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 24 names in this directory beginning with the letter E.
Eagle Class of XXXX
Correct: “Parker Johnson (Eagle Class of 2021).” Do not use any of these variants: “Parker Johnson (Class of 2021),” “Eagle Scout Parker Johnson (Eagle Class of 2021),” “Eagle Scout Parker Johnson (Class of 2021).”
Eagle Palms
These are awarded for continued leadership and skills development (merit badges) after the Eagle Scout rank has been earned. The Bronze Palm represents five additional merit badges, the Gold Palm represents 10 additional merit badges, and the Silver Palm represents 15 additional merit badges.
Eagle Scout board of review
The meeting unit, district, or council advancement committees have with a Scout to determine the individual’s understanding of Scouting ideals and experiences, and to evaluate how the youth is getting along in the troop. It’s also a time to review rank requirements to ensure that they have been met. Always lowercase “board of review.”
Eagle Scout court of honor
A public ceremony that recognizes a Scout for completing all of the requirements necessary to earn the Eagle Scout Award. Always lowercase “court of honor.”
Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner (or Day)
An annual event in which the council or a group of councils recognizes Scouts who have earned the Eagle Scout Award during the previous year.
Eagle Scout service project
While a Life Scout, the Eagle candidate plans, develops, and gives leadership to others in a project that benefits any religious organization, school, or community. Required for the Eagle Scout rank.
Eagle Scout service project coach
An individual who has been designated by the council or the district to provide guidance to Scouts whose Eagle Scout service project proposal has been approved.
Eagle’s Call
A periodical published for members of the National Eagle Scout Association. Formerly called Eagle Scout Magazine.
elected officers’ seminar
An annual planning and training program conducted by the Advisor for newly elected Venturing crew youth officers.
elective Adventures
A part of Cub Scout advancement. There are required and elective Adventures for each rank. Example: “Bear Claws elective Adventure.”
emblem
Do not capitalize: jamboree emblem, Trained Leader emblem, and all of the religious emblems (God and Me emblem, Alpha Omega emblem).
endowment fund
Assets that balance council needs for extra, current income and long-term financial stability and needs; may be used for general or specific purposes. Individual donors may permanently restrict their endowment gifts; funds designated to the endowment by council boards may, at most, be temporarily restricted.
Ernest F. Schmidt Scholarship Grant
The American Camping Association recognizes professional Scouters active in camping with this scholarship, which covers the fees and expenses for participation in its annual conference.
ethnic heritage
Do not use a hyphen for terms describing dual ethnic heritage: African American, Asian American, Hispanic American.
European Scout Voluntary program
Registered members of the BSA may apply to serve as staff members at a Scouting camp in Europe. Applicants apply directly to the European Scout Centers and follow their specific application process.
executive
Applies specifically to the Scout executive and generally to all professional Scouters. Capitalize when used with the Chief Scout Executive title. See also “Scout executive.”
executive board
(1) The National Executive Board is the governing body of the Boy Scouts of America. Voting members are defined in the National Bylaws, nominated by a committee, and elected by the members of the National Council. (2) The executive board in each local council is its policy-making body. Voting members include between 25 and 50 regular council members, the chairs of the committees of the executive board, the chairs of the district committees, and up to two youth members. The Scout executive is a nonvoting member. Capitalize “executive board” only in the name of a specific local council executive board or when reference is clearly to the National Executive Board: “Orange County Council Executive Board,” “the executive board of the Houston Area Council.”
executive committee
(1) The National Executive Board is the governing body of the Boy Scouts of America. Except for the powers reserved to the Executive Board, the duty and authority to manage the affairs of the Boy Scouts of America are vested in the National Executive Committee. Voting members are defined in the National Bylaws. (2) May refer to a committee of the National Executive Board or a committee of a local council executive board. Capitalize “executive committee” only in the name of a specific local council executive committee or when reference is clearly to the National Executive Committee: “Orange County Council Executive Committee,” “the executive committee of the Houston Area Council.”
Exploring
The BSA’s coed career exploration program. The program’s emphases are: career opportunities, character development, life skills, leadership experience, and citizenship. (Emphases should always be listed in this order.)
