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 ranks of Cub Scouts (Tiger to Arrow of Light) work on Adventures. They must complete a total of (7) Adventures to earn rank. Tiger to Bear do (6) required and (1) elective. Webelos do (5) required and (2) electives. Arrow of Light do (4) required and (3) electives.
Adventure Loops
Belt loops that are awarded to Scouts (except Webelos) when they complete an adventure.
Adventure Pins
There are a total of (27) Activity Pins a Webelos can earn. (5) Webelos required (4) Arrow of Light required and (18) elective Adventure Pins.
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 main leader your child looks to for guidance!
Arrow of Light (AoL)
This is the highest award / rank a scout can earn in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Scout and Adult Uniforms. All scouts in the 5th grade will work on their Arrow of Light (AoL) rank / award. Arrow of Light is part of the Webelos program.
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.
BALOO
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation, BALOO is an instructor-led course which is conducted at the Council level. BSA's Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for at least one adult on a Pack over-nighter.
Bear
Veteran Cub Scout, now in 3rd Grade. They wear a blue uniform with blue neckerchief for the last time. They have been there, done that, and looking for action. Parents do not need to be present in the den. Parents should involve themselves in helping the pack go by volunteering for other task or events. Bears are expected to set an example for the younger scouts.
Blue and Gold Banquet (B&G)
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. Pack 199 generally does a "Theme" Banquet.
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
Almost every youth who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, they learn 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. Lions earn their Bobcat at the end of the Lion program when they become Tigers.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA (fka Boy Scouts), and Venture Scouts.
Buddy System
Is used in all parts of Cub Scouts activities. All scouts must have a Buddy present when going to the water fountain, bathroom or doing any other cub scout activtiy. A Buddy can be another scout a parent or another sibling of reasonable age.
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 (COR)
An adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the BSA charters. Reports information to and from the chartered organization
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 Scout programs. We are part of the Longs Peak Council.
Cub Scout (CS)
Any of a million or so boys and 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.
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 or girls who meet at regular intervals.
Denner
A Cub Scout or Webelos scout elected by their peers to help the den chief and den leader.
Den Chief
A Scout BSA who helps direct the activities of a den. He does not conduct the den meeting, but help supports the Den Leader as a youth leader. Someone young Cub Scouts can look up too.
Den Leader
Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with the 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.
Den Meeting
Usually held once a week at a certain time / place. Den Meetings are conducted by the den leader to help guide the scouts through the various adventures required for rank.
District
Each council is divided into a number of districts. A district is a sub geographical area of the Council. We are a part of the Bighorn District.
District Executive
A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.
Elective
This is an adventure a scout choose to work on from a list of elective adventures for their rank. Each rank has their own set of elective adventures for the scout to choose from. Tiger to Bear must do (1) elective, Webelos must do (2) electives and Arrow of Light must do (3) electives adventures.
Fleur de lis
International Scout Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team.
Friends of Scouting (FOS)
Friends of Scouting. Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible. We also call this the Investment in Character and Leadership.
Grown-up
Largish post-Cub Scout person, good for helping boys and girls with tools, fire, and holding things while the scout plays. 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 youth in Cub Scouts, as in “I did it!”
Journey to Excellence (JTE)
"Scouting's Journey to Excellence" is the BSA's performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success and measure the performance of our units, districts, and councils. It is meant to encourage excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA.
Joy
What happens when your child says “I did it!” after trying very hard.
Kid
Young male goat, or some one else’s progeny. Good candidate for Cubs.
Law
Law also known as "Scout Law". 12 words that all scouts live by. All Cub Scouts will learn the Scout Law
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.
Lion
New of the Cub Scout group. Youth who just started Kindergarten can become a Lion. They wear a blue Lions t-shirt. Lions are new and can be timid, but are very excited for the activities. A parent / guardian must accompany their Lion at all times both in the den meeting and on outings.
New
Everything a Cub Scout encounters for the first time! Learning about others, working with their partner, and finding out about the world around him. New things are things to Search--Discover--and Share for the whole Cub Den.
Oath
Oath also knows at "Scout Oath". The Scout Oath is something all Cub Scouts will learn. It is the guiding principal that scouts go by.
Order of the Arrow (OA)
Order of the Arrow. An honor group of Scouts BSA 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 and hands out advancements and awards.
Pack Meeting
Semi-chaotic gathering of scouts held once a month where the scouts receive praise and awards for all they have accomplished in the previous weeks. The Pack meeting can contain songs and skits by the various dens.
Pinewood Derby
A pack racing competition, where Cubs and their parents work together to make a model car out of a block of wood. Raingutter is a version using boats and Space is a version using airplanes.
Promise
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.
Quiet
When the Cub Scout sign is made, this is to represent the two "Wolf" ears. Cub Scouts learn what these usually pretty quickly. Cub Scouts know to get quite and listen.
Scout's Life (fka Boy’s Life)
A Scouting magazine for scouts to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing.
Scouts BSA (or just Scouts)
A program for youth between the ages of 11 and 18. Their structure is called a troop. Scouts advance through these ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.
Scouter
Someone who may or may not have youth in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping youth grow.
Tiger
Youngest of the Cub Scout group. Youth who just completed Kindergarten can start Cub Scouts June 1st of that year. They wear a blue uniform and orange neckerchief. Tigers tend to be the most energetic. A parent / guardian must accompany their Tiger at all times both in the den meeting and on cub scout outings.
Tiger Cub Partner
A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Tiger Cub to help them Search, Discover and Share the world as they play and do 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
Webelos
We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. All scouts in 4th and 5th grade. Webelos wear the khaki and olive Scout uniform (means they outgrew the blue one). Webelos is an 18 month to 2 year program. Webelos work on various Adventure Pins and not Belt Loops, they camp with an actual Scouts BSA Troop, goes on hikes, prepares to be a Scout. They are to set a example for all younger scouts to follow.
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. Wolf Parents can take a step back. They do not need to be present in the den. They are encourage to take a step back and let their cub scout start exploring, learning and discovering along with other scouts; while they take a step forward with leading the pack.
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 ranks of Cub Scouts (Tiger to Arrow of Light) work on Adventures. They must complete a total of (7) Adventures to earn rank. Tiger to Bear do (6) required and (1) elective. Webelos do (5) required and (2) electives. Arrow of Light do (4) required and (3) electives.
Adventure Loops
Belt loops that are awarded to Scouts (except Webelos) when they complete an adventure.
Adventure Pins
There are a total of (27) Activity Pins a Webelos can earn. (5) Webelos required (4) Arrow of Light required and (18) elective Adventure Pins.
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 main leader your child looks to for guidance!
Arrow of Light (AoL)
This is the highest award / rank a scout can earn in Cub Scouting. Also the only non-religious award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Scout and Adult Uniforms. All scouts in the 5th grade will work on their Arrow of Light (AoL) rank / award. Arrow of Light is part of the Webelos program.
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.
BALOO
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation, BALOO is an instructor-led course which is conducted at the Council level. BSA's Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the necessary tools to help units carry out a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for at least one adult on a Pack over-nighter.
Bear
Veteran Cub Scout, now in 3rd Grade. They wear a blue uniform with blue neckerchief for the last time. They have been there, done that, and looking for action. Parents do not need to be present in the den. Parents should involve themselves in helping the pack go by volunteering for other task or events. Bears are expected to set an example for the younger scouts.
Blue and Gold Banquet (B&G)
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. Pack 199 generally does a "Theme" Banquet.
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
Almost every youth who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat Badge. Doing this, they learn 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. Lions earn their Bobcat at the end of the Lion program when they become Tigers.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA (fka Boy Scouts), and Venture Scouts.
Buddy System
Is used in all parts of Cub Scouts activities. All scouts must have a Buddy present when going to the water fountain, bathroom or doing any other cub scout activtiy. A Buddy can be another scout a parent or another sibling of reasonable age.
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 (COR)
An adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the BSA charters. Reports information to and from the chartered organization
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 Scout programs. We are part of the Longs Peak Council.
Cub Scout (CS)
Any of a million or so boys and 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.
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 or girls who meet at regular intervals.
Denner
A Cub Scout or Webelos scout elected by their peers to help the den chief and den leader.
Den Chief
A Scout BSA who helps direct the activities of a den. He does not conduct the den meeting, but help supports the Den Leader as a youth leader. Someone young Cub Scouts can look up too.
Den Leader
Amazing adult, enjoys doing all kinds of stuff with the 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.
Den Meeting
Usually held once a week at a certain time / place. Den Meetings are conducted by the den leader to help guide the scouts through the various adventures required for rank.
District
Each council is divided into a number of districts. A district is a sub geographical area of the Council. We are a part of the Bighorn District.
District Executive
A professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.
Elective
This is an adventure a scout choose to work on from a list of elective adventures for their rank. Each rank has their own set of elective adventures for the scout to choose from. Tiger to Bear must do (1) elective, Webelos must do (2) electives and Arrow of Light must do (3) electives adventures.
Fleur de lis
International Scout Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team.
Friends of Scouting (FOS)
Friends of Scouting. Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible. We also call this the Investment in Character and Leadership.
Grown-up
Largish post-Cub Scout person, good for helping boys and girls with tools, fire, and holding things while the scout plays. 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 youth in Cub Scouts, as in “I did it!”
Journey to Excellence (JTE)
"Scouting's Journey to Excellence" is the BSA's performance recognition program designed to encourage and reward success and measure the performance of our units, districts, and councils. It is meant to encourage excellence in providing a quality program at all levels of the BSA.
Joy
What happens when your child says “I did it!” after trying very hard.
Kid
Young male goat, or some one else’s progeny. Good candidate for Cubs.
Law
Law also known as "Scout Law". 12 words that all scouts live by. All Cub Scouts will learn the Scout Law
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.
Lion
New of the Cub Scout group. Youth who just started Kindergarten can become a Lion. They wear a blue Lions t-shirt. Lions are new and can be timid, but are very excited for the activities. A parent / guardian must accompany their Lion at all times both in the den meeting and on outings.
New
Everything a Cub Scout encounters for the first time! Learning about others, working with their partner, and finding out about the world around him. New things are things to Search--Discover--and Share for the whole Cub Den.
Oath
Oath also knows at "Scout Oath". The Scout Oath is something all Cub Scouts will learn. It is the guiding principal that scouts go by.
Order of the Arrow (OA)
Order of the Arrow. An honor group of Scouts BSA 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 and hands out advancements and awards.
Pack Meeting
Semi-chaotic gathering of scouts held once a month where the scouts receive praise and awards for all they have accomplished in the previous weeks. The Pack meeting can contain songs and skits by the various dens.
Pinewood Derby
A pack racing competition, where Cubs and their parents work together to make a model car out of a block of wood. Raingutter is a version using boats and Space is a version using airplanes.
Promise
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.
Quiet
When the Cub Scout sign is made, this is to represent the two "Wolf" ears. Cub Scouts learn what these usually pretty quickly. Cub Scouts know to get quite and listen.
Scout's Life (fka Boy’s Life)
A Scouting magazine for scouts to help broaden their horizons in Cubbing.
Scouts BSA (or just Scouts)
A program for youth between the ages of 11 and 18. Their structure is called a troop. Scouts advance through these ranks: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.
Scouter
Someone who may or may not have youth in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping youth grow.
Tiger
Youngest of the Cub Scout group. Youth who just completed Kindergarten can start Cub Scouts June 1st of that year. They wear a blue uniform and orange neckerchief. Tigers tend to be the most energetic. A parent / guardian must accompany their Tiger at all times both in the den meeting and on cub scout outings.
Tiger Cub Partner
A parent, big brother or sister, uncle or grandparent, or anyone who joins with a Tiger Cub to help them Search, Discover and Share the world as they play and do 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
Webelos
We’ll Be Loyal Scouts. All scouts in 4th and 5th grade. Webelos wear the khaki and olive Scout uniform (means they outgrew the blue one). Webelos is an 18 month to 2 year program. Webelos work on various Adventure Pins and not Belt Loops, they camp with an actual Scouts BSA Troop, goes on hikes, prepares to be a Scout. They are to set a example for all younger scouts to follow.
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. Wolf Parents can take a step back. They do not need to be present in the den. They are encourage to take a step back and let their cub scout start exploring, learning and discovering along with other scouts; while they take a step forward with leading the pack.