Scouting Terms
Scouting Terms
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:
Cub Scouts earn Adventures that are specific to their grade and rank. A number of Adventures must be completed to earn the badge of rank for each grade level. Completion of Adventures is how the aims of character, citizenship, leadership, and personal fitness are develop.
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 child looks to for guidance!
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 Cub Scout Uniform.
A volunteer who helps the Cubmaster run the pack and fills in when the Cubmaster is unavailable.
A volunteer leader who helps the Den Leader with holding weekly den meeting and fills in when the Den Leader is unavailable.
Veteran Cub Scout, now in 3rd Grade. Been there, done that, and looking for action. Chooses their achievements, and looks forward to Webelos.
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.
The Cub Scout Colors. Blue stands for truth and spirituality, loyalty, and the sky above. Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.
A Scouting magazine for scout to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing.
A Scout is between the ages of 5 and 18 and belongs to a Pack or Troop.
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.
Formal permission from the Scouting America allowing a pack to organize
An organization that sponsors the pack. Monthly meetings are usually held in a building owned by that organization.
An adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the BSA charters. Reports information to and from the chartered organization
A volunteer Scouter who works with packs, troops, and crews to help the unit succeed.
This is a group of adult volunteers who “run” the pack. Any interested adult is welcome to attend Committee meetings
The adult leader of the pack committee. Provides the motivation and direction to the committee to get the pack program implemented.
A geographical are, made of up districts for administration of the Scouting America programs. We are part of the Sam Houston Area Council (S.H.A.C.).
The Cubmaster is the chief adult volunteer leader. The Cubmaster runs the pack meetings and advices other leaders.
A group of 6-8 scouts who meet at regular intervals.
A Scout who helps direct the activities of a den
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.
Each council is divided into a number of districts.
A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.
Electives for Cub Scouts are optional activities that allow scouts to explore interests beyond the core requirements of their rank. They’re designed to be fun, educational, and hands-on, helping scouts develop new skills, discover hobbies, and build confidence.
International Scout Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team. Some Scouters even have boxer shorts with this on them.
Friends of Scouting. Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.
Largish post-Cub Scout person, good for helping scouts with tools, fire, and holding things while scout plays. Good candidate for leader.
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.
Word used with great pride by child in Cub Scouts, as in “I did it!”
What happens when scout says “I did it!” after trying very hard.
Young male goat, or some one else’s progeny. Good candidate for Cubs.
Person who gives an hour each week (or more) to help scouts grow to be young people of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.
Semi-chaotic gathering of children where much fun and some learning happens, usually helped along by Den Leaders and Grown-ups. For Tigers, each Tiger Cub and their partner get to host a meeting in turn.
Everything for a Tiger Cub! Learning about others, working with his partner, and finding out about the world around them. New things are things to Search--Discover--and Share for the whole Tiger Cub Den.
The whole group – all or our dens and families together is called a Pack. The pack usually meets once a month.
A pack racing competition, where Cubs and their parents work together to make model pinewood derby cars and compete for prizes.
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.
Unknown concept.
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 they play and do things with other Tigers and their partners.
Adult liaison between Tiger Cub parents and the Pack.
Available in many varieties to help everyone Do Their Best to be a good leader. Fast Start, Basic, and Youth Protection are common types
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!
What a scout wins every time he does something he really had to try at, even if they don’t go the fastest or highest or whatever.
We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, scouts in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Scout uniform (means they outgrew the blue one). 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.
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.
Symbols for the unknown. Not even Akela knows all the answers!