If you are new to scouting you will be exposed to "Scout Lingo". (It’s kinda like when you go to a party and everyone there is a programmer except you.)
To help you decode “Scout Lingo”, here are a few handy-dandy definitions:
Achievements
Wolf and Bear 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.
Activity Badge
There are Activity Badges a Webelos scout can earn. A pin is presented for completion of each activity Badge.
Advancement
The process by which a Scout meets certain requirements and earns recognition.
Adventure loop
Boys receive an adventure loop (previously called belt loops) foreach adventure at the Tiger, Wolf, and Bear levels. Loops are worn on the belt.
Advancement Pin
Boys receive an adventure pin (worn on the Webelos colors or Webelos cap) for each adventure at the Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks.
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 boy looks to for guidance!
Arrow of Light
This is the highest award a boy can earn in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Boy Scout 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 weekly den meeting 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 achievements, and looks forward to Webelos. Of 24 possible achievements they must complete the prescribed amount in each area, God, Country, Family, and Self, for a total of 12.
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 boy who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, he 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’s Life
A Scouting magazine for boys to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing.
Boy Scout
A Boy Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a troop. He advances through these ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venture Crews
Bridging
A ceremony where Arrow of Light Cub Scouts cross a ceremonial bridge to signify their transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. This is normally done at a Cub Scout pack meeting with Boy Scouts from the Scout's new troop participating. This is an induction ceremony into Boy Scouts. Boys also cross the bridge when they move from their current rank to the next rank at the end of the Scouting year.
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 pack 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
An adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the BSA charters. Reports information to and from the chartered organization
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct specifies behavioral expectations for Scouts, adult leaders, and parents/other adults during Scout meetings and activities.
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 are, made of up districts for administration of the Boy Scout programs. We are part of the Daniel Beard Council.
Cub Scout
Any of a million or so boys between the ages of 6 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.
CSLBT
Cub Scout Leader Basic Training is 6 hour training session that covers all basic information needed to be pack leader.
Cub Scout sign
The Cub Scout sign is used when Cub Scouts say the Scout Oath or Promise and Scout Law. The sign is also used to get the attention of any Cub Scout group. To make the sign, hold up your right hand with the arm straight and first and middle fingers extended. The other fingers and thumb are folded over into the palm. Adults as well as Scouts are expected to stop what they are doing and listen when the sign is up.
Cubmaster
The Cubmaster is the chief adult volunteer leader. The Cubmaster runs the pack meetings and advices other leaders.
Den
A group of 6-8 boys of the same age who meet at regular intervals.
Denner
The Cub Scout denner is elected by the den for a short period, usually one or two months. His responsibilities are determined by the den leader and den chief. He may help set up the den meeting place and cleanup; help with games, ceremonies, tricks, and puzzles; lead a song; or act as den cheerleader. The short term of office is to give all boys the opportunity to serve. The shoulder cord is worn on the left shoulder.
The Webelos/Arrow of Light Scout denner is elected by secret ballot by the den for a short term of office, usually three to six months. His responsibilities are determined by the den leader and den chief, and might include leading ceremonies, preparing equipment, setting up the meeting room, greeting new boys and helping them get acquainted, assisting with tricks and puzzles, or other worthwhile tasks. The shoulder cord is worn on the left shoulder.
Den Chief
A Boy Scout who volunteers to help direct the activities of a den, which helps him rank up
Den Leader
Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with boys, 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.
District Executive
A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.
Elective
After the Achievements in the book. Can be done any time by a boy, and count toward belt loops after the Tiger, Wolf or Bear badge and a pin for Webelos after the Webelos badge have been earned.
Fleur de lis
International Boy Scout 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.
Good Turn
A single act of service to others. A distinctive feature of Scouting is its emphasis on service to others. The Good Turn habit is one that all Scouts work toward.
Grown-up
Largish post-Cub Scout person, good for helping boys with tools, fire, and holding things while boy plays. Good candidate for leader.
Handbook
Each level of Scouting has its own Handbook. The Handbook is essential for your Scout, as it spells out the requirements for advancement, as well as providing a place to record completion of the same.
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 boy in Cub Scouts, as in “I did it!”
Joy
What happens when boy 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 grow to be young men of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.
Leave No Trace
A commonsense set of guidelines that allows Scouts to camp, hike, and take part in related outdoor activities in ways that are environmentally sound and considerate to others using the same areas.
Meeting
Semi-chaotic gathering of boys where much fun and some learning happens, usually helped along by Den Leaders and Grown-ups.
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 or our dens and families together is called a Pack. The pack usually meets once a month.
Pack Committee
The pack committee is responsible for the operation of the pack, including planning, finances, records, activities, advancement, and more.
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.
Rank Badges
The rank badges, in order, are: Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light. All Scouts must earn the Bobcat when they join Cub Scouts.
Scout salute
Cub Scouts and Webelos/Arrow of Light Scouts and leaders use this salute while in Class A uniform. Cub Scouts salute by joining the index and middle fingers of the right hand (holding the other fingers with the thumb) and touching the extended fingers to the cap visor or forehead. The hand is held the same as for the Cub Scout sign, except the two fingers are together. Webelos/Arrow of Light Scouts join the index, middle, and ring fingers for their salute. The salute is used primarily for saluting the flag.
Scout sign
The Scout sign is used by Boy Scout. To make the sign, raise the right hand, palm forward, upper arm straight, and out to the side. The arm is bent at the elbow, forming a right angle. The three middle fingers are held erect and the thumb covers the nail of the little finger.
Service projects
Service projects are part of Cub Scouting's citizenship training. They can include service in the neighborhood, to the community, or to the chartered organization.
Tiger
First grader new to all things Cub Scouts. They will receive their stripes when they earn their Tiger badge.
Tiger Cub Partner
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 he 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. Fast Start, 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!
Webelos
We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. Also, boys in 4th and 5th grade. Sometimes wear the khaki Boy Scout uniform (means he outgrew the blue one). Works on Activity Pins, camps, goes on hikes, prepares to be a Boy Scout. 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 yellow neckerchief. Full of life and enthusiasm, eager to learn all about Cubs.
Youth Protection
Cub Training courses about child abuse. Training is offered for different age groups of scouts and for adults. At least one adult on every Scouting outing must be Youth Protection Trained. This training is available online.