1910 Society, The(or just 1910 Society) Prior to 2010, this program recognized donors who gave at least $25,000 outright or over a five-year period. It was replaced in 2010 with the Second Century Society.
50-Miler AwardThis award is earned when a Scout hikes, paddles, bikes, or rides horseback for at least 50 miles over five consecutive days, performs 10 hours of service, and completes the 50-Miler Award application.
9M4SThe ham radio station of the World Scout Bureau Global Support Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. See also “HB9S” and “K2BSA.”
AbleThe second-highest rank in Sea Scouting. Examples: "Able Award," "Able rank," "Able requirements," "Able Sea Scout."
activity chairA Venturer appointed by the crew Advisor and president to chair a crew activity or project.
adult leaderThe use of this term is not recommended. See "Scouter" and "adult volunteer."
Adult Mentor programAdult mentors work with young people enrolled in the P.R.A.Y. program. An adult who completes the mentor studies receives a certificate and lapel pin to wear on nonuniform clothing.
adult partnerThe adult member of a Lion or Tiger team.
adult program participantAn adult program participant is any person 18 years of age or older who registers to participate in a program in which youth members are also eligible to participate; obligates himself or herself to regularly attend the meetings; fulfills a member’s obligation to the unit; subscribes to the Scout Oath; and participates in an appropriate program based on the current guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America. Adult program participants are subject to the same guidelines as adult Scouters when required by
policies and guidelines.
adult volunteerAn adult Scouter who volunteers their services.
Advanced SeamanshipThis Sea Scouting course is designed for those who have completed the Safe Boating course. Those who complete it earn the Qualified Seaman bar. See also “Safe Boating.”
advancementThe process by which a youth member meets certain requirements and earns recognition. There is no advancement program for adults. See also “methods of Scouting.”
AdventureA 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. Capitalize the name as well as the word “Adventure.” Example: “Complete the Tigers in the Wild Adventure.” Also: “Check out this new Adventure.”
Adventure loopA recognition device awarded to a Lion, Tiger, Wolf, or Bear Cub Scout for completing the requirements of an Adventure. Adventure loops are designed to be worn on the Cub Scout belt. Capitalize the name of the Adventure but not the word “loop”: “Present the Bear Claws Adventure loop.”
Adventure pinA recognition device awarded to a Webelos or Arrow of Light Scout for completing the requirements of an Adventure. Adventure pins are designed to be worn on the Webelos colors or on the front of the Webelos cap. Capitalize the name of the Adventure but not the word “pin”: “Present the Castaway Adventure pin.”
adviser/AdviserA member of the Order of the Arrow who is at least 21 years of age; is responsible to the Scout executive; supervises the program; and guides, counsels, and teaches an Order of the Arrow organization or committee (“lodge adviser,” “staff adviser,” “ceremony team adviser,” etc.). When used with a person’s name, the title is capitalized (e.g., “Chapter Adviser John Doe”). See also “advisor.”
advisorLowercase when describing a counselor other than a Venturing staff or volunteer Advisor. Examples: “professional advisor,” “Venturing staff Advisor,” “Venturing volunteer Advisor.” See also “adviser.”
Advisory CouncilThe Advisory Council to the National Executive Board is composed of nonvoting members of the National Council who, because of experience, have a particular expertise that would benefit the national organization. They are elected to National Advisory Council membership by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board members present at any meeting.
aims of ScoutingThe Scouting program has four specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, leadership, and mental and physical fitness.
Akela(Pronounced AhKAYla.) A title of respect used in Cub Scouting. Any good leader is Akela. The name comes from Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.
allianceSee “Scout Executives’ Alliance.”
Alpha Phi OmegaA coeducational service fraternity organized in many of the colleges and universities of America. A program outside the BSA, it was founded on the principles of the BSA and Scout Oath and Scout Law.
ALPSVenturing’s program model has four areas of emphasis—Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service.
alumniFormer Scouts, family members of Scouts (past and present), volunteers, Scouters, and Scouting supporters.
American IndianThis term is preferred to “Native American” when referring to indigenous peoples of the continental United States. “Native American” more generally applies to also include native peoples of the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Guam. When possible, be precise and use the name of a specific tribe, such as “Chinook Tribe,” “Chinook Indian Tribe.”
Anniversary WeekSee “Scouting Anniversary Week.”
annualAn event cannot be described as “annual” until it has been held in at least two successive years. Do not use the term “first annual.” Instead, note that sponsors plan to hold an event annually. Examples: “First Venturing Jam,” “Second Annual Venturing Jam.”
Annual Giving Campaign (AGC)An opportunity for National Council employees and selected national-level prospects to provide financial support for national operations. See also “Friends of Scouting.”
annual meetingThese meetings are held to elect officers, hear reports of the year’s activities, and study plans for the coming year. Capitalize only when naming a specific meeting. Example: “Fairfield Council Annual Meeting.” See also “National Annual Meeting.”
appendixWhen referencing a book’s appendix within the text, this word is not capitalized.
ApprenticeThe entrance rank in Sea Scouting. Examples: “Apprentice Award,” Apprentice rank,” “Apprentice requirements,” “Apprentice Sea Scout.”
aquatics awardsSeveral BSA experiential aquatics awards, not tied to advancement, promote water safety and are available to Scouts BSA members, Sea Scouts, and leaders. They include Boardsailing BSA, Kayaking BSA, Mile Swim BSA, Scuba BSA, Snorkeling BSA, BSA Stand Up Paddleboarding, and Whitewater Rafting BSA.
Aquatics Instructor BSASee “BSA Aquatics Instructor.”
Aquatics Supervision: Paddle Craft SafetyThe modules in this skills training course supplement online Safety Afloat training and are recommended for those supervising the appropriate boating activities. Modules include Basic Canoeing, Basic Kayaking, River Canoeing, and River Kayaking. The first reference in a document should include the full title. Subsequent references may be shortened to “Paddle Craft Safety.”
Aquatics Supervision: Swimming and Water RescueThis skills training course supplements online Safe Swim Defense training and is recommended for those supervising swimming activities. The first reference in a document should include the full title. Subsequent references may be shortened to Swimming and Water Rescue.
areaAn administrative section of a BSA region containing a number of councils. Examples: “Area 2,” “areawide.”
area codesUse a hyphen with the area code rather than parentheses: 972-580-2000.
area presidentThe elected volunteer officer in an area who heads the area committee and serves as a member of the regional cabinet.
areas of emphasisSee “ALPS.”
arena showA series of exciting and dramatic displays of Cub Scout, Scout, and Venturing skills and talents put on by the members themselves for a seated audience. See also “booth show.”
Arrow of LightThe 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.”
ArrowmanA youth or adult member of the Order of the Arrow. Plural is Arrowmen.
assistant Chief Scout ExecutiveThere are four assistant Chief Scout Executives responsible for the areas of Field Service, Development, Support Services, and Outdoor Adventures for the BSA. The assistant Chief Scout Executives support and report to the Chief Scout Executive. See also “Chief Scout Executive.”
assistant CubmasterA volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to help the Cubmaster.
assistant den leaderA volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to help the Cub Scout den leader.
assistant dennerA Cub Scout or Webelos Scout elected by members of the den to help the denner.
assistant patrol leaderA Scout who is appointed by the patrol leader as a helper and to take the patrol leader’s place in that youth leader’s absence.
assistant ScoutmasterA volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to help the Scoutmaster by working with a new-Scout patrol.
assistant senior patrol leaderA youth leader, usually in larger troops, who helps the senior patrol leader. Appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent.
assistant Webelos den leaderA leader in a pack, 18 or older, who is appointed by the chartered organization to help the Webelos den leader.
associate AdvisorEach Venturing crew should have one or more adults, 21 years of age or older, who perform such duties as may be assigned by the Advisor. Associate Advisors often are assigned administrative and program functions.
at-riskAn ill-defined term that should be avoided.
awardCapitalize only when referring to the name of a specific award: “Silver Buffalo Award.”
awards and decorationsCapitalize: “Honor Medal,” “Medal of Merit,” etc. However, do not capitalize “emblem.” See also “emblem” and individual names of medals, honors, and emblems.
Awards CentralThe online repository for information about official awards and recognitions. This is where the most up-to-date information about BSA awards and recognitions may be found, including award applications and nomination forms. Go to
www.scouting.org/awards/awards-central.
Baden-Powell, Robert Stephenson SmythFounder of the worldwide Scouting movement. He was born Feb. 22, 1857, in London, was made a baron in 1929, and died Jan. 8, 1941. He is referred to as Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, Chief Scout of the World. Abbreviate B-P (without periods). Do not use his first name with his title: “Lord Baden-Powell,” but never “Lord Robert Baden-Powell.”
badgeUsually lowercase when referring to badges that Scouts can earn: “Webelos badge,” “Wolf badge,” “Camping merit badge.” Exception: “Wood Badge.”
BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)This training experience teaches volunteer leaders how to plan and carry out an outdoor experience for Cub Scouts.
Baptist churchesDo not apply the term “church” to any Baptist unit except the local church. There are more than 20 Baptist bodies in the United States, the largest being the Southern Baptist Convention.
Be PreparedThe Scout motto. The initials of the motto are the initials of Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. Capitalize only if standing alone: “The Scout must always be prepared.” “The Scout motto is Be Prepared.”
BearThe rank designed for a Cub Scout who is in the third grade.
biannual, biennialBiannual means twice a year and is a synonym for the word “semiannual.” “Biennial” means every two years.
bimonthlyMeans every other month. “Semimonthly” means twice a month.
biweeklyMeans every other week. “Semiweekly” means twice a week.
blue and gold banquetA 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. May be called “blue and gold dinner.” Capitalize only when part of a full title: “Pack 214 Blue and Gold Banquet.”
boardThis may refer to an executive board and is not capitalized in general reference. It may refer to a board of review only on second reference. Capitalize in reference to the BSA Executive Board or a specific executive board: Rio Grande Council Executive Board.
board of regentsRecipients of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award are invited to join the Board of Regents of the National Eagle Scout Association. The chair of the NESA Board of Regents is elected by those who have accepted membership. Capitalize only when reference is clearly to the NESA Board of Regents.
board of reviewA review held to determine if a Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements. A review may be held also to encourage Scouts who are not advancing. For the Tenderfoot through Life ranks, the board of review is conducted by the troop committee. For the Eagle Scout rank, the council decides whether the unit committee or the district or council committee responsible for advancement conducts the board of review. At least one district or council advancement representative shall always be a member of the unit board of review. Always lowercase: “Eagle Scout board of review.”
boatsSee “ships and spacecraft.”
boatswain(Pronounced BO-sun.) The elected youth leader of a Sea Scout ship. The office is comparable to president of a Venturing crew.
boatswain’s mateThe second-highest youth leadership position in a Sea Scout ship; elected to assist the boatswain.
BobcatThe first rank earned by Cub Scouts who join after kindergarten.
book titlesSee “composition titles.”
booth showBooth displays by Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Venturers are put on simultaneously while the audience walks around to observe them. This indoor or outdoor event may include stage shows for individual unit demonstrations. See also “arena show.”
Boy Scouts of America National FoundationA foundation established by the BSA to help local councils raise new gifts, provide technical assistance and advice for major gifts, and help donors establish gifts such as charitable unitrusts, scholarship funds, and those that may be distributed among several Scouting entities. The foundation also distributes and tracks financial grants to local councils, raises funds for national BSA initiatives, and serves as trustee for a wide variety of charitable gifts benefiting Scouting. Also commonly referred to as the BSA Foundation.
Boy Scouts of America®The legal name of the organization is singular. Example: “In 2010 the Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 100th anniversary.” The abbreviation is BSA (without periods) and is used with the article (“the BSA”) when used as a noun. The registered mark should appear at the end of “America” at the top corner on first reference in running text and in general in a stand-alone reference.
Boys’ LifeThe magazine for all youth published by the Boy Scouts of America has changed its name to Scout Life. The title should be italicized.
brand namesWhen they are used, capitalize them. “Brand name” is a nonlegal term for “service mark” or “trademark.” Brand names normally should be used only if they are essential; otherwise, use generic terms. See also “trademarks.”
bridge of honorAn award presentation ceremony in Sea Scouting.
bridge of reviewA review held to determine if a Sea Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements. For the Apprentice, Ordinary, and Able ranks, the review is held by peers; for the Quartermaster rank, the review is conducted by an approved group of adults in cooperation with the district or council advancement committee. Always lowercase: Quartermaster bridge of review.”
BridgingThis is when Cub Scouts have completed their grade level at the end of the school year and officially form the next grade level den.
Bronze PalmSee “Eagle Palms.”
Bronze Wolf AwardThe only award presented by the World Scout Committee. Bestowed solely in recognition of outstanding service by an individual to the world Scout movement.
Brotherhood membershipThe second and final induction phase of membership in the Order of the Arrow. Capitalize Brotherhood only when referring to membership or to the ceremony. Do not capitalize when referring to friendship.
BSA Aquatics InstructorA five-year training designation for an adult who satisfactorily completes the Aquatics section at a BSA National Camping School.
BSA Brand CenterThe BSA Brand Center is an asset management resource, located at
https://scoutingwire.org/BSA-Brand-Center, that is designed to help councils produce brand-consistent and cost-effective marketing materials, including fliers, logos, videos, and more.
BSA family campingSee “family camp.”
BSA FoundationSee “Boy Scouts of America National Foundation.”
BSA Learn CenterAccessed via
my.scouting.org, the BSA Learn Center offers a selection of courses for adult volunteers.
BSA LifeguardA professional-level lifeguard training program available to registered members at least 15 years old.
BSA Lifeguard InstructorA certification for adults who train BSA Lifeguards.
BSA local councilNot “BSA council” or “local BSA council.”
BSA Mission StatementThe mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law
BSA Vision StatementThe Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
buddy systemThe safety system where Scouts group together and keep an eye out for each other during Scouting activities such as camping, aquatics, hiking, and other activities. For aquatics activities, swimmers of like ability are grouped, check in and out of the water together, and monitor the safety of each other during the swim.
budget planA method used by a unit to develop thrift habits. A yearly budget is established and weekly dues are agreed upon.
buglerAn appointed youth position of responsibility in a Sea Scout ship or a Scout troop. Bugler is not considered a position of responsibility for the Eagle Scout rank; it is, however, for the Star Scout and Life Scout ranks.
Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of AmericaThe document that defines all legal aspects of the operation of the Boy Scouts of America corporation. See also “Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America.”
caliberThe form: “22-caliber rifle.” See also “firearms.”
calling-out ceremonyThe ceremony that begins the membership induction process for a newly elected Order of the Arrow candidate. Subsequent references can use “callout.”
camp directorThe Scouter in charge of the administration of a Scout resident camp or a Cub Scout day camp or resident camp.
camp rangerA ranger’s responsibilities may include keeping camp facilities functioning properly, performing camp improvements and maintenance, issuing supplies and equipment related to maintenance, directing the maintenance staff, ensuring that activities are performed in accordance with local council and national safety policies, and managing the off-season program.
Campaign for local council endowmentMany councils conduct a campaign to raise new gifts used to increase their endowment funds. It may be a stand-alone campaign, or it may be a separate component of a capital campaign.
campingCamping is the hallmark of Scouting. See “day camp,” “long-term camping,” “resident camping,” “outdoor program,” “high adventure,” and “High Adventure Department.”
camping directorA professional Scouter who is responsible for development of the year-round camping program of the local council. This person supervises the long-term camping program and may or may not serve as the resident camp director.
campmasterA volunteer Scouter trained to assist in short-term camping. Many councils organize a campmaster corps as a resource for their units.
camporeeDerived from two words: camp and jamboree. A camporee is a district or council troop activity that demonstrates the techniques of living in camp. It involves a one- or two-night camping experience and may include outdoor skills competition. Capitalize only when referring to a specific district’s or troop’s event: “Hiawatha District Camporee.”
campoutA camping activity with at least one overnight stay. One word.
campsiteA unit’s outdoor home for an overnight, resident, or long-term camp or for the den activities at Cub Scout day camp. One word.
capitalizationAvoid unnecessary capitalization. When in doubt, don’t capitalize. Many words and phrases, including special cases, are listed separately in this guide. Entries that are capitalized without further comment should be capitalized in all uses. If there is no relevant listing in this guide for a particular word or phrase, consult Merriam-Webster.com. Use lowercase if the dictionary lists it as an acceptable form for the sense in which the word is being used.
As used in this guide, “capitalize” means to use uppercase for the first letter of a word. If additional capital letters are needed, they are called for by an example. See also “composition titles.”
Following are some Scouting specifics:
Activities. Do not capitalize “pow wow,” “camporee,” “jamboree,” or “show” unless the reference is to a specific event: Midland District Pow Wow, South Central Camporee, the 2017 National Jamboree, Pioneer Day Scouting Show.
Groups. Do not capitalize “pack,” “den,” “troop,” “patrol,” “ship,” “crew,” “district,” “council,” “region,” or “area” unless the reference is specific: Pack 10, Den 5, Troop 6, Fox Patrol, Ship 2, Central District, Circle Ten Council, Western Region, Area 2.
Headings and titles of works. In headings and titles that use uppercase and lowercase letters, capitalize the first letter of the first word, the first letter of the last word, and all other words except “to” in infinitives (Dare to Fly With the Eagles), articles (a, an, the), coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for), and prepositions of fewer than four letters (at, by, for, in, of, off, on, per, to, up, via), except when used as part of an adverb in a title (Climb On Safely). Do capitalize prepositions of four letters or more (With, From, Between, After). Note that subordinating conjunctions (As, If, When) are capitalized (Scouts to Work at Cleanup As Their Good Turn).
Nationalities, religious organizations, and tribal or racial groups. Do not capitalize group names that refer to color. Examples: American, Islamic, Hispanic, African American, Asian, American Indian, black, white.
Titles of office Chief Scout Executive and Chief Scout of the World are the only titles that are routinely capitalized in all uses. Capitalize other titles only when they precede a name: District Executive Thorpe is working with other district executives; she is the council’s Scout executive.
certificate of meritSee “Local Council Certificate of Merit” and “National Certificate of Merit.”
chairNew entry for chair which replaces BSA president.
chaplain(1) A spiritual leader for units appointed by the faith-based community organization chartered to use the Scouting program. (2) One who gives spiritual leadership to a camp or jamboree community; conducts religious services according to his or her faith and arranges for other religious observance as needed; provides help in dealing with morale; visits those who are ill; and provides counseling in case of bereavement.
chaplain aideA youth leader who works with the troop chaplain to ensure all members have appropriate religious observance during outings and helps other Scouts in the religious emblems program. Appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent.
chapterAn optional geographic administrative unit of an Order of the Arrow lodge corresponding to a district or multiple districts.
Charles L. Sommers Alumni AssociationFormer and current seasonal and permanent staff members, long-time volunteers, and supporters of the Northern Tier National High Adventure Program are eligible for membership. The group works to preserve and promote wilderness camping, high adventure, and training opportunities at Northern Tier.
Charles L. Sommers High Adventure BaseThis year-round facility in Ely, Minnesota, offers cold-weather camping and access to dozens of wilderness routes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. See also “Northern Tier National High Adventure Program.”
charterIn the BSA, charters authorize (1) an organization to operate Scouting units (see “chartered organization”), (2) a local council to incorporate as a BSA local council, (3) operation of an Order of the Arrow lodge, or (4) the Boy Scouts of America to incorporate. See “Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America” and “Charter of the Boy Scouts of America.” Do not use as a verb; use “to obtain a charter” and “to renew a charter” rather than “to charter” or “to recharter.”
Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of AmericaThe published booklet containing the two documents. Italicize title if reference is to the physical book; titles of the separate documents are not italicized.
Charter of the Boy Scouts of AmericaThis Congressional Act of Incorporation, passed on June 15, 1916, authorized and set standards for the incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America. It also protects the name, emblems, badges, and descriptive or designating marks, words, or phrases of the program. See also “Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America.”
charter presentationA formal ceremony at which the charter, Scouter commissions, and membership certificates are presented to organization authorities and members of the unit.
charter renewalAn 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 for the charter presentation.
charter reviewSee “membership inventory.”
chartered organizationA religious, civic, or other community-based organization that has applied for and received a charter to operate a Scouting unit. Do not use “chartered partner” or “sponsoring unit.”
chartered organization representativeA manager of Scouting in a chartered organization who also represents this organization in the local council and district.
cheermasterAppointed by the patrol leader, this Scout is in charge of leading patrol songs, yells, stunts, and campfire programs.
chiefThe key elected youth leader in the Order of the Arrow who may be a chapter chief, lodge chief, section chief, regional chief, or national chief.
Chief Scout CitizenTheodore Roosevelt was named Chief Scout Citizen in 1910 when the Boy Scouts of America was founded. Always capitalize.
Chief Scout ExecutiveThe top-ranking professional Scouter of the Boy Scouts of America, used when the Scouter is a commissioned BSA professional. This is the only professional title that is routinely capitalized. See also “president and CEO.”
churchCapitalize as part of the formal name of a building, congregation, or denomination; lowercase in other uses: “St. Mary’s Church,” “the Roman Catholic Church,” “a Presbyterian church.” Do not use as a catch-all phrase in reference to places of worship.
Climb On SafelyThe BSA’s recommended procedure for organizing unit climbing and rappelling activities. The eight points—qualified supervision, qualified instruction, physical fitness, safe area, equipment, planning, environmental conditions, and discipline—help ensure the safety and well-being of participants. Note the uppercase “On.”
club sponsorA volunteer, 21 or older, appointed by the executive officer to lead an Exploring club.
Code of ConductSee “Scouter Code of Conduct.”
coed Venturing crewsThe membership policy of a Venturing crew is determined by the organization chartering the crew. The organization may determine whether its crew is to be coed, all male, or all female. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females.
commissioned personnelThe commissioned personnel of a council includes all professional Scouters and all commissioners.
commissionerA commissioned volunteer Scouter who works with packs, troops, crews, and ships to help units succeed. In addition to the council commissioner, there are district commissioners, assistant district commissioners, roundtable commissioners, and unit commissioners. See also “international commissioner.”
Commissioning trainingRequired training for all unit-serving professional Scouters, both exempt and nonexempt. Training includes 84 e-learning modules, followed by a three-day class held in Texas that is taught using team-based learning, testing, and simulations. Training covers basic Scouting and district knowledge, sales, customer service, delegation, and building strategic work relationships.
Commitment to SafetyThe BSA’s emphasis on creating a safe and healthy environment for youth, volunteers, staff, and employees by:
- Knowing and executing the BSA program as contained in our publications
- Planning tours, activities, and events with vigilance using the tools provided
- Setting the example for safe behavior and equipment use during program
- Engaging and educating all participants in discussions about hazards and risks
- Reporting incidents in a timely manner
committeeThe work of the National Council is conducted by volunteers working in committees with the guidance of professional Scouters. There are five groups of standing committees of the National Executive Board.
composition titlesCapitalize the principal words, including prepositions of four or more letters. The word “to” in infinitives is not capitalized. See also “capitalization.”
Italicize the following:
Titles of books, booklets, and periodicals: Scouts BSA Handbook for Boys, Scout Life
Newspapers and sections published separately: Dallas Morning News, New York Times Book Review
Plays: Romeo and Juliet
Movies: Gone With the Wind
Long poems published separately: Paradise Lost
Operas and other long musical compositions: Madame Butterfly
Works of art: Grant Wood’s American Gothic
Enclose the following titles in quotation marks:
Articles and features in periodicals and newspapers
Chapter titles in books
Short stories and essays
Short poems
TV and radio shows
Songs and short musical compositions
Computer games: “The Sims”
DVDs and CDs
Do not use quotation marks or italics for titles of posters, calendars, short fliers, cards, and the like.
conclaveA section training meeting for Order of the Arrow members from a specific geographic area.
congressCapitalize “U.S. Congress” and “Congress” when referring to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
congressionalLowercase unless part of a proper name: “congressional salaries,” “the Congressional Quarterly,” “the Congressional Record.”