5. Scout Language

This page will help you AFTER you sign your child up for Scouts.  So glance it over for now and remember it is here for you later... 

If you are new to scouting you will be exposed to "Scoutspeak".  To help you decode “Scoutspeak”, here are a few definitions:

Achievements

Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scouts must complete Achievements in their Handbook. These Achievements cover these areas: God, Country, Family, and Self. You must complete the required number of achievements to earn the rank award.

Activity Badge

There are 20 Activity Badges a Webelos scout can earn. These are divided into 5 areas: Physical, Mental, Technology, Outdoor, and Community. A pin is presented for completion of each activity Badge.

Akela

The Leader of the Pack.  Usually the Cubmaster, but Akela also means Den Leaders and YOU--the main leader your child looks to for guidance!

Arrow of Light

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

Arrow Points

Arrow Points are awarded to Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts for completion of electives beyond the Achievements covered for earning the Wolf or Bear rank badge. A Gold Arrow Point is awarded for the first 10 electives; A Silver Arrow Point is awarded for each successive 10 electives completed.

Assistant Cubmaster

A volunteer who helps the Cubmaster run the pack and fills in when the Cubmaster is unavailable.

Assistant Den Leader

A volunteer leader who helps the Den Leader with holding weekly den meeting and fills in when the Den Leader is unavailable.

Bear

Veteran Cub Scout, now in 3rd Grade. Been there, done that, and looking for action. Chooses his achievements, and looks forward to Webelos. Of 24 possible achievements they must complete the prescribed amount in each area, God, Country, Family, and Self, for a total of 12.

Blue and Gold Banquet

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

Blue and Gold Colors

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 scout who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, they learn the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Promise, the Law of the Pack, the sign, the handshake, the motto, the salute, and what Webelos means.

Scout's Life

A Scouting magazine for scouts to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing.

Scout

A Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a troop. He advances through these ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.

(BSA)

The BSA is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, BSA, and Venture Crews

Buddy System

One part of the 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. It is also used on other Cub Scout activities for safety reasons.

Charter

Formal permission from the BSA allowing a pack to organize

Chartered Organization

An organization that sponsors the pack. Monthly meetings are usually held in a building owned by that organization.

Chartered 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 are, made of up districts for administration of the BSA programs. Pack 815 is part of the Atlanta Area Council.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so kids between the ages of 5 and 11 who get together and have fun at Den and Pack meetings.

CSLBT

Cub Scout Leader Basic Training is 6 hour training session that covers all basic information needed to be pack leader.

Cubmaster

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

Den

A group of scouts who meet at regular intervals.

Denner

A Cub Scout or Webelo scout elected by his peers to help the den chief and den leader.

Den Chief

A BSA Scout who helps direct the activities of a den

Den Leader

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

District

Each council is divided into a number of districts.  Pack 815 is in the Foothills District.

District Executive

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

Elective

After the Achievements in the Tiger, Wolf, and Bear book. Can be done any time by a scout, and count toward Tiger Tracks or Arrow Points  after the Tiger, Wolf, or Bear badge has been earned. Can be repeated, if scout does their best every time.

Fast Start

Program for new leaders to help them until they can attend CSLBT

Fleur de lis

International BSA Emblem (also used by New Orleans Saints - BOOOOO!)

FOS

Friends of Scouting - fund raising initiative usually done early in the calendar year to raise donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.

Leader

Person who gives an hour each week (or more) to help scouts grow to be young adults of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.

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 race against other Cubs.  Awards are given for design and speed.  Pack 815 holds a Pinewood Derby competition every year, usually in January.

Promise

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

Raingutter Regatta

A Pack racing competition similar to Pinewood Derby, where Cubs and their parents work together to make model sailboats and race against other Cubs.  Awards are given for design and speed.  Pack 815 alternates each year, usually in October, between Raingutter Regatta and Space Derby, usually for the October Pack Meeting.  For the 2012-13 school year, it will be Raingutter.

Scouter

An Adult Leader who is registered with BSA and typically holds a leadership role within the Pack, District, or Council.  They are usually the ones in uniforms (and proudly so).

Space Derby

A Pack racing competition similar to Pinewood Derby, where Cubs and their parents work together to make model spaceships/rockets and race against other cubs.  Awards are given for design and speed.  Pack 815 alternates each year between Raingutter Regatta and Space Derby, usually for the October Pack Meeting.  For the 2012-13 school year, it will be Raingutter. 

Tiger Coach

Scouter liaison between Tiger Cub parents and the Pack. The Pack 815 Tiger Coach for 2012-13 is Greg Foreman.

Tiger Cub

Cub Scout in 1st grade.  Tiger Cubs must complete 15 requirements to earn the Tiger rank badge.  Afterwards, Tiger Tracks can be earned for completing Electives. 

Tiger Cub Partner

A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Tiger Cub to help him Search, Discover and Share the world as he plays and does things with other Tigers and their partners. 

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.  For the more adventurous Scouter, there is BALOO, Scouter Academy, and OWLS training.  For the hardcore Scouter, there is Wood Badge training.

Webelos

Stands for We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, scouts in 4th and 5th grade. In Pack 815, Webelos Scouts wear the khaki Boy Scout uniform. Works on Activity Pins, camps, goes on hikes, prepares to be a 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 yellow neckerchief. Full of life and enthusiasm, eager to learn all about Cubs.

YIS

Yours In Scouting.  This is a common closing used by Scouters to sign letters, e-mails, and other correspondence sent to scouts, parents, and other Scouters as a way to indicate their commitment to leading a life guided by the values of Scouting.

Youth Protection Training

BSA takes the protection of all scouts and scout leaders very seriously.  All Adult Leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training every two years.  This training details rules that leaders must follow to protect every scout from abuse of any kind and to protect adult leaders from being falsely accused of abuse.  In addition to this required training, the handbook for each Cub Scout rank starts with a section on Youth Protection that parents should discuss with their Cub.

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