A helpful guide to the key words, phrases, and concepts used throughout Scouting. This reference is designed for new Scouts and their families so you can better understand programs, ranks, activities, events, and the everyday language of Scouting as you begin your journey.
Akela – The leader of the Cub Scouts, often a parent or adult leader, named after the wolf in The Jungle Book.
Bobcat – The first rank all Cub Scouts must earn before moving on to their age-appropriate rank.
Tiger – A first-grade Cub Scout (age 7) and the rank they work towards.
Wolf – A second-grade Cub Scout (age 8) and the rank they work towards.
Bear – A third-grade Cub Scout (age 9) and the rank they work towards.
Webelos – Rank for fourth and fifth-grade Cub Scouts; stands for “We’ll Be Loyal Scouts.”
Arrow of Light – Highest Cub Scout rank, earned by Webelos before transitioning to Scouts BSA.
Den – Small group of Cub Scouts within a pack, usually grouped by grade.
Pack – Larger group of Cub Scouts made up of several dens, led by a Cubmaster.
Cubmaster – Adult leader overseeing the pack’s program and activities.
Blue and Gold Banquet – Annual celebration to mark the anniversary of Scouting.
Pinewood Derby – Racing event where Cub Scouts design, build, and race small wooden cars.
Crossover – Ceremony where Webelos transition from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA.
Den Leader – Adult responsible for guiding a den of Cub Scouts.
Scout Oath – The pledge Scouts make to live by Scouting principles.
Scout Law – Code of conduct including trustworthiness, loyalty, and helpfulness.
Adventure – Themed activities and achievements completed for rank advancement.
Webelos Woods – Camping event at Katahdin Area Council sites preparing Webelos for Scouts BSA.
Bear Necessities – Adventure for Bear Cub Scouts focused on outdoor skills.
Tiger Stripes – Markings on a Tiger Cub’s uniform representing completed adventures.
Den Chief – Older Scout assisting the Den Leader with den activities.
Pack Committee – Adults who plan and support pack activities.
Pack Meeting – Monthly gathering of Cub Scouts and families, led by Cubmaster.
Scout Salute – Greeting made by raising the right hand in a salute.
Summertime Pack Award – Award for packs participating in summer activities.
Duty to God – Requirement emphasizing a Scout’s spiritual growth and faith.
Scout – Member of Scouts BSA learning skills and advancing through ranks.
Patrol – Small group within a troop working together on activities.
Troop – Group of Scouts led by a Scoutmaster, organized into patrols.
Scoutmaster – Adult leader guiding the troop and supporting Scouts.
Merit Badge – Recognition earned for completing requirements in a skill or knowledge area.
Rank – Level of achievement: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle.
Eagle Scout – Highest Scouts BSA rank, requiring leadership, service, and merit badges.
Board of Review – Meeting to review a Scout’s progress for rank advancement.
Court of Honor – Ceremony to recognize achievements and rank advancements.
Scout Oath – Promise to do duty to God and country, help others, and stay strong.
Scout Law – Code of conduct including trustworthiness, loyalty, and helpfulness.
Scout Spirit – Attitude reflecting Scouting ideals in daily life.
Order of the Arrow – BSA honor society recognizing Scouts who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law.
Philmont Scout Ranch – High-adventure base in New Mexico for wilderness expeditions.
Northern Tier Canoe Base – High-adventure canoeing and wilderness program in northern lakes.
High Adventure – Challenging programs like backpacking, canoeing, and wilderness survival.
Patrol Leader – Scout elected to lead a patrol.
Senior Patrol Leader – Highest youth leadership position in a troop.
Jamboree – Large gathering of Scouts nationally or worldwide.
Scoutmaster Conference – Meeting to discuss a Scout’s progress and goals.
Den Chief – Scout assisting Cub Scouts.
Totin’ Chip – Award for understanding knife, axe, and saw safety.
Leave No Trace – Outdoor ethics promoting conservation and minimal environmental impact.
Camporee – Camping event with multiple troops, often held in northern Maine.
Klondike Derby – Winter outdoor event testing survival skills.
Charter Organization – School, church, or group sponsoring a troop.
Scout Slogan – “Do a Good Turn Daily” — reminder to help others.
Venturing – BSA program for youth 14–21 focused on adventure, leadership, and personal development.
Crew – Group of Venturers led by youth members.
Advisor – Adult supporting a Venturing crew.
Venturer – Youth member of a Venturing crew.
President – Youth leader managing crew meetings and activities.
Vice President of Administration – Handles crew records, membership, and communication.
Vice President of Program – Plans and oversees crew activities.
Vice President of Communications – Manages communication and records.
Secretary – Maintains minutes and records.
Treasurer – Manages finances.
Bronze Award – Achievement in arts, outdoors, sports, or Sea Scouting.
Gold Award – Intermediate award for leadership and personal growth.
Silver Award – Highest Venturing award, for leadership and service.
Ranger Award – High-adventure award recognizing outdoor proficiency.
Trust Award – Achievement recognizing religious life and values.
Quest Award – Achievement in sports and fitness.
Summit Award – Highest Venturing rank, requiring leadership and mentorship.
Activity Chair – Youth leader organizing specific activities.
Roundtable – Meeting for Venturing leaders to share ideas.
Superactivity – Major high-adventure trip.
Personal Safety Awareness – Required safety training.
Venturing Code – Principles guiding leadership and service.
Service Project – Community service organized by the crew.
Advisor Conference – Meeting to review progress and set goals.
Crew Committee – Adults providing guidance and oversight.
Venturing Leadership Award – Recognition for outstanding leadership contributions.
Sea Scout – Youth member learning maritime skills, leadership, and service.
Ship – Group of Sea Scouts led by youth officers and adult Advisors.
Skipper – Adult leader of a Sea Scout ship.
Boatswain – Highest youth leader in a ship.
Quarterdeck – Leadership team of the ship.
Mate – Adult assistant to the Skipper.
Rank – Levels: Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, Quartermaster.
Quartermaster – Highest Sea Scout rank, equivalent to Eagle Scout.
Apprentice – First rank, learning basics and maritime skills.
Ordinary – Rank emphasizing leadership, seamanship, and service.
Able – Advanced rank for maritime skills.
Nautical Skills – Skills for navigating, operating, and maintaining boats.
Sea Scout Manual – Handbook with ranks, skills, and program info.
Sea Promise – Commitment to safety, environmental respect, and excellence.
Boating Safety – Practices ensuring safe boat operation.
Marlinspike Seamanship – Rope skills including knots and rigging.
Navigation – Planning and controlling vessel movement.
Regatta – Competitive sailing or rowing event.
Boatswain’s Pipe – Ceremonial whistle used by Sea Scouts.
Logbook – Record of ship activities and voyages.
Chart – Nautical map for safe navigation.
Helmsman – Scout responsible for steering.
Small Boat Handler – Certification for handling small boats.
Seamanship – Knowledge for safe boat operation.
Landship – Ceremonial area representing a ship.
Sea Badge – Adult leadership course for Sea Scouts.
Exploring – BSA program providing career exploration for youth 14–20.
Explorer Post – Unit focused on a specific career field, led by youth and adult advisors.
Explorer Club – Group for middle school students (ages 10–13) exploring careers.
Advisor – Adult mentoring youth in career exploration and leadership.
Explorer – Youth participant.
President – Youth leader guiding meetings and Post activities.
Vice President of Administration – Manages membership, records, and internal communication.
Vice President of Program – Plans and coordinates activities.
Secretary – Maintains minutes and correspondence.
Treasurer – Manages finances.
Career Field – Area of interest or industry for the Post.
Program Match – Matches youth with career fields aligned with interests.
Learning for Life – Educational program for character and career development.
Ride-Along – Opportunity to observe and participate in real-world work.
National Exploring Leadership Conference (NELC) – Annual leadership training and networking event.
Explorer Code – Ethical guidelines for conduct.
Law Enforcement Exploring – Post focused on careers in law enforcement.
Fire & Emergency Services Exploring – Post focused on firefighting and EMS careers.
Health Careers Exploring – Post focused on healthcare careers.
Engineering & Technology Exploring – Post focused on STEM careers.
Business Exploring – Post focused on business and entrepreneurship.
Aviation Exploring – Post focused on aviation careers.
Communications Exploring – Post focused on media and public relations.
Exploring Journey to Excellence – Recognition for Posts achieving performance excellence.
Service Project – Community service organized by the Post.
Post Committee – Adults providing guidance and oversight.
Now that you understand Scouting language, see how Scouts progress through ranks and achievements. Learn about the skills, activities, and milestones your Scout can earn on their journey.
