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

All | # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
There are currently 17 names in this directory beginning with the letter M.
major gifts
Lowercase.
mate
The Sea Scouting equivalent of associate Advisor. See also “boatswain’s mate” and “Skipper.”
Medal of Merit
May be awarded by the National Court of Honor to a registered youth member or adult leader who has performed an act of service of a rare or exceptional character. Such action need not necessarily be a rescue or involve risk to self. See also “Heroism Award” and “Honor Medal.”
member
Those eligible to participate in programs designed for youth and young adults shall collectively be known as “members” or “youth program participants.”
member at large
(1) Elected voting member of a council or district who is not a chartered organization representative. (2) Voting member of the National Council other than a local council representative.
membership inventory
Part of a unit’s annual charter renewal process when the activity of the unit during the past year is reviewed. Usually held in conjunction with a uniform inspection.
merit badge
A recognition given to a Scouts BSA member for completing the requirements for the badge. There are more than 130 subjects in life skills, hobby, and career fields, with requirements and supporting pamphlets to help Scouts broaden their outlook. Capitalize the name of the badge but not the words “merit badge.” Example: “earn the Lifesaving and Swimming merit badges.” When referring to the merit badge pamphlet, italicize the title. Example: “Journalism merit badge pamphlet.”
merit badge counselor
A registered adult volunteer at least age 18 who is expert in a merit badge field and shares enthusiasm for that field with Scouts and who certifies that requirements have been met.
merit badge show
A demonstration of merit badge skills from booths. Spectators walk around and participate in the merit badge features that interest them.
methods of Cub Scouting
The seven methods are living the ideals (Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Cub Scout motto), belonging to a den, using advancement, involving family and home, participating in activities, wearing the uniform, and serving home and neighborhood.
methods of Scouting
The eight methods are the ideals (Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan), patrol method, outdoors, advancement, association with adults, personal growth, leadership development, and the uniform.
methods of Venturing
The seven methods are the ideals (Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Venturing motto), group identity, recognition, adult association, group activities and adventure, service, and leadership and mentoring.
motto
See “Cub Scout Motto,” “Scout motto,” and “Venturing motto.
movement
Do not use this in reference to the Boy Scouts of America. See “Scouting movement.”
museums
See “Kit Carson Museum,” “National Scouting Museum–Philmont Scout Ranch,” and “Seton Memorial Library and Philmont Museum.”
my.Scouting Tools
A portal for volunteers and employees that gives access to a variety of Scouting tools based on registered position.
MyBSA
www.mybsa.org is a password-protected site where BSA employees can access the membership system, numerous reports, network support, and many other resources.

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.