Glossary
of Terms
The following list will help define meetings, functions, programs and organizations commonly found in the Susquehanna Council and the National Boy Scout Program. This as a service to assist our dedicated volunteers with Scouting terminology.
Advancement Reports: Advancement Reports are required to purchase badges of rank for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts Venture Scouts and merit badges from our Council Service Centers. These reports are used to compile year-end reports for the National Council as well as show the local council monthly and yearly advancement progress of our units. They are also used to verify advancement for the Eagle Award. If these reports are not received and recorded, processing delays for the Eagle Award may result. It is important to enter the correct date (date completed) MM/DD/YY on the advancement form badge and rank. Also, advancement reports should be submitted to the council on a monthly basis. Information requested on the report include Cub Scout Ranks (including Bobcat, Arrow Points, Webelos Activity Badges), Boy Scout Ranks, Venture Ranks and Merit Badges earned by Boy Scouts and Venture Members.
Boy Scouting: For boys grades 6-12, and is designed to achieve Scouting's objectives through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. (Boys may become a Scout if he has completed the fifth grade, or is 11 years old, or has earned the Arrow of Light Award, but is younger than 18 years of age).
Boy Scout Fast Start: Initial Boy Scout leader training orientation. Precursor to Scoutmastership Fundamentals training.
Chartered Organization Representatives: Your COR is a very important part of your unit's and chartered organization's leadership. In addition to overseeing the program and selecting and approving unit leadership, they are also a voting member of the council and a member of the district committee. Each COR should make a concerted effort to attend monthly District Committee meetings and the Council Annual Meeting.
Commissioners: A Unit Commissioner works with the adult leadership of a unit to help them operate at maximum efficiency. A Commissioner is concerned with the unit's ability to deliver the ideal purpose of Scouting to boys. You will find your unit's Commissioner to be extremely helpful.
Cub Scouting: Cub Scouting is a family and home centered program for boys who are in the first through fifth grade (or age 7or8). The second half of this program is called Webelos Scouts if they are 9 years of age or have completed the third grade. The Cub Scouts are part of a den.
Cub Scout Fast Start: Cub Scout Leader training/orientation. Precursor to Cub Leader Basic Training.May be viewed on-line.
Den: Group of Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts. Usually about 6 to 10 boys who meet 3 times per month with their leader and another adult present.
Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner: A fund-raising dinner honoring a distinguished citizen in the community who has helped both Scouting and the community.
District Award of Merit: For volunteer service to the District. Presented by the District Committee usually at the District Recognition Dinner. Highest award given by the local District to a dedicated Scouter.
District Camporee: Overnight/weekend District level outdoor experience, typically theme related. Provides troops an opportunity to develop outdoor skills and interact with other units within the district.
District Committee (Cmte): Group of elected Scouters and Chartered Organization Representatives responsible for administration of the Scouting Program within a given geographical boundary. All districts within a council are responsible for carrying out four standard functions: (1) Membership, (2) Finance, (3) Program, which includes Camp Promotion, Activities and civic service, Training, Advancement and recognition, (4) Unit Service (Commissioner service).
District Executive (DE): Professional (employed) staff member assigned to the District by the Scout Executive. Serves as Secretary to the District Committee and member of the District Key Three.
District Nominating Committee: Selected by District Chairperson to identify, recruit and nominate district officers and district members at large.
Exploring/Venturing: Through the worksite-based career education program of Exploring and the exploration of avocations or hobby interests through Venturing, young men and women age 14-20 are exposed to exciting and meaningful activities that help youth to pursue a special area of interest, to grow to develop leadership skills, and to become responsible and caring adults. (Young adults may become Explorers/Venturers if they are at least 14 years of age and have completed eighth grade or 15 years of age and not yet 21.)
Friends of Scouting (FOS): A council-wide annual fund raising campaign providing scout and cub parents, volunteers, local community and business leaders the opportunity to "make a difference" in the life of a boy. Every family is encouraged to take part during January to April.
High Adventure: The BSA does provide for a top quality wilderness experience through a variety of High Adventure programs. The Council office has information on many different High Adventure programs including: Philmont Scout Ranch, Somers National High Adventure Base, Adirondack Adventure Area, and Florida Seabase. The council provides several of these High Adventure opportunities in the summertime.
Insurance: As part of the council budget and your unit’s $20 charter fee, the council maintains a general liability insurance policy for you and your chartered organization’s protection to cover damages caused by an occurrence arising out of or in the course of official Scouting functions and activities/ When necessary, "Certificates of Insurance" can be issued in favor of the owners of premises and other facilities used by your unit for Scouting. Although medical insurance is primarily a family’s responsibility, the Council has a Council-wide Scout Accident Insurance Plan. This will cost your unit a nominal yearly premium (at registration time) but will help to reduce the cost of Council Camps and activities and insure that all families have protection.
Jamboree on the Air (JOTA): An international weekend of Scouting event hosted by amateur ham radio clubs and individuals to promote the World Brotherhood of Scouting by giving Scouts an opportunity to contact fellow Scouts from across the world.
Key 3: Planning meeting of the District Chairperson, District Commissioner and District Executive of the District.
Klondike Derby: A one day event for Boy Scouts to exhibit their skills and knowledge in a competitive environment. These activities are, typically, district or combined district events.
Nominating Committee: A group of individuals selected to choose leadership for the Council or District. The committee reviews current members and recruits the best possible leadership for the organization.
Order of the Arrow (OA): The Order of the Arrow is a national brotherhood of Scout Honor Campers. Membership is through election by youth member within the Troop. The O/A lodge performs valuable service projects throughout the year at all our council camps. The OA has three levels of membership Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil. Our new Lodge is called Woapeu Sisilija Lodge. Only active and dues paid members may wear the lodge flap. The Scout Executive is the Supreme Chief of the Fire.
Pow-Wow: Council-wide Cub Scout Leader training program geared to all Pack leaders and prospective leaders. Leaders participate in the games, crafts and skits/shows outlined in the "Cub Program Helps". Participants also receive credits towards the Training Award.
Program Themes: A series of monthly ideas and activities promoted each year through the National Council of the BSA. Monthly themes are supported through the annual "Program Helps", articles in Boys Life and Scouting Magazines. The themes for the Cub Scout, Webelos, and Boy Scout are covered at monthly Roundtables.
Rechartering: The unit "charter" must be renewed each year and reviewed by the Chartered Organization and the local council.
Registration: A person is not a member of the BSA until he or she is properly registered. This is accomplished by submitting a new member application or rechartering with a unit, district or council. Applications must be sent to the Council Service Center as soon as a new member joins. By doing this, paperwork doesn't become misplaced, mailing lists are accurate and the new member will receive his or her membership card promptly through the unit leader. Registration fees are pro-rated on the basis of your unit charter expiration date and support the unit budget plan concept. Please ensure that all addresses are the mailing addresses of the youth member or adult leader registering. All adult leaders and Merit Badge Counselors must be registered.
Roundtable (RT): A monthly gathering providing the opportunity for leaders to receive and share information. Conducted by Roundtable Commissioner staff with details of upcoming district and council activities and events. A "must attend" for all Cub and Scout leaders.
Roundtables for Boy Scout Leaders: A monthly gathering of Scoutmasters, Assistants and Unit Committee Chairpersons of the district to receive program ideas for the coming month. It gives a chance to share ideas with others. New ideas for games, ceremonies, songs, stunts, etc. are offered. Council ad District Activities for Scout Troops are outlined at Roundtable. Under the leadership of an experienced staff, all interested Scout Leaders are invited to attend.
Roundtables for Cub Scout Leaders: These monthly meeting for adult Cub Scout leaders are held on a district basis. Den and Pack leaders join for fun and fellowship while learning tricks, stunts, games, crafts, ceremonies, songs, skits and other ideas that will help them with their packs and dens. These Roundtables are under the guidance of a highly competent and experienced Roundtable Commissioner Staff. Upcoming details on district and council activities for Cub Scouts and their leaders are also shared. Roundtable attendance is a must for Cubmasters, Den Leaders and Coaches, and Webelos Leaders.
School Night for Scouting: Each year, a "School Night" to recruit new youth and parents is held in Sept. This is the time for your unit to promote and explain Scouting and your program to the youth and parents/guardians in your neighborhood and recruit youth and leaders into Scouting.
Scout Executive (SE): Executive Director and head Professional employee of the Council. Secretary to the Council Executive Board. All employees report to the Scout Executive through their staff leader.
Scouters Outdoor Skills (SOS): Outdoor training for adult Scout Leaders which provides hands on training in Camping, First Aid, Youth Protection, Cooking, Nature and other related subjects.
Scoutmastership Fundamentals (SMF): A three session Boy Scout leader training program designed to teach the "Aims & Methods of Boy Scouting" to aid in a boy's growth. In addition, the course offers hands-on experience in patrol cooking and camping training to assist in the development of a successful troop.
Silver Beaver Award: Highest Award that the Council can bestow on a dedicated volunteer for service to youth, the community and Scouting. Susquehanna Council presents this award as part of the annual Council Recognition Dinner.
Summer Camp: Summer camp is often the highlight of a Cub Scout and Boy Scout's yearly program. It provides each Scout an opportunity to learn, have fun, interact with other Scouts, and to put into practice skills they have learned in their Scouting career. Susquehanna Council mails a Summer Camping Adventure brochure about its summer camping programs to each registered youth. Packs and Troops should schedule a camp promotion night each year for parents and youth members through the District Camping Committee or District Executive.
Summertime Pack Award: Scouting is a year round program, but often the summer is a time for a break in the normal routine. This award recognizes those packs and individuals who continue the pack program through the months of June, July, and August. Applications and information are available from the Council office.
Tiger Cubs: Tiger Cubs is a family oriented program for the first grade (or age 7) boys and an adult who participates with him. The program stresses fun, activity, and relationship building between the boys and adult are introduced to Scouting and strongly encouraged to graduate to Cub Scouts. Each Tiger Cub den is part of a Cub Scout Pack.
Tiger to Cub Transition: Although Tigers are officially part of the Cub Scout program, they should be formally graduated into the Pack with a special ceremony during the April/May time period.
Tour Permits: Each unit is required to submit a Tour Permit for any trip outside the council. The permit is designed to help units plan a safe and enjoyable trip. Refer to "A Guide to Safe Scouting" for more information on tour permits. The Susquehanna Council requires that at least one adult leader has current youth protection training. It is always required that a least two adults are present at any meeting, trip, activity that is held as this is a National Requirement.
Trading Post: Store that sells books, unit supplies and badges for leaders to purchase and present. A full service trading post is offered in Williamsport.
Uniforming: One of the important methods used in achieving the aims of Scouting is the uniform. It builds a sense of identity and pride, provides a place of rank and leadership insignia, and influences the member’s behavior and expectations. Each youth member should be encouraged to secure and wear his uniform at all Scouting functions. Of course, as a leader, you will want to create a positive environment for uniform wearing by setting the right example.
Web Site: www.533bsa.org for those who want up to date information including forms and the calendar.
Webelos Leader Outdoor Training: An outdoor training experience designed to provide Webelos Den Leader with skills and knowledge needed to successfully deliver the outdoor program of Scouting to their Webelos.
Webelos to Scout Transition: One of the purposes of the Webelos program is to prepare them to become Boy Scouts. The Webelos Leaders, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and Unit Commissioner should ensure each Webelos graduates into a Boy Scout Troop. This goal is accomplished by having the Webelos den particpate or visit their local troop as an introduction and encouragement to continue in Scouting while working toward their Arrow of Light Award.
Wood Badge: Advance leader training offered to Cub leaders and Boy Scout leaders, consisting of two outdoor weekend trainings (or one full week) of sessions followed by the participant "working his ticket". When completed, the participant is presented his or her Wood Badge beads, signifying successful completion of the training.
Youth Protection Training (YPT): Every adult leader must be properly educated in YPT, encourage each family to use the "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse & Drug Abuse" booklet included in each Scout handbook. All adult Scouters must have Youth Protection training in order to take youth on trips, camping and outings and be recertified every two years.