Boy Scouts of America

Language of Scouting

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.

Resources

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There are currently 9 names in this directory beginning with the letter F.
family camp
A family camp is a one-time, council-approved one- or two-night camp at an approved site for Tigers, Wolf and Bear Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Scouts BSA members, Venturers, and Sea Scouts and their families and that involve more than one unit where the council, or its agents, provides the staffing and may provide program and food service.
federal charter
See “Charter of the Boy Scouts of America.”
Fellowship Honor
The BSA's training recognition for professional Scouters who complete advanced levels of training and contribute to the development of other employees through a fellowship thesis.
field service council
The Michigan Crossroads Council is a single council that covers the lower peninsula of Michigan. It is composed of four subcouncils called field service councils.
firearms
“Gun” and “firearm” are acceptable terms. All references to “handgun” should be changed to “pistol.” Note the following terms:
air rifle caliber gauge muzzleloader pistol revolver rifle shell shot shotgun
First Class
The fourth rank for Scouts BSA members; between Second Class and Star.
Founders Circle Award
Prior to 2010, this award recognized donors who made deferred gifts of $100,000 or more through a will or trust. It was replaced in 2010 by the Second Century Society.
Friends of Scouting (FOS)
An annual opportunity for Scouters and interested people in the community to be identified with the local council through their financial support and influence in the expansion of the council program. Enrollees are known as “Friends.” See also “Annual Giving Campaign.”
fundraising, fundraiser
No hyphen.

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.