day campAlways lowercase. A day camp is a council-organized program designed for Scouts for two or more days, under council-retained leadership, at an approved site with no overnight stay. The program may operate at the Tiger, Wolf and Bear Scout, Webelos Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturer, or Sea Scout level.
delegationThis term is used when referring to the group of Scouts who attend the annual Report to the Nation.
denA neighborhood group of four to eight Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts that meets periodically, usually once a week, and is part of a Cub Scout pack.
den chiefA Scout or Venturer who has been appointed to help direct the activities of a Cub Scout den.
Den Chief trainingA one-day training experience conducted by the pack, district, or council to equip den chiefs with the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to perform their responsibilities.
den leaderA volunteer leader, 21 or older, appointed by the pack committee to plan and direct the den’s activities.
Den Leader’s MinuteAn important, inspirational thought for the day or a brief story that reflects on the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Cub Scout motto, or a patriotic theme—told without moralizing. Part of the closing at the end of a meeting. A Cubmaster may also close with a Cubmaster’s Minute.
dennerA Cub Scout or Webelos Scout elected by members of the den to help the den chief and den leader.
densityOf the total available youth in a designated area, the percentage who are members. Example: “West District has a Cub Scout density of 45.6 percent.”
differentTakes the preposition “from,” not “than.” Example: “This boot is different from the one I’m wearing.”
disabilitiesFollow these guidelines when referring to people with physical disabilities:
blind Describes a person with complete loss of sight. For others, use terms such as “visually impaired” or “person with low vision.”
deaf Describes a person with total hearing loss. For others, use “partial hearing loss,” “hearing impaired,” or “partially deaf.” Avoid the term “deaf mute”; do not use “deaf and dumb.”
disabled A general term used for a physical or cognitive condition that substantially limits one or more of the major daily life activities. Avoid the use of “the disabled” to describe disabled people as a group.
handicapped Avoid this term when describing a disability or a person who is disabled.
wheelchair-user A person who uses a wheelchair for independent mobility. Do not use “confined to a wheelchair” or “wheelchair-bound.”
Discovery AwardSecond-level Venturing award.
distinguished citizen award dinnerA testimonial fundraising dinner honoring a key community leader.
Distinguished Eagle Scout AwardA recognition bestowed upon individuals who earned the Eagle Scout rank 25 or more years ago; have received extraordinary national-level recognition or fame or have demonstrated eminence within their field; and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community.
districtA geographical area of the council determined by the council executive board to help ensure the growth and success of Scouting units within the district’s territory. Capitalize only when naming a specific district: “Arrowhead District,” “District 2,” “districtwide.”
district committeeConsisting of chartered organization representatives and elected district members at large, the district committee coordinates the functions of the district to carry out the policies and objectives of the council. The executive officer of the district committee is the district chair.
district executiveA professional Scouter who works under the direction of the local council Scout executive and acts as an advisor to the volunteer leaders in the district.
District Operations 2 trainingDO2 training is by invitation only and focuses on the continued development of professional Scouters, allowing them to learn and apply new competency-based skills and improve upon individual performance for success. Part of the BSA's commitment to building a culture that encourages continuous learning.
District Operations Basic trainingScouting U offers District Operations Basic (abbreviated as “DOB”) training for exempt professional Scouters. This training, taught using team-based learning and simulations, builds upon skills learned in Commissioning training and covers membership, exploring, decision-making, and technology.
Do a Good Turn DailyThis is the Scout slogan.
Do Your BestThe Cub Scout motto.
donor-advised fundA fund established at the BSA National Foundation that some refer to as a “charitable checking account.” A donor makes a gift, setting up a donor-advised fund, and then advises how and when to distribute the funds in the future. It may benefit both Scouting and non-Scouting entities, and often involves a donor’s family members as fund advisors.
Dutch ovenA heavy iron or aluminum pot used for cooking food over an open fire or coals. A traditional Scout dessert is peach cobbler baked in a Dutch oven.
