6. Scout Language
If you are new to scouting you will be exposed to "Scoutspeak". (It’s kinda like when you go to a party and everyone there is a computer programmer except you.)
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...
To help you decode “Scoutspeak”, here are a few handy-dandy definitions:
Adventures
All Cub Scouts must complete Adventures in their Handbook. These Adventures cover these areas: God, Country, Family, and Self. You must complete Seven Adventures to earn the rank award.
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 Scout looks to for guidance!
Arrow of Light
This is the highest award a child can earn in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Scouts BSA Uniform.
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 regular den meetings 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.
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 child 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.
Scout Life
A Scouting magazine for kids to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing.
Scouts BSA Scout
A Scouts BSA Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a troop. They advance through these ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.
BSA (Boy Scouts of America)
The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts 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 BSA programs. We are part of the Golden Gate Area Council.
Cub Scout
Any of a million or so kids between the ages of 5 and 10 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 Bug Juice.
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 6-8 kids who meet at regular intervals.
Den Chief
A Scouts BSA member who helps direct the activities of a den
Den Leader
Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with kids, 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. We are members of the Peralta district.
District Executive
A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.
Elective
Adventures not required for rank advancement. Each rank requires a Scout to complete one elective, but additional electives can be earned. Scouts that complete an elective are awarded an associated belt loop.
Fast Start
Program for new leaders to help them until they can attend CSLBT
Fleur de lis
International Scouts Emblem.
FOS
Friends of Scouting. Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.
Grown-up
Largish post-Cub Scout person, good for helping kids with tools, fire, and holding things while child plays. 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 Wolf tries out hammer.
I
Word used with great pride by child in Cub Scouts, as in “I did it!”
Joy
What happens when child says “I did it!” after trying very hard.
Kid
Young male goat, or someone else’s progeny. Good candidate for Cubs.
Leader
Person who gives an hour each week (or more) to help kids grow to be young men and women of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.
Lion
Program for Cub Scouts in Kindergarten. Besides being extremely cute, Lions meet once or twice a month and have lots of fun doing activities and getting the stickers everyone wants!
Lion Adult Partner
A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Lion to help him roar as he plays and does things with other Lion and their partners.
Lion Den Leader
Adult liaison between Lion parents and the pack. See also den leader.
Meeting
Semi-chaotic gathering of Scouts where much fun and some learning happens, usually helped along by den leaders and Grown-ups.
New
Everything for a Lion or Tiger Cub! Learning about others, working with their partner, and finding out about the world around them. New things are things to Search--Discover--and Share for the whole den.
OA, Order of the Arrow
Order of the Arrow. An honor group of Scouts who give cheerful service helping others learn to enjoy the outdoors. Arrowmen also present dramatic and exciting ceremonies at campfires and special awards meetings.
Pack
The whole group – all or our dens and families together is called a pack. The pack 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.
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.
Quiet
Unknown concept.
Tiger Adult Partner
A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Tiger to help them Search, Discover and Share the world as they play and do things with other Tigers and their partners.
Tiger Den Leader
Adult liaison between Tiger parents and the pack. See also den leader.
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
Useful
Most anything you’d never think of. Juice can lids and tissue tubes, bits of string, wood, packing peanuts, wheels, marbles, frosting containers, and whole bunches of stuff that make great craft supplies!
Victory
What a child wins every time they do something that they really had to try hard at, even if they don’t go the fastest or highest or whatever.
Webelos
We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, Scouts in 4th and 5th grade. Wear the khaki Scout uniform (means they outgrew the blue one). Works on adventure belt loops, camps, goes on hikes, 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 red neckerchief. Full of life and enthusiasm, eager to learn all about Cubs.
X,Y, and Z
Symbols for the unknown. Not even Akela knows all the answers!
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