A volunteer Scouter who is in charge of all commissioners within a district.
District Committee - A group of registered adult scouters responsible for carrying out the council program within their district.
District Executive - A professional paid Scouter who works with the volunteers under the direction of the Scout Executive.
E
Elective - A part of the Cub Scout advancement program. There are electives in both the Wolf and Bear rank books. For every 10 electives completed, a Cub Scout earns an arrow point.
F
Fast Start - Supplemental training program for new leaders designed to help hem until they can attend basic training.
Friends of Scouting (FOS) - An annual campaign in which Scouters, and other interested people in the community, can provide financial support to the local council to assist in meeting its objectives.
G
Go See It - A field trip or outing conducted by a Tiger Cub den.
Good Turn - A distinctive feature of Scouting is its emphasis upon service to others. The Good Turn habit is one that all Scouts endeavor to acquire.
I
Instant Recognition Patch/Progress Towards Ranks Patch - Diamond shaped patch to which a plastic thong and beads are attached for instant recognition of achievements. Each time a boy completes 3 achievements he will receive one bead. Wolf earns yellow and Bear earns red beads, awarded in the den.
N
National BSA - Headquarters for the Boy Scouts of America, located in Irving, Texas, where the Cub Scout program is developed and literature is developed and printed.
National Summertime Pack Award - An award earned by the pack for conducting a summer program.
O
Outdoor Code - A pledge for proper outdoor conduct which should be followed by all Cub Scouts and leaders.
Outdoor Program - The total scope of outdoor programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America, including unit outings, camporees, Cub Scout day camps, long-term Scout camps, council and national jamborees.
P
Pack - The unit that conducts Cub Scouting for the chartered organization. Usually consists of 2 or more dens and conducts monthly meetings.
Pack Committee - A committee of concerned parents and leaders, approved by the chartered organization, to administer the affairs of the pack.
Pack Meeting - Monthly meeting of Cub Scouts, adult leaders, committee members and parents, where Cub Scouts and adults receive recognition for their advancement in rank or service to Scouting. Skits, songs and other entertainment should be performed by dens.
Pack Trainer - A registered leader of the pack, at least 21 years of age, who is responsible for orienting new parents as well as seeking the goal of having 100 percent of pack leadership trained in their position responsibilities.
Patches/Badges - Worn on the uniform to designate rank or training awards. Refer to the Wolf, Bear, or Webelos books, den leader book, or Insignia Control Guide for specific placement information.
Philmont Training Center - The national volunteer training center of the Boy Scouts of America, located at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron , New Mexico .
Pinewood Derby - A pack activity that involves making and racing model cars on a tract.
Pow Wow - All-day learning experience for Cub Scout leaders covering a wide variety of subjects with some hands-on experiences.
Program Helps - An annual publication of the BSA to help den and pack leaders plan their meetings by using monthly themes.
Q
Quality Unit Award - Recognition given each charter year to units that commit to and meet six of eight national standards (three are required) pertaining to leadership training, service, advancement, camping and membership growth.
R
Raingutter Regatta - A pack activity that involves making and racing model boats in a raingutter.
Region – There are four large geographical administrative units of the BSA. We are part of the Southern Region.
Registration - The payment of an annual registration fee. This is one of the requirements for membership of the BSA.
Religious Awards - An award present by individual faiths to Cub and Boy Scouts for completion of a set of requirements within their respective faiths. Adults may also receive a religious award for service to youth within their own faith.
Roundtable - A monthly district level meeting where den and pack leaders learn new ideas on monthly themes, receive information on district and council activities, and have a general exchange of ideas.
S
Safe Swim Defense - An eight-point plan for safe swimming.
Safety Afloat - Nine guidelines for safe unit activity afloat in watercraft less than 26 feet long.
Scouting Anniversary Week - The week, beginning on Sunday, that includes February 8, Scouting Anniversary Day— the day the BSA was incorporated in 1910.
Scout Benediction - "May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us until we meet again".
Scouter - A registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America.
Scouter's Key - A recognition given to a unit leader or commissioner for completing training, tenure, and performance requirements.
Scout Executive - The professional staff leader of a council.
Scouting Magazine - The official magazine sent to all registered Scouters.
Service Center-Scout Headquarters - It contains the professionals' offices and the Scout Shop (where you can buy uniforms and all of your Scouting needs.)
Service Star - Worn on the uniform above the left pocket to denote years of service in the Scouting program.
Shared Leadership - The concept of sharing leadership responsibilities in Tiger Cubs. Tiger Cub—adult partner teams take turns assuming the responsibility of hosting a month of meetings.
Silver Beaver - A recognition given by the National Court of Honor for distinguished service to youth within the local council. The similar regional award is the Silver Antelope and the national award is the Silver Buffalo.
Space Derby - A pack activity that involves making and racing model spaceships.
T
Tenure - A term used to describe the length of service and membership in Scouting.
Tiger Cub - A first grade boy registered with an adult partner in the Tiger Cub Program.
Tour Permit - Permit approved by the council for any outing that is to be taken by a group of Cub Scouts if traveling is involved. Check with the Service Center.
Trained Leader Emblem - All Cub Scout leaders who have completed Basic Leader Training appropriate to their positions may wear this emblem.
Two-Deep Leadership - The concept of having at least two adult registered leaders at every pack meeting or den outing for the safety and welfare of the Cubs.
U
Uniform - The distinctive feature of Scouting that quickly identifies its members.
Uniform Inspection - A feature of a unit meeting when members of the registered unit are given an opportunity to demonstrate their uniformed appearance.
Unit - A term used to designate any one of the following; pack, troop, team, post, or ship.
Unit Commissioner - A commissioner assigned to a unit to lend support and help when needed. He/she can be the unit's best friend.
V
Volunteer - Individual who donates services, time, and/or funds to support the program of the Boy Scouts of America.
Volunteer Service - The work of a great body of men and women who make Scouting available to youth by their leadership of units.
W
Webelos Badge - A rank earned by a fourth or fifth grade boy which is part of the requirements for the Arrow of Light.
Webelos Colors - Green, red, and gold streamers on a blue metal bar that boys may wear to display Webelos activity badges.
Webelos Den - A group of Webelos Scouts who meet weekly under the supervision of a Webelos den leader.
Webelos Den Chief - A Boy Scout who has been appointed to help direct the activities of a Webelos den.
Webelos Den Leader - The adult on-the-scene supervisor of a Webelos Scout den. A registered member of the pack who attends basic training to learn how to fulfill the job of a Webelos den leader.
Webelos Resource Person - A registered member of the troop committee or an assistant Scoutmaster who serves as liaison between the troop and the Webelos den.
Webelos Scout - A Cub Scout who has completed the third grade belongs to a Webelos den. He works on activities in the Webelos book which are suited to his age. He will be exposed to more challenging outdoor experiences including camping.
Webelos-to-Scout Transition - The preparation and graduation of a boy from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting.
Whittling Chip Card - A card that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts earn after they have learned the safety rules and proper care guidelines of using a pocketknife.
Wolf - A rank earned by a second grade Cub Scout when he completes 12 achievements in the Wolf Book.
Wood Badge - Advanced training session (open by invitation only) for qualified Cub Scout trainers.
World Conservation Award - An award for Cub Scouts emphasizing the importance of our natural resources and our interdependence with other countries in fulfilling our mutual needs.
World Crest - A badge worn by Scouts and Scouters as a symbol of commitment to the World Association of Scouting. A portion from the sale of this patch goes to support this association.
World Friendship Fund - A fund to which Scouts and Scouters in the United States of America may contribute to provide material help to Scouts and Scouting around the world.
Y
Youth Protection Program - This BSA emphasis fights child abuse by teaching youth how to recognize, resist, and report child abuse; by helping parents and Scouters learn to recognize indications of child abuse; and by teaching them how to address and prevent child abuse situations. Youth Protection training addresses these BSA policies