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 14 names in this directory beginning with the letter I.
Indian Camperships
An Order of the Arrow program that provides partial summer camp fees for Scouts of American Indian lineage. Sometimes referred to as the Maury Clancy Indian Campership Fund.
instructor
(1) This youth leader helps other youth members with rank advancement; appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent. (2) This term can also apply to any youth or adult who can instruct others on parts of the Scouting program.
Interamerican Scout Foundation
Contributions to this nonprofit corporation support the Scouting movement in the Americas. See also “Order of the Condor.”
International Camp Staff program
Local councils throughout the United States employ qualified Scouters from other countries to be a part of their summer camp and Cub Scout day camp programs. Local councils and applicants complete and submit applications to the International Department of the BSA national service center. Applicants are screened by their own Scout organization, the BSA national service center, and the prospective hiring council.
international commissioner
A volunteer Scouter who represents the Boy Scouts of America in matters dealing with other national Scout organizations and with the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
international representative
In cooperation with the council leadership, a nominated volunteer keeps the council membership informed of the opportunities for program enrichment in the area of international Scouting.
International Scouters Award
Presented by the Boy Scouts of America, an award that recognizes Scouters for their contributions to world Scouting.
International Spirit Award
A temporary emblem awarded to registered Scouts and Scouters who have completed the necessary requirements, have gained a greater knowledge of international Scouting, and have developed a greater appreciation and awareness of different cultures and countries. This award replaces the International Activity emblem and the Youth Exchange emblem.
internet
Do not capitalize.
interpreter strip
A badge available to Scouts BSA members who can write, translate, and speak a foreign language or can carry on a conversation in American Sign Language or Morse code.
Introduction to Leadership Skills
The first course in the youth leadership training continuum. There are versions for Scouts BSA members, Venturers, and Sea Scouts.
investiture
A ceremony placing the responsibilities of an office or rank upon an individual.
Islamorada
Site of the Sea Base. It is pronounced aisle-a-more-AH-dah.
italics
Use italics in the following situations: for emphasis (but use sparingly), for some composition titles (see “composition titles”), for new vocabulary, and for foreign words that are not listed in the dictionary.

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.