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 8 names in this directory beginning with the letter J.
Jamboree
A term chosen by Baden-Powell to describe the first international gathering of Scouts camping together in London in 1920. The term is restricted to indicate a national or world jamboree. Capitalize “National Jamboree” and “World Scout Jamboree” in all references. Also capitalize “Jamboree” when referring to a National Jamboree or World Scout Jamboree. The BSA has a National Jamboree every four years. World Scout Jamborees are also held every four years. A Scouting group attending a jamboree is referred to as a “contingent.” See also “World Scout Jamboree.”
jamboree emblem
A jamboree emblem may be worn by any member who is registered to attend a jamboree or who has attended a jamboree as a registered participant or staff member.
Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA)
The World Scout Bureau of the World Organization of the Scout Movement sponsors the Jamboree-on-the-Air, held the third full weekend of October each year. This worldwide ham radio event promotes communication and understanding among Scouts all over the world. The BSA’s participation is coordinated by the International Department. See also “K2BSA,” “HB9S,” and “9M4S.”
Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI)
The World Scout Bureau of the World Organization of the Scout Movement sponsors the Jamboree-on-the Internet, held the third full weekend of October each year. This worldwide internet event promotes communication and understanding among Scouts all over the world. The BSA’s participation is coordinated by the International Department.
James E. West Fellowship Award
Named in honor of the first Chief Scout Executive, this award is presented to donors who give at least $1,000 in cash or securities to a local council endowment fund. The award has four levels, up to $15,000.
job
Avoid this word, but especially in reference to positions of responsibility for volunteers. Use a word like “position,” “responsibility,” or “career,” depending on context
Journey to Excellence
Scouting’s Journey to Excellence is the performance measurement and recognition program for councils, districts, and units that replaced the Centennial Quality program in 2011.
junior assistant Scoutmaster
A troop may have any number of junior assistant Scoutmasters. They handle any duties assigned by the Scoutmaster.

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.