Advancement The process by which a youth member meets certain requirements and earns recognition.
Adventure A grouping of themed activities acting as a unit of measure for Cub Scout and Webelos Scout advancement. Some adventures are required to earn a rank, and others are elective.
Akela (Pronounced AhKAYla.) A title of respect used in Cub Scouting. Any good leader is Akela. Arrow of Light (AOL) The seventh and highest rank in Cub Scouting. The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform. Examples: “Arrow of Light badge,” “Arrow of Light rank.”
Blue and Gold A birthday or annual dinner for Scouting held by Cub Scout packs, typically in February to celebrate the founding of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 and Cub Scouting in 1930.
Bridging This is when Cub Scouts have completed their grade level at the end of the school year and officially form the next grade level den.
BSA Boy Scouts of America. A nationwide organization founded February 8, 1910, and chartered by the U.S. Congress June 15, 1916. The Cub Scout Program is a part of this organization.
Crossover This is when 5th Grade Webelos join a troop. This should be a special ceremony that involves a local BSA troop.
Cub Master A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to lead a Cub Scout pack. Helps to ensure the den meetings are productive, organizes events, and assists families and den leaders execute the Cub Scout Program.
Den A neighborhood group of four to eight Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts that meets periodically, usually once a week, and is part of a Cub Scout pack.
Den Chief A Scout or Venturer who has been appointed to help direct the activities of a Cub Scout den.
Den Leader A volunteer leader, 21 or older, appointed by the pack committee to plan and direct the den’s activities.
Methods of Cub Scouting The seven methods are living the ideals (Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout motto), belonging to a den, using advancement, involving family and home, participating in activities, wearing the uniform, and serving home and neighborhood.
Pack A group made up of various Cub Scout dens: Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light. The pack includes not only the registered youth in the dens but also registered volunteers.
Pack Committee Every pack has a pack committee, which consists of at least three members (chair, secretary, and treasurer). By handling administrative and support tasks, the pack committee allows the Cubmaster, den leaders, and their assistants to focus on working directly with the Cub Scouts.
Pack Committee Chairperson Oversees the Pack Committee as they provide support to Den Leaders to ensure a quality program.
Pack Committee Meetings Most Pack Committees will meet at least once a month. When and where the meetings are held is up to the Pack Committee Chair and that best meets the needs of the members of the committee. At the committee meeting reports from the Cubmaster, Den Leaders, Treasurer and others help keep everyone informed.
Pinewood Derby A pack activity that involves making and racing small wooden cars on a track.
Raingutter Regatta A pack activity that involves making and racing model boats.
Registration Annually, every youth and adult volunteer who wants to join or continue membership in the Boy Scouts of America must submit a completed application form or reregister and pay an annual registration fee. Registration is a privilege, not a right.
Scoutbook A unit-serving tool that includes an app called Scouting and allows leaders and parents to track individual advancement progress for their Scouts online or using their mobile phone.
Scouts BSA Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting program for young men and women ages 12 through 17.
Recharter An annual meeting attended by the chartered organization representative, head of the chartered organization, troop leaders, and unit commissioner for the purpose of completing the charter application and making plans.
Troop The unit that conducts Scouting for the chartered organization.
Unit The entity that conducts Scouting for the chartered organization; it consists of registered youth members and registered adult volunteers. A unit may be a pack, troop, crew, ship, or lab. Its affairs are administered by the unit committee.
Youth Protection program This BSA emphasis fights child abuse by teaching youth the “three R’s”: Recognize, Respond, and Report child abuse; by helping parents and Scouters learn to recognize indications of child abuse and situations that couldlead to potential abuse; and by teaching them how to handle child abuse situations or reports. Youth training is called personal safety awareness. For all registered adults (volunteer and professional Scouters), Youth Protection training is mandatory.