Scouting Terms and Definitions

Achievements

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.

Akela

The adult leaders 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 (AOL)

This is the highest award a scout can earn in Cub Scouting and is the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Scout Uniform. This term also refers to Webelos scouts in their second year (5th graders).

Assistant Cubmaster (CA)

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

Assistant Den Leader (DA)

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

Bear

A scout currently in the third grade who has completed all requirements for the Bobcat rank. Neckerchief color is light blue.

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, he/she learns 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.

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

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 Boy Scouts of America allowing a Cub Scout pack or BSA Troop 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 (COR)

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 who is responsible for ensuring enough qualified adult volunteers are in place to provide the program. They lead the pack committee meetings, provide the motivation and direction to the committee to get the pack program implemented, and ensure the health of the pack.

Council

A geographical area, made of up districts for administration of the Boy Scouts of America programs - Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venture Crews. We are part of the Gulf Coast Council.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so boys and girls 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.

Cub Scout Leader Basic Training (CSLBT)

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, advises other leaders, and works with the Committee Chair to ensure the health of the pack.

Den

A small group of Cub Scouts who are the same gender and in the same grade. The ideal size is 6 to 8 Cub Scouts.

Denner

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

Den Chief

A BSA Scout who helps direct the activities of a den.

Den Leader

An adult, usually a parent, serves as a Den Leader. They carry out the activities related to adventures as they are presented in the Cub Scout’s handbook and the Den Leader Guide.

District

To provide more localized support to scouting, councils create districts. Districts are geographical areas of service. Districts have a volunteer District Committee that provides support to local programs in the areas of membership, finance, and program. We are part of the Choctawhatchee District.

District Executive

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

Elective

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

Fleur de lis

International Boy Scouts of America emblem. Also used by a New Orleans professional football team.

Friends of Scouting (FOS)

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

Howl

A form of cheer done to show appreciation of Cub Scout skits and stunts. Also, sound made when a Wolf tries out a hammer.

Key 3

Key 3 refers to the team of the Pack leader (Cubmaster), the Committee Chairman, and the Chartered Organization Representative.

Leader

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

Lion

A scout currently in kindergarten who has completed all requirements for the Bobcat rank. Neckerchief color is yellow.

Order of the Arrow (OA)

An honor group of Scouts (in Scouts BSA) 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 usually meets once a month.

Pinewood Derby

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

Scout Life (formerly "Boy's Life")

The official youth magazine for scouts. It includes games, jokes, stories, projects, and more!

Scouts BSA (formerly "Boy Scouts")

The flagship program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for youth ages 11 to 18. 10-year-olds can join if they have completed fifth grade or if they have earned the Arrow of Light award.

Tiger

A scout currently in the first grade who has completed all requirements for the Bobcat rank. Neckerchief color is orange.

Webelos

We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, scouts in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Scout uniform with plaid neckerchief. Works on activity pins (instead of beltloops), camps, goes on hikes, prepares to be a Scout. Old hand at this Cub Scout business--can build a Pinewood Derby car blindfolded.

Wolf

A scout currently in the second grade who has completed all requirements for the Bobcat rank. Neckerchief color is red.