SCOUTING GLOSSARY

This is a general glossary on the subject of Scouting. It is not a official Web Page, in part or whole, of either the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts of America. Although these official organizations have not been consulted on its preparation, many long term scouters have been. Every effort has been made to be sure that the definitions accurately reflect the U.S. Scouting programs.

It is not the purpose of this page to provide world scout definitions, although we hope it is of world value. Our main objective is to help those new to U.S. Scouting with new jargon so they can learn and understand the program. It is intended to supplement other official publications of the different programs. Basic Leader Training courses are highly recommended for those who need more information, for these definitions are not intended to be the last word on Scouting.

Should there be any discrepancies or missing terms, please Contact Us. If you know the definition, and we use it, we will send you a free patch. It is our wish to be as current as possible.

Advisor, Explorer or Venturing: A mature person, man or woman 21 years or older, who is appointed to lead a Explorer or Venturing Post

Akela: A name of respect for a good leader in Cub Scouting, such as Cubmaster, Den Mother, Den Chief, school teacher, or parent

Alpha Phi Omega (APO): A college service organization made up primarily of former and current members of BSA

American Girl magazine, The: Official magazine, published monthly for all scouts belonging to the Girl Scouts of America

Arrow of Light: The highest rank in U.S. Cub Scouting. Its the only Cub Scout rank that a Scout can wear on his Scout uniform

Arrowhead: see SCOUT BADGE

B-P: Short for Baden-Powell, Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth

Baden-Powell patrol star: A award earned by passing quality tests by a patrol, that is worn by all members round their patrol medallion

Baden-Powell, Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth: (1857-1940) Founder of the world-wide Scout Movement. As a British officer, he was sent to South Africa to defend Mafeking. To help teach the poorly prepared troops under his command how to live in the out-of-doors, he made up games he called "Stunts for Scouting." When he returned he wrote them into a book called Aids to Scouting that found their way into boys hands. Thus started the Scout movement. (IMAGE RIGHT)

Be Prepared: The Boy Scout Motto. When B-P was asked, "Be prepared for what?" He said "Why, for any old thing." One of the distinctive features of the scout movement introduced by B-P

Be Square: Be fair and honest in all dealings with people. Part of the Cub Scout promise until 1970, when it became a derogatory remark

Bear: the third rank in Cub Scouting

Beard, Daniel Carter: (1850-1914) Author, artist, conservationist, and naturalist, and one of the organizers of the Boy Scouts of America. He found the " The Sons Daniel Boone" and brought them into the scout movement. He was Mark Twain's illustrator. (IMAGE LEFT)

Board of Review: One of the steps needed for advancement, where a boy scout is questioned, but not re-examined, by a group of scouts and scouters usually connected with the scout's own troop

boatswain: The elected youth leader of a Sea Explorer ship

Bobcat: The first rank of Cub Scouting; a newcomer to the Cub Scout program who is generally seven or eight-years-old

Boy Scout: A registered male member of a nationally recognized Scout Program. In America, he is a registered member, at least eleven years, but not yet eighteen years of age. "Scout" is synonymous. Also see SCOUT

Boy Scouts of America: A national organization chartered by Congress to teach boys to become good citizens. Founded and incorporated on February 8, 1910. Image is of 1911 Boy Scout. (IMAGE RIGHT)

Boyce, William D.: (1858-1929) The man who brought Scouting to America, and the main organizer of the Boy Scouts of America. He knew how to work with boys for he ran weekly publications that employed over 20,000 sales boys. And when he was helped in a London fog, by a Boy Scout who would not take pay for his service, he was impressed. He was so impressed that after talking with Baden-Powell, he brought the idea back to America. He also founded the "Lone Scouts."

Boys' Life Magazine: Official magazine, published monthly for all scouts belonging to the Boy Scouts of America. Began in 1912 by Joseph Lane as a part of a reading program for boys