Glossary of Scouting Terms

activities and civic service committee. The council or Boy Scout. A registered youth member of a Boy Scout
district committee responsible for planning, promoting troop or one registered as a Lone Scout. Must have
and operating activities. completed the fifth grade and be 11 years old, or have
earned the Arrow of Light Award but not yet be 18
advanced training. In-depth training for experienced
years old.
adult leaders, such as Wood Badge.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA). A nationwide organiza-
advancement. The process by which a Boy Scout meets
tion founded February 8, 1910, and chartered by the
certain requirements and earns recognition.
U.S. Congress June 15, 1916.
Alpha Phi Omega (APO). A coeducational service
Boys’ Life magazine. The magazine for all boys,
­fraternity organized in many colleges and universities.
­published by the Boy Scouts of America.
It was founded on the principles of the Scout Oath
and Law. Bronze Palm. An Eagle Scout may receive this recogni-
tion by earning five additional merit badges and com-
Aquatics Instructor, BSA. A five-year certification
pleting certain other requirements.
awarded to an adult who satisfactorily completes the
aquatics section at a BSA National Camping School. Brotherhood membership. The second and final induc-
tion phase of membership in the Order of the Arrow.
area director. A professional Scouter on a regional
staff who relates to and works with an area president in BSA Lifeguard. A three-year certification awarded
giving direct service to local councils. to Boy Scouts who meet prescribed requirements in
aquatics skills.
area president. The ranking elected volunteer officer in
an area who heads the area committee. BSA Mission Statement. The mission of the Boy Scouts
of America is to prepare young people to make ethical
Arrowhead Honor. A recognition given to commis­
and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in
sioners who have completed specific training projects.
them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Arrow of Light Award. Highest rank in Cub Scouting.
buddy system. One part of the Safe Swim Defense plan.
The only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy
Swimmers of like ability are paired, check in and out of
Scout uniform.
the water together, and stay within 10 feet of each other
assistant district commissioner (ADC). A Scouter who during a swim. The buddy system is also used in other
helps the district commissioner. Scouting activities for safety reasons.

assistant patrol leader (APL). A Boy Scout in the budget plan. A method used by a troop to develop
patrol appointed by the patrol leader to help him and to thrift habits. A yearly budget is established and weekly
take his place in his absence. dues are agreed upon.

assistant Scoutmaster (ASM). A commissioned volun- bugler. An appointed youth position in a

teer Scouter, 18 or older, who helps the Scoutmaster by Boy Scout troop.
working with the troop and with a new-Scout patrol,
camping director. The Scouter responsible for develop-
Varsity Scout team, or Venture patrol.
ment of the year-round camping program of the council.
assistant senior patrol leader (ASPL). A troop youth
camporee. A district or council troop activity to demon-
leader, usually in larger troops, who helps the senior
strate the techniques of living in camp.
patrol leader with details of his role.
campsite. A troop or patrol outdoor home for an over-
Baden-Powell, Robert Stephenson Smyth. Founder
night or long-term camp.
of the worldwide Scouting movement. Known as Lord
Baden-Powell of Gilwell, Chief Scout of the World, captain. The youth leader of a Varsity Scout team.
and B-P.
Center for Professional Development (CPD). The train-
Be Prepared. The motto of Boy Scouting. ing center for all professional Scouters. Located 15 miles
west of the national office.
board of review. A review held to determine if a Boy
Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements.

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charter. The Boy Scouts of America was granted a fed- density. Percentage of the total available youth who
eral charter in 1916 to provide a program of character are members.
development, citizenship training, and mental and
director of field service (DFS). A professional Scouter
physical fitness for all boys. The BSA issues charters
who supervises two or more field directors in a council.
annually to approved community organizations to
­operate Scouting units. Direct Service Council. The national office center
through which U.S. citizens in other parts of the world
chartered organization. A religious, civic, fraternal,
retain membership and affiliation with the Boy Scouts
educational, or other community organization that
of America.
has applied for and received a charter to operate a
Scouting unit. Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. A recognition
bestowed upon a man who received the Eagle Scout
chartered organization representative (COR).
Award 25 or more years ago and has made an unusual
A manager of Scouting in a chartered organization
contribution to his community.
who also represents the organization in the local
­council and district. Distinguished Service Award. Presented to Order of
the Arrow members who have rendered outstanding
charter presentation. A formal ceremony at which the
service to the Order on a section, area, regional, or
charter, Scouter commissions, and membership certifi-
national basis.
cates are presented to organization authorities and
members of the unit. distribution center. The warehouse from which BSA
equipment, literature, uniforms, and other supplies are
charter renewal. An annual meeting attended by the
dispensed. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
chartered organization representative, head of the char-
tered organization, troop leaders, and unit commissioner district. A geographic administrative unit within
for the purpose of completing the charter application a council.
and making plans for the charter presentation.
District Award of Merit. A recognition for Scouters
Chief Scout Executive (CSE). The top-ranking profes- who give noteworthy service to youth at the district
sional Scouter of the Boy Scouts of America. level.
Coach. The adult leader of a Varsity Scout team. district committee. A group of key volunteer Scouters
who, through the chartered organization, work to
cocaptain. An assistant youth leader of a
ensure the success of the units.
Varsity Scout team.
district committee chairman. The executive officer of
commissioner. A volunteer Scouter who works with
the district committee.
troops to help them succeed. In addition to the council
commissioner, there are district commissioners, assis- district executive. A professional Scouter who works
tant district commissioners, roundtable commissioners, under the direction of the council Scout executive to
and unit commissioners. support the units and act as an adviser to the volunteer
leaders in the district.
council. An administrative body chartered to be respon-
sible for Scouting in a designated geographic territory. Eagle Scout. The highest rank for Scouts.
council president. The elected volunteer Scouter who Eagle Scout Award. The highest recognition for Scouts.
heads the council and chairs the executive board.
Eagletter. A periodical published for members of the
council service center. The business center for the National Eagle Scout Association.
local administration of Scouting.
executive board. The National Executive Board is the
court of honor. A recognition ceremony for those who governing body of the Boy Scouts of America. There is
have met the requirements of any one of the Boy Scout an executive board in each council which is the policy-
ranks, merit badges, or other awards. making body at the local level.
den chief. A Boy Scout or Varsity Scout who helps field director (FD). A professional Scouter who is
direct the activities of a Cub Scout den. responsible for three or more district executives.

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Fifty-Miler Award. A recognition given to Scouts Hornaday Awards. William T. Hornaday Awards are
who have taken part in a wilderness trip of at least 50 given to Scouts, units, and Scouters for distinguished
consecutive miles over at least five consecutive days, service in conservation.
and fulfill requirements for group service projects on
instructor. A person who can instruct others on parts of
the trip.
the Scouting program.
Firem’n Chit. A recognition given to Scouts who know
investiture. A ceremony placing the responsibilities of
and understand fire safety rules.
an office or a rank upon an individual.
First Class rank. The rank above Second Class and
jamboree. A term chosen by Baden-Powell to describe
below Star in Boy Scout advancement.
the first international gathering of Scouts camping
Friends of Scouting (FOS). An annual opportunity for together in London in 1920. The term is restricted to
Scouters and interested people in the community to be indicate a national or world jamboree.
identified with the local council through their financial
junior assistant Scoutmaster (JASM). An appointed
support and influence in the expansion of the council
office open to Scouts 16 years of age and older. There is
program. Enrollees are known as “Friends.”
no limit to the number of junior assistant Scoutmasters
Gilwell Park. The training center of the British Scout a troop may have.
Association and the original homesite of Wood Badge
Key 3. (1) The council Key 3: the council president,
training. Located in Epping Forest, England.
council commissioner, and Scout executive; (2) the dis-
God and Country program series. A series of religious trict Key 3: the district chairman, district commissioner,
emblems presented to Scouts of the Protestant faiths. and district executive.

Gold Palm. An Eagle Scout who holds the Bronze Klondike derby. A competitive event conducted by
Palm may receive this recognition by earning five patrols to demonstrate proficiency in Scouting skills,
additional merit badges and completing certain traditionally conducted in the winter.
other requirements.
Leave No Trace. A commonsense set of guidelines that
Good Turn. A single act of service to others. A distinc- allows Scouts to camp, hike, and take part in related
tive feature of Scouting is its emphasis on service to outdoor activities in ways that are environmentally
others. The Good Turn habit is one that all Scouts sound and considerate to others using the same areas.
endeavor to acquire. A Leave No Trace Awareness Award is available to
Scouts who fulfill certain requirements.
Heroism Award. A lifesaving award presented to a reg-
istered youth member or adult leader who has demon- Life Scout rank. The rank above Star and below Eagle
strated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save Scout in Boy Scout advancement.
life at minimum risk to self.
lodge. A local council Order of the Arrow group char-
high adventure. Refers to National Council or local tered annually by the National Council.
council high-adventure activities or programs for older
Lone Scout. A Boy Scout who, unable to join a troop
Scouts. Most of the programs are listed in the publica-
because of unusual conditions, follows the program as
tion Passport to High Adventure.
an individual under the leadership of a Lone Scout
Historic Trails Award. An award that may be earned by friend and counselor.
members of a troop for hiking a trail listed in Nationally
long-term camping. A camping experience consisting
Approved Historic Trails and completing a project
of five or more consecutive days and nights in
related to the trail.
the outdoors.
Honor Medal. A lifesaving award presented to Scouts
Medal of Merit. An award presented to Scouts who put
and Scouters who have shown heroism, resourceful-
into practice the skills and ideals of Scouting through
ness, and skill in saving or attempting to save life at
some great act of service; need not involve a rescue or
great risk of their own. May be presented with crossed
risk to self.
palms in cases of exceptional skill or resourcefulness
and extreme risk to self. Presented by the National
Court of Honor.

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membership inventory. Part of the charter renewal National President’s Scoutmaster Award of Merit.
process when the activity of a unit during the past Awarded by the National Eagle Scout Association to
year is reviewed; usually held along with a uniform Scoutmasters who make a significant contribution to
inspection. boys’ achievement of the Eagle Scout rank.

merit badge. A recognition given to a Scout for com- National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). A six-day
pleting the requirements for the badge. training course for youth leaders conducted at the
council level.
merit badge counselor. A registered adult volunteer
who is expert in a merit badge field, has the ability to National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience
work effectively with Scouts, and certifies that require- (NAYLE). A weeklong training experience conducted
ments are met. at Philmont Scout Ranch using the skills taught at
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).
Mile Swim, BSA. A recognition given to Scouts to
encourage their development of physical fitness and new-Scout conference. The Scoutmaster meets with
stamina through swimming. each new Scout in the troop to get acquainted, discuss
Scouting, and welcome the boy into the troop. Held as
National Camping Award. A recognition awarded to a
soon as possible after the boy joins.
Boy Scout troop or Varsity Scout team for completing a
certain number of days and nights of camping on either Okpik. The winter camping program offered by the
an annual or a cumulative basis. The award also recog- Northern Tier National High Adventure Program.
nizes cumulative achievement in number of campouts
Ordeal membership. The induction phase of
by individual Scouts and Scouters.
membership in the Order of the Arrow.
National Camping School. A training experience for
Order of the Arrow (OA). Scouting’s national honor
key summer camp staff of council camps.
society, the members of which have been chosen by
National Council. The corporate membership chartered their peers for their Scouting spirit and camping ability.
by the United States Congress to operate the program
orienteering. A cross-country race to reach a destina-
of the Boy Scouts of America; made up of all elected
tion and certain checkpoints along the way with the use
members of the National Executive Board, members of
of a map and compass.
regional executive committees, elected local council
representatives, elected members at large, and elected patrol. A group of five to eight boys who belong to a
(nonvoting) honorary members. troop and work together in and out of troop meetings.
There are usually several patrols in one troop.
National Court of Honor. A committee of the BSA that
is responsible for administering lifesaving awards, meri- patrol leader (PL). The youth leader of the patrol,
torious action awards, and distinguished service awards. elected by its members.
National Eagle Scout Association (NESA). This group patrol leaders’ council (PLC). Each patrol leader,
provides an opportunity for all Eagle Scouts to retain representing his patrol, meets with the other patrol
identification with Scouting through service to the local leaders and the senior patrol leader to plan their troop
council in which they live. program. The Scoutmaster acts as an adviser.
national office. The administrative offices of the Paul Bunyan Woodsman. A recognition given to
Boy Scouts of America. Address is 1325 West Walnut a Scout who safely demonstrates skill with a
Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079. long-handled ax.
Phone number is 972-580-2000. Web page address is
http://www.scouting.org. Pedro. The long-eared, four-footed mailburro of the
Often improperly referred to as “home office.” “Hitchin’ Rack” column in Boys’ Life magazine.

national Order of the Arrow conference. A biennial Philmont Scout Ranch. National high-adventure base
conference designed to improve program and leadership covering over 137,000 acres in northern New Mexico.
skills of all Arrowmen. Includes a center for volunteer training. Address is
Cimarron, NM 87714.

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professional. A registered, full-time employee of the Boy Scouting magazine. The official magazine for all
Scouts of America who has successfully completed formal Scouters. It helps interpret the program, stimulate
training at the Center for Professional Development. action, and strengthen a desire to serve.

Quality Unit Award. Recognition given each charter Scouting movement. An idea started by Lord Baden-
year to troops that commit to and meet specified Powell, based on the conviction that boys can live up to
national standards pertaining to leader training, service, a code of conduct and can develop themselves physi-
advancement, camping, and membership growth. cally, mentally, and spiritually through a program of
activities and advancement challenges in association
rank. There are six ranks for Boy Scouts: Tenderfoot,
with other boys under the leadership of adults.
Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Scout.
Scoutmaster. The commissioned volunteer leader, 21 or
region. One of four large geographical administrative
older, of a Boy Scout troop; appointed by the chartered
units of the BSA: Central Region, Southern Region,
organization.
Western Region, and Northeast Region.
Scoutmaster conference. A distinctive feature of the
registration. The payment of an annual registration fee;
troop advancement plan in which a Scoutmaster helps
one of the requirements for membership in the Boy
a Scout accept responsibility for his own growth toward
Scouts of America.
each rank.
roundtable. A monthly program-planning and morale-
Scoutmaster’s Minute. A part of the closing ceremony
building meeting for adult leaders.
of a troop meeting or campfire in which the Scout­
roundup. A program to stimulate member-to-nonmember master uses a brief story to inspire Scoutlike conduct.
invitation to join a Scout troop.
scribe. An appointed officer in the troop or patrol who
Safe Swim Defense. A plan with eight defenses for keeps the troop or patrol records.
safe swimming.
Second Class rank. The rank above Tenderfoot in Boy
Safety Afloat. Guidelines for safe troop activity afloat Scout advancement.
in craft less than 26 feet long.
senior patrol leader (SPL). The elected boy leader who
School Night for Scouting. A one-night event in a runs the troop meetings and the patrol leaders’ council
neigh­borhood school, church, or other community meetings, with the guidance of the Scoutmaster.
center where boys and parents gather to hear and
service patrol. The name given to a patrol that has
see how Scouting operates and how they can join.
accepted an extra work assignment for the good of
Scouter. A registered adult member of the BSA who the troop.
serves in a volunteer or professional capacity.
service star. An insignia worn over the left shirt pocket
Scouter’s Key. Recognition given to a troop leader or of the uniform to denote number of years of service.
commissioner for completing training, tenure, and
Silver Antelope Award. A recognition given by the
performance requirements.
National Court of Honor to a Scouter for distinguished
Scouter’s Training Award. A recognition for adults service to youth within the region.
who hold positions other than that of Scoutmaster or
Silver Beaver Award. A recognition given by the
commissioner, who are trained, and who give service
National Court of Honor for distinguished service to
to Scouting.
youth within the council.
Scout executive (SE). The professional staff leader
Silver Buffalo Award. A recognition given by the
and secretary of a local council.
National Court of Honor for distinguished service to
Scouting Anniversary Week. The week, beginning youth on a national level.
on Sunday, that includes February 8, Scouting
Silver Palm. An Eagle Scout who holds the Gold Palm
Anniversary Day.
may receive this recognition by earning five additional
Scouting distributor. A firm licensed by the merit badges and completing certain other requirements.
national BSA Supply Division to stock and sell
official Scouting merchandise.

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Snorkeling, BSA. A recognition given to Scouts to Venture patrol. An optional older-boy patrol (ages 13
encourage the development of aquatics skills that through 17) within a Scout troop.
­promote fitness and recreation.
Venturing. A stand-alone program of the BSA for
squad. A Varsity Scout team subdivision that consists young men and women ages 14 through 20 who have
of four to eight members. completed the eighth grade and who subscribe to the
Venturing Oath and Code.
Star rank. The rank above First Class and below Life
in Boy Scout advancement. Venturing crew. The unit that conducts Venturing
for the chartered organization; its members are
Supply Division. The arm of the Boy Scouts of America
called Venturers.
that supplies official uniforms, equipment, and literature
to the field. veteran. A recognition status accorded to members of
Scouting who have served five years or more. Troops
swimmer test. A specific set of tests to ascertain a
can also achieve veteran status and may display veteran
minimum level of swimming ability required for
insignia on their flag.
deep-water swimming.
Vigil Honor. A recognition for distinguished service in
team. The unit that conducts Varsity Scouting for
the Order of the Arrow.
the chartered organization.
volunteer. A registered individual who donates service,
Tenderfoot rank. The first rank in the Boy Scout
time, and/or funds to support the program of the Boy
advancement program.
Scouts of America.
tenure. A term used to describe the length of service
Webelos den chief. An older Scout who has been
and membership in Scouting.
appointed to help direct the activities of a Webelos den.
Totin’ Chip. A recognition given to Scouts who sub-
Webelos-to-Scout plan. The preparation and passage of
scribe to the Outdoor Code and understand and can
a boy from Cub Scouting to Boy Scouting.
demonstrate the proper handling, care, and use of
woods tools. whole Scouting family. When an organization is char-
tered to operate a Cub Scout pack, a Boy Scout troop,
tour permit. Permit designed to assist troops in planning
a Varsity Scout team, and a Venturing crew.
safe, healthful, and enjoyable trips and to ensure that
proper procedures will be followed in case of emergency. Wilderness Use Policy. An official plan that outlines
the size limit, skill level, and conduct of any Scouting
training course. A series of training experiences
group going into backcountry or wilderness areas.
designed to help a leader understand his or her position.
World Conservation Award. An award emphasizing
troop. The unit that conducts Boy Scouting for the
the importance of our natural resources and our
­chartered organization.
interdependence with other countries in fulfilling
troop committee. The committee appointed by the our mutual needs.
chartered organization to administer the affairs of
World Friendship Fund. The means by which Scouts
the troop.
and Scouters in the United States can provide material
troop instructor. An older troop member proficient and equipment to help Scouts and Scouting around
both in a Scouting skill and in the ability to teach the world.
that skill to others.
World Scout Bureau. The secretariat that carries out
uniform. Distinctive clothing worn by Scouts the instructions of the World Scout Conference and the
and Scouters. World Scout Committee. The head office is in Geneva,
Switzerland.
unit. Term used to designate any one of the following:
patrol, troop, squad, or team. World Scout Crest. An international award earned by
participating in a meaningful international Scouting
Varsity Scout. A registered youth member of a Varsity experience. May be obtained through the local council.
Scout team who is at least 14 but not yet 18 years
of age.

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