GLOSSARY

Scouting sometimes feels like it has it's own language, and it's easy to feel out of the loop when people start using all the specific jargon and abbreviations!  Here's a guide to some of the basics.

Activity Uniform – Activity Uniforms are Scouting-related t-shirts. They can be Pack t-shirts, day camp t-shirts or any other Scouting t-shirt. Pack 405 has a special yellow T-Shirt that we use for activities. Scout leaders who have been around for a long time may also still call it their "Class B" uniform.

Advancement – The progression that moves the Cub Scouts from rank to rank.

Adventure – Adventures are “collections of themed, multidisciplinary activities representing approximately three den meetings’ worth of engaging content.” Each year, Cubs must finish six required adventures, and two optional adventures to finish their rank requirements. 

Akela – Anyone who is a leader to the Cub Scout. Akela can be a parent, teacher, Den Leader, Cubmaster, or any other adult who helps guide the Cub Scout.

Arrow of Light (AOL) – This is the Den our 5th grade Scouts. It is the highest rank a Cub Scout can achieve. The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform. AOL Scouts can be spotted by their tartan neckerchief and tan uniform shirt.  AOL Scouts are working on knowledge that will serve them in a Scouts BSA Troop next year, and often attend Troop events.

Blue and Gold Banquet – Because February is the anniversary of the Scouting America, many packs celebrate with a Blue and Gold banquet. Pack 405 also uses this event for AOL Scouts to cross over to a Scouts BSA Troop.

Bear – This is the Den and Rank for our third grade students.  Bears can be spotted wearing their light blue neckerchiefs.

Bobcat – Bobcat used to be the first rank one earned in Cub Scouts.  It has now been incorporated into an adventure at each rank where we review the Cub Scout Law, Oath, Motto, handshake, and other knowledge that will help our new Scouts learn the ropes quickly.

Buddy System – The buddy system is used to help Cub Scouts look out for each other. At Cub Scout events, especially outdoor activities, all Cubs should find a partner. The buddies go everywhere together and know where each other is at all times. This helps ensure that the Scouts always have a partner to help him if he is lost or hurt.

Chartered Organization – Community or faith-based organizations that own and operate Cub Scout packs. They work under a “charter” from Scouting America. Pack 405's Chartered Organization is the Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church.

Council – A council is a service center, chartered by Scouting America, that is responsible for Scouting within its geographical area.  We are part of the Dan Beard Council.

Committee Chair - The Committee Chair steers the direction and operation of the Pack and the Pack Committee.  They work in conjunction with Pack leadership to ensure planning meetings take place, handle membership issues, and act as a resource for leaders and parents. 

Crossover – A Special ceremony where an Arrow of Light Cub Scout “crosses over” or “bridges” from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA. It symbolizes the Scout's induction into their Troop.  We also use this term when moving to the next rank in Cub Scouts.

Cub World –  Cub World is a large Cub Scout camp operated by the Dan Beard Council.  Many events are held there including Camporees, Summer Camp, and Spookoree. Cub World is located a few miles north of us in Loveland.

Cubmaster – The Cubmaster is the “face” of the Pack. Cubmasters help plan and carry out the Cub Scout program in their Pack. They support and motivate Den Leaders and parents. The Cubmaster serves as the emcee for Pack meetings and other events. Cubmasters and the Pack Committee work together to develop fun program ideas and activities.

Dan Beard – You may know this name from the bridge downtown that bears his name. Daniel Carter Beard was one of the founders of the Scouting movement in the United States!  Our council, which includes his birthplace, is named for him.

Den – A Den is a group of Scouts who are in the same grade or who are the same age. They work together to advance to the next level of Cub Scouts. 

Denner – A Scout who has been selected (by vote or appointment) to serve in a leadership role in their Den. They have specific duties such as taking attendance, leading a flag ceremony, assisting with Den activities and conducting a closing ceremony. Serving as a denner helps develop the Cub Scout’s leadership skills.

Den Chief – A Scouts BSA Troop member who has been selected to work with a Cub Scout den. They assist with Den activities and serve as a role model (and often a friend) to the Scouts in the Den. The Den Chief position is considered a leadership role in the Scouts BSA troop.

Den Leader - A Den Leader is an adult leader who leads their grade level specific group through rank adventures.  Usually a parent of one of the Den members.  Den Leaders take position specific training, undergo a background check, and take youth protection training. Older parents may remember the term "Den Mother" which is no longer used.

District – The geographic territory within a council is divided into districts. Districts vary in size. Some may span multiple counties, while others are one county. There may be multiple districts within one county, depending on its size.  We are in the Little Miami District.

District Executive – The District Executive (DE) is a paid employee of the local Council. Their role is to support Scouting in the district.

Field Uniform – This is the official uniform of Cub Scouts. Cub Scouts wear a blue uniform shirt, while AOL Scouts switch to the khaki Scouts BSA shirt.  Scout leaders who have been around for a long time may also call it the “Class A uniform.” 

Lion  – This is the Den and rank for our Kindergarten aged Cubs.  Lions can be spotted wearing a Lion T Shirt or a yellow neckerchief.  These are our youngest Cubs!

Pack – A Cub Scout Pack is a collection of Dens of all ranks. The Pack organizes the Dens, holds monthly meetings and conducts larger events such as the Pinewood Derby or Blue & Gold banquet. Packs belong to a community organization, such as a church or a service club, which is chartered by Scouting America to operate the Scouting program.

Pack Committee – Every Pack is under the supervision of 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 Chair – The Pack Committee Chair leads the Pack Committee and thus is responsible for the administration, oversight, and support of the Pack program.

Pinewood Derby – Cub Scout racing event. With help from their parents, Scouts design and build a race car using a kit that contains a block of wood, plastic wheels, and axles made from nails.

Raingutter/Recycle Regatta – Cub Scout racing event. For this race, Scouts build sailboats from recycled materials. Using wind power from a straw, the Scouts race their boats in raingutter tracks. 

Rank – Cub Scouts are grouped by grade or age into specific ranks. Kindergartner are Lions, first graders are Tigers, second graders are Wolves, third graders are Bears, fourth graders are Webelos, and fifth graders are Arrows of Light. The Scouts work toward their rank badge throughout the year. For example, the second grader is a Wolf, but does not get their Wolf rank badge until completing the Wolf adventures.

Roundtable – Roundtable is a monthly meeting for Scout leaders in our local district.  We meet with our District Executive and other dedicated leaders to share knowledge and tips for improving local Scouting.

Scouting U  – A yearly Council sponsored training day for Adult leaders with a focus on improving Scouting across all part of the organization.

Tiger  – This is the Rank and Den for our first grade aged students.  Tigers can be spotted wearing their bright orange neckerchiefs.

Two Deep Leadership - All Scouting activities require at least two registered adult leaders to be present. Any activity with a female Cub Scout must have a female leader present as well. Adult leaders should not be alone with a Scout (except their own child) at any time.

Unit – A generic term referring to the larger group of Scouts.  In Cub Scouts, this is the "Pack" but can also refer to Crew, Troop, or Ship in other parts of Scouting America.

Webelos – This is the Rank and Den for our fourth grade aged students. These Scouts can be spotted by their tartan neckerchief and blue shirts. This rank’s name has special meaning. It stands for WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts. Whether one or many, we always use the S at the end.

Wolf – This is the Rank and Den for our second grade age Cubs.  They can be spotted by their dark red neckerchiefs.

Webelos Colors – The Webelos Colors consist of a blue metal bar with the word “Webelos” on it. Below the bar are three woven streamers–one each of gold, red and green. The Scouts display their adventure pins on the streamers. The Webelos Colors are worn on the right sleeve of the Webelos uniform.

Whittling Chip – The Whittling Chip is an award a Cub Scout can earn that gives them the privilege of carrying a pocketknife to specifically designated events. To earn the Whittling Chip, Scouts have to know how to safely use and care for a pocketknife, make a carving, and promise to abide by the knife safety guidelines and the pocketknife pledge. Bear Cubs and older are eligible for this privilege.