7. 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". (It’s kinda like when you go to a party and everyone there is a computer programmer except you.)

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. Each rank as a certain number of required adventures to complete to earn the rank (Lion, Tiger...etc) patch.

Adventure Pins

Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts earn a pin for completion of each adventure.

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 parents--the main leader your child looks to for guidance!

Arrow of Light

Den for 5th graders in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Scout BSA Uniform.

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 biweekly 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. Chooses his adventures, and looks forward to Webelos. 

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

The first required adveture of each year, Bobcat focuses on charcter and leadership while working together as a den, This adventure follows in the tradition of the old Bobcat rank.

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/ She advances through these ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.

Boy Scouts of America (Scouts BSA)

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

Buddy System

An important part of Scouting safely. Similar age, same gender pairs stick together at all outings. This is especially important and formalized in aquatics activities. Mixed gender groups of three called "truddies" are also allowed.

Charter

Formal permission from the Scouts 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. Our chartered organization is the Cherokee Trails 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 and the Pack.  

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 administration of the Scouts BSA programs. We are part of the Atlanta Area Council.

Cub Scout

Any of a million or so boys & 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. Likes to eat DingDongs and 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 & girls who meet at regular intervals.

Denner

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

Den Chief

An older Scout from the Troop 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.  We are a member of the Hightower Trail District.

District Executive

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

Elective

After the adventures in the Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos book. Can be done any time by a Scout. Can be repeated, if a Scout does his/her best every time.

Fleur de lis

International Scout BSA Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team. Some Scouters even have boxer shorts with this on them.

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 Scouts with tools, fire, and holding things while Scouts 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 Wolf tries out hammer.

I

Word used with great pride by boys and girls in Cub Scouts, as in “I did it!”

Joy

What happens when boy and girls says “I did it!” after trying very hard.

Kid

Young male goat, or some one else’s progeny. Good candidate for Cubs.

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.

Meeting

Semi-chaotic gathering of boys and girls where much fun and some learning happens, usually helped along by Den Leaders and Grown-ups. For Lions and Tigers, each Lion and Tiger Scout and his/her partner get to host a meeting in turn.

New

Everything for a Lion Scout! Learning about others, working with his/her partner, and finding out about the world around him/her. New things are things to Search--Discover--and Share for the whole Lion Den.

OA

Order of the Arrow. An honor group of Boy 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 of 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.

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.

Scouter

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

Lion Cub Partner

A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Lion Scout to help him/her Search, Discover and Share the world as he/she plays and does things with other Lions and their partners.

Tiger Cub Partner

A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Tiger Scout to help him/her Search, Discover and Share the world as he/she 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. 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 Scout wins every time he/she does something they really had to try at, even if they don't go the fastest or highest or whatever.

Webelos

WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts. Also, boys and girls in 4th grade. Works on Adventure Pins, camps, goes on hikes, prepares to be a Scout in a Troop. 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.

X,Y, and Z

Symbols for the unknown. Not even Akela knows all the answers!