The Language of Scouting and BSA Style Manual
Revised February 2020
This reference is the Boy Scouts of America’s definitive resource on terms and style specific to Scouting and this organization. The Language of Scouting encompasses style, usage, grammar, and spelling norms observed by the Boy Scouts of America and used by the Marketing Group and Communication Services Department and its approved editorial and publishing partners. These standards have been developed so that the BSA can disseminate resources and other information in the most professional, consistent, coherent, and uniform manner for all forms of communication—print, digital, multimedia, etc.
Scouting terms are based in part on the Charter and Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America (available here). Grammar, spelling, style, and usage decisions are based on the latest editions of the following references, in order of preference: Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, The Associated Press Stylebook, and The Chicago Manual of Style. Turn to these resources (in the given order) for further reference. The Language of Scouting always takes precedence. Note: If an entry is capitalized, it should be capitalized whenever it is used.
There are currently 52 names in this directory beginning with the letter A.
Able
The second-highest rank in Sea Scouting. Examples: "Able Award," "Able rank," "Able requirements," "Able Sea Scout."
activity chair
A Venturer appointed by the crew Advisor and president to chair a crew activity or project.
Adult Mentor program
Adult 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 program participant
An 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.
Advanced Seamanship
This 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.”
advancement
The process by which a youth member meets certain requirements and earns recognition. There is no advancement program for adults. See also “methods of Scouting.”
Adventure
A 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 loop
A 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 pin
A 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/Adviser
A 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.”
advisor
Lowercase 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 Council
The 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 Scouting
The 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.
Alpha Phi Omega
A 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.
ALPS
Venturing’s program model has four areas of emphasis—Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service.
alumni
Former Scouts, family members of Scouts (past and present), volunteers, Scouters, and Scouting supporters.
American Indian
This 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.”
annual
An 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 meeting
These 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.”
Apprentice
The entrance rank in Sea Scouting. Examples: “Apprentice Award,” Apprentice rank,” “Apprentice requirements,” “Apprentice Sea Scout.”
aquatics awards
Several 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 Supervision: Paddle Craft Safety
The 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 Rescue
This 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.
area
An administrative section of a BSA region containing a number of councils. Examples: “Area 2,” “areawide.”
area president
The elected volunteer officer in an area who heads the area committee and serves as a member of the regional cabinet.
arena show
A 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 Light
The 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.”
assistant Chief Scout Executive
There 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 Cubmaster
A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to help the Cubmaster.
assistant den leader
A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to help the Cub Scout den leader.
assistant patrol leader
A 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 Scoutmaster
A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to help the Scoutmaster by working with a new-Scout patrol.
assistant senior patrol leader
A 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 leader
A leader in a pack, 18 or older, who is appointed by the chartered organization to help the Webelos den leader.
associate Advisor
Each 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.
awards and decorations
Capitalize: “Honor Medal,” “Medal of Merit,” etc. However, do not capitalize “emblem.” See also “emblem” and individual names of medals, honors, and emblems.
Awards Central
The 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.
