Scouting Jargon

We know there’s a lot of lingo to learn—like “den,” “pack,” and “Pinewood Derby”—but don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Think of it as our secret code to fun and adventure. Dive in, and soon you’ll be speaking “Scout” like a pro!

Adventures (Required): Scouting America has designed grade level appropriate adventures scouts complete as part of achieving their Rank.  Our Den activities/meetings are planned around meeting these requirements. Scouts will earn awards they add to their uniforms for each adventure completed.  (Webelos earn lapel pins, younger scouts earn belt loops)  If a scout misses a Den meeting, adventures can be completed at home.  An overview of Webelos adventures can be found at this link. 

Adventures (elective): Along with the required electives, scouts can complete additional Adventures and earn more awards to display on their uniforms. A scout must earn two of their choosing to earn their rank.

Akela: A term used to refer to a leader in Cub Scouting, derived from Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book.”

Arrow of Light: The highest rank in Cub Scouting, earned by fifth-grade Scouts.

Bear: The rank for third-grade Cub Scouts.

Blue and Gold Banquet: An annual celebration held by Cub Scout packs to celebrate the anniversary of Scouting.

Badges: There are a few types of badges. 

• Rank Badge: When all requirements for a rank are complete, the Scout will earn the badge of that rank to display on their uniform. Unfortunately, new Scouts cannot go back and earn previous badges, (i.e. a scout who joined in 4th grader cannot earn a Tigers badge)

• Activity Badges: These are optional badges a scout receive for going on an activity like a summer camp or jamboree

• Award Badges: These are rewards outside the normal advancement track that a scout can earn for completing specific requirements

Bobcat: Before 2024 this was the first rank earned by all Cub Scouts, regardless of their age when they join. Since 2024 it is the recommended first adventure every scout earns to help them get to know their den.

Campfire: A gathering around a fire for songs, skits, and storytelling, often held during camping trips.

Class A or Field Uniform: this is the full button up, neckerchief and hat (there are pants and socks the go with the uniform, but those are optional with our Pack)  Don't worry, I will be sure you know which uniform to wear when.  

Class B or Activity Uniform: this is a more casual uniform we will wear depending on circumstances.  It is the Blue Pack T-shirt and Hat

Cubmaster: The adult leader responsible for planning and leading the activities of a Cub Scout pack.

Den: the sub group of the Pack for each grade   Each Den is named for the rank they are working to obtain. (Kindergarten are Lions, 1st Grade are Tigers, 2nd Grade are Wolves, 3rd grade are Bears, 4th are Webelos and 5th are Webelos/Arrow of Light (AOL)

Den Chief: A Boy Scout who assists a Cub Scout den leader with den activities.

Den Leader: An adult volunteer who leads a den of Cub Scouts.

District: A geographical area within a council that supports local Scout units.

Friends of Scouting (FOS): An annual fundraising campaign to support local Scouting programs.

Leadership Committee: the group of volunteers that coordinates the Pack and Den event

Lion: The rank for kindergarten Cub Scouts.

Pack: The pack refers to the entire group, Kindergarten through 5th grade.  Each grade (Den) works on requirements for a given rank.   Each pack has an ID number, we are 773

Pack Committee: A group of adult volunteers who support the pack’s operations and activities.

Pinewood Derby: An annual racing event where Cub Scouts build and race small wooden cars.

Popcorn Sale: A fundraising activity where Scouts sell popcorn to support their pack.

Popcorn Fundraiser/Trails End App: Our annual fundraiser is to sell popcorn.  Trails end is the website/phone app used to sell popcorn.  

Ranks: Each den is named for the rank they are working on.   There are required adventures the scouts must complete to obtain their rank.  Our Den programs are designed for Scouts to obtain their ranks by the end of the year.

Raingutter Regatta: A boat racing event where Cub Scouts build and race small boats in a raingutter.

Roundtable: A monthly meeting for adult leaders to share ideas and receive training.

Scoutbook: Website provided by the Scouting BSA where we record and track our badges and awards

Scouting America (fka Boy Scouts) -  the national organization that sponsors and provides the overall structure for the Cub Scouts

Scout Oath: A pledge that all Scouts take, promising to do their best and live by the Scout Law.

Scout Law: A set of twelve principles that guide the behavior of Scouts.

Scouting for Food: An annual service project where Scouts collect food donations for local food banks.

Service Project: A community service activity organized by Scouts to help others.

Tiger: The rank for first-grade Cub Scouts.

Webelos: The rank for fourth-grade Cub Scouts, standing for “We’ll Be Loyal Scouts.”

Wolf: The rank for second-grade Cub Scouts.

Wood Badge: Advanced training for adult leaders in the principles of Scouting.

Youth Protection Training (YPT): Mandatory training for all adult leaders to ensure the safety and well-being of Scouts.

Join Night: An event where new families are invited to learn about and join Cub Scouting