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 97 names in this directory beginning with the letter S.
Safe Boating
This course is designed for Sea Scout ships whose members may not be interested in following the advancement plan leading to Quartermaster, or as supplementary training for traditional ships. Those who complete the course earn the Small Boat Handler bar. See also “Advanced Seamanship.”
Safe Swim Defense
An eight-point plan of recommended procedures for conducting group swims. The eight points are (1) qualified supervision, (2) personal health review, (3) safe area, (4) response personnel (lifeguards), (5) lookout, (6) ability groups, (7) buddy system, and (8) discipline.
Safety Afloat
Guidelines for safe unit activity afloat: (1) qualified supervision, (2) personal health review, (3) swimming ability, (4) life jackets, (5) buddy system, (6) skill proficiency, (7) planning, (8) equipment, and (9) discipline.
Safety Afloat Guidelines
for safe unit activity afloat: (1) qualified supervision, (2) personal health review, (3) swimming ability, (4) life jackets, (5) buddy system, (6) skill proficiency, (7) planning, (8) equipment, and (9) discipline.
Safety Moment
A moment taken, generally at the beginning of a meeting or activity, to prepare for the activity, review safety measures, identify risks, or educate about a topic.
School Night for Scouting
A one-night event held in a neighborhood school, place of worship, community center, etc., where youth and parents gather to hear how Cub Scouting and Scouts BSA operate and how they can join.
Scout
(1)The first rank for Scouts BSA members. (2) May be used to refer to all youth members of the programs of the Boy Scouts of America—Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting. Use on second reference and in informal usage when the meaning is clearly understood. Capitalize “Scout” and all words beginning with “Scout” (such as “Scouting” and “Scouter”) unless the meaning is not related to the BSA.
Scout Basic Essentials
These are a pocketknife, first-aid kit, extra clothing, rain gear, water bottle, flashlight, trail food, matches and fire starters, sun protection, and map and compass.
Scout executive
The chief executive officer of the local council responsible for the administration, financing, marketing, motivation, recruiting, and staffing required for successful council operations. Capitalize only when the title precedes the name. Examples: “Scout Executive John Smiley,” “John Smiley is the Scout executive.” “Chief Scout Executive” is the only title routinely capitalized.
Scout Executives’ Alliance
A fellowship of professional and professional-technical Scouters that provides immediate funds to the family of a deceased member.
Scout handshake
This unique greeting is given with the left hand, the thumb separated from the fingers.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. (There are 12 points to the Scout Law.)
Scout Life
The magazine for all youth published by the Boy Scouts of America, formerly called Boys’ Life. The title should be italicized.
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout reservation or camp
Land owned by or leased to the Boy Scouts of America to further the Scouting program. A Scout reservation usually has two or more camps.
Scout salute
A hand salute made by Scouts and Scouters with the fingers of the right hand held in position as for the Scout sign.
Scout shop
A BSA-owned store, operated by the Supply Group, that sells official Scouting merchandise. Always initial capped, as it is a BSA trademark.
Scoutbook
A unit-serving tool that includes an app called Scouting and allows leaders and parents to track individual advancement progress for their Scouts online or using their mobile phone.
Scouter
An adult registered with the Boy Scouts of America who serves in a volunteer or professional capacity.
Scouter Code of Conduct
A registration status for adults who want to remain identified with Scouting without a specific assignment. They may be called upon to help with short-term projects.
Scouting Alumni & Friends
An official organization for individuals who have been positively impacted by the Boy Scouts of America. It is led by a volunteer committee and supported by the BSA’s director of alumni relations. Note the ampersand.
Scouting Anniversary Day
Feb. 8, 1910, was the day William D. Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America.
Scouting Anniversary Week
This is the week, beginning on Sunday, that includes February 8, Scouting Anniversary Day. During the week, units are encouraged to conduct rededication ceremonies and to demonstrate Scouting’s purposeful activities.
Scouting family
When an organization is chartered to operate a Cub Scout pack, a Scout troop, and a Venturing crew, it is said to have the whole Scouting family. Other members of the Scouting family are a Sea Scout ship and an Exploring post or club.
Scouting for Food National Good Turn
First conducted in November 1988, this nationwide food collection effort is the BSA’s response to hunger in our society.
Scouting Heritage Society
Prior to 2010, the National Council provided stock recognition supplies to support local councils that wanted to offer their own unique, major-donor recognition. The National Council no longer provides stock recognition items and logos for this purpose.
Scouting magazine
The official magazine for all Scouters. It aims to interpret the program, stimulate action, and strengthen a desire to serve. The title is italicized. The word “magazine” may or may not be used, is not part of the title, and is not capitalized or italicized.
Scouting movement
An idea started in England by Baden-Powell, based on the conviction that boys can live up to a code of conduct and can develop themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually in association with other boys through a program of appealing activities and advancement challenges under the guidance of adults. Use in historical references or when referring to the worldwide Scouting movement.
Scouting program
The program of the Boy Scouts of America is designed to fulfill its chartered purpose to achieve objectives in character development, citizenship training, leadership, and mental and physical fitness adapted to different age groups. The program is carried out in units run by local organizations chartered by the Boy Scouts of America.
Scouting show
Not “Scout show” unless only Scouts and no Cub Scouts or Venturers are involved. See also “arena show” and “booth show.”
Scouting University
Courses for professional Scouters and professional-technical employees are taught at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the National Service Center, and regionally, depending on the topic. “Scouting U” is an acceptable reference. The mission of Scouting U is to strengthen the BSA culture; provide quality performance services and tools; and improve leadership impact on youth programs through enriching, effective, and fun learning opportunities; all fostering a continuous learning culture. Scouting U also provides instructional design and support for volunteer courses through the National Service Center campus, including position-specific training, Wood Badge, NYLT, NAYLE, and Leadership Challenge. All training efforts in the organization should be coordinated with Scouting U.
Scouting University–National Service Center Campus
The National Service Center campus is where Scouting U offers Senior Leadership 1 (SLE1), Senior Leadership 2 (SLE2), and First Time Scout Executive Orientation (FTSEO), as well as a variety of training programs for National Council employees. The National Service Center campus is also home base for the Scouting U facilitators and instructional designers.
Scouting University–Summit Campus
The Summit campus is where Scouting U offers Commissioning and Managing Performance classes and is located near Beckley, West Virginia. A variety of other courses are also offered at the Summit Bechtel Reserve based upon the training needs of the organization.
Scouting.org
Official website of the Boy Scouts of America. The website provides resources and information about Scouting for youth, parents, volunteers, alumni, and the general public.
Scoutmaster
A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to lead a Scout troop.
Scoutmaster conference
A distinctive feature of the troop advancement plan in which a Scoutmaster helps a Scout accept the responsibility for the youth’s own growth toward each rank.
Scoutmaster’s Minute
A part of the closing ceremony of a troop meeting or campfire in which the Scoutmaster encourages Scout-like conduct by telling a story.
ScoutNET
A wide area network that electronically connects all local councils, regional offices, the National Distribution Center, Scouting U, and the national service center.
Scoutreach
An emphasis that some councils use to reach out to urban and rural communities. Scoutreach represents the council’s commitment to making sure that all young people have an opportunity to join Scouting, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background.
Scouts BSA
Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting program for young men and women ages 12 through 17. Service, community engagement, and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. Members are referred to as “Scouts BSA members” or “Scouts.” Scouts BSA and Scouts should never be preceded by the word “girl,” and girls in the Scouts BSA program should never be referred to as “girl Scouts.”
Scouts with disabilities/Scouts with special needs
A program element of the Boy Scouts of America that emphasizes the involvement of youth who have visual, hearing, or other disabilities. An alternative advancement program is available for these youth members.
scribe
A youth officer who checks attendance and keeps records. The troop scribe is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent. The patrol scribe is appointed by the patrol leader.
Sea Base
Aquatics adventure programs, including canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, and exploring the reefs of the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands, are offered for older Scouts and Venturers. Mailing address: Florida Sea Base; Boy Scouts of America; P.O. Box 1906; Islamorada (pronounced aisle-a-more-AH-dah), FL 33036.
Sea Base Alumni and Friends Association
Involvement is open to all current and former staff members and former program participants. The organization supports current Sea Base staff and the programs they deliver, connects past and present staff members, and advances the overall mission of the Boy Scouts of America.
Sea Scouting
Sea Scouts specialize in traditional nautical activities, e.g., sailing, motorboating, paddle sports, scuba, and maritime careers.
Second Century Society
A national recognition society for donors who give at least $25,000 outright over five years, or $100,000 or more deferred. There are four levels, up to $1 million and up. Gifts may be designated for operations, capital, or endowment. Replaced both the Founders Circle Award and the 1910 Society.
senior patrol leader
Each troop has one senior patrol leader, a Scout elected by the troop members to help all the patrols succeed. This youth leader may be assisted by one or more assistant senior patrol leaders.
service patrol
The name given to a patrol that has accepted an extra work assignment for the good of the troop.
service star
An insignia worn over the left shirt pocket of the uniform to denote number of years of service.
Seton Memorial Library and Philmont Museum
The Seton Memorial Library is an integral part of the National Scouting Museum–Philmont Scout Ranch. Its books and magazines speak to the history and programs of Scouting and Philmont Scout Ranch, as well as the art, peoples, and culture of the Great Southwest. Approximately 50 percent of the library contains volumes originally owned by Ernest Thompson Seton. A research library is also on-site.
ship
The unit that conducts Sea Scouting for the chartered organization. Equivalent to a Venturing crew. Examples: “Sea Scout ship,” “Ship 38,” “Sea Scout Ship 38.”
ships and spacecraft
Italicize the names of ships (the Titanic) and spacecraft (the Discovery) unless you are referring to a spacecraft that is named after part of a space program, such as Apollo 13. Lowercase “space shuttle.” Do not italicize abbreviations that appear before the name of a ship, such as SS or HMS: SS United States.
short-term camping
A camping experience consisting of one to four days and at least one night outdoors.
showando
An outdoor event—“showing and doing”—that helps a leader blend leadership skills with outdoor and camping skills.
Silver Antelope Award
A recognition given by the National Court of Honor to a Scouter for distinguished service to youth within the region.
Silver Beaver Award
A recognition given by the National Court of Honor to a Scouter for distinguished service to youth within the council.
Silver Buffalo Award
A recognition given by the National Court of Honor for distinguished service to youth on the national level.
space derby
A pack activity that involves making and racing model spaceships. Examples: “Pack 1 Space Derby,” “the space derby.”
spouse
Use when some of the people involved may be men. For example: “Scouters and their spouses,” not “Scouters and their wives.” However, do not presume maleness in reference to Scouters—volunteer or professional.
square knot
Generally, embroidered square knots are representative of pin-on medals or around-the-neck awards and are designed for the greater convenience of the wearer. They are the only wearable insignia for the Award of Merit and Professional Training Award. Embroidered knots from other Scout associations may be worn on Scouters’ uniforms.
state names
Spell out the names of U.S. states unless space is a factor (such as in tabular material). Use the two-letter postal abbreviations in addresses with zip codes only. Punctuation: Place a comma between the city and state name, and another comma after the state name: “He traveled from Chicago, Illinois, to Dallas, Texas, en route to his home in Flagstaff, Arizona.”
STEM Nova Awards counselor
A registered adult volunteer at least age 21 who has knowledge in STEM topics and is willing to guide youth participants in research and experiences. The counselor certifies that requirements have been met while maintaining quality and safety in the program.
STEM Nova Awards program
A program that lets Scouts explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. There are separate Nova awards for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA members, and Venturers and Sea Scouts, as well as Supernova awards that recognize superior achievement. Examples: “Nova Award,” “Nova Awards program,” “Wright Brothers Supernova Award.”
Strategic Plan, National
A three- to five-year plan that helps provide a focus for the growth and success of Scouting. Capitalize when referring to the BSA’s National Strategic Plan; council strategic plans should be lowercase.
Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve
Located near Beckley, West Virginia, this BSA property is a multipurpose, year-round destination for Scouting activities and adventures. It became the permanent home for the national jamboree in 2013 and also features a high-adventure base, a national flagship Scout camp, and a leadership training center. The preference is to use “Summit Bechtel Reserve” whenever possible. Using “the Summit” or “SBR” is acceptable on second reference only, with a preference for using “SBR” only when space is a factor. The address is 2550 Jack Furst Drive, Glen Jean, WV 25846.
Summit Bechtel Reserve Staff Association
Anyone who has served on staff or as training faculty at the Summit Bechtel Reserve is eligible to apply for membership. The group promotes a continuing interest in and support for the vision, mission, and programs of the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
superactivity
A major annual activity, trip, or project of a Venturing crew requiring long-range planning and extensive preparation. Generally, the highlight of the crew’s program.
Supernova Awards
In-depth, challenging awards available to youth within Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting; part of the STEM Nova Awards program. A Supernova mentor serves as a counselor and helps guide the youth along the way. See also “STEM Nova Awards program.”
Supernova mentor
A registered adult volunteer at least 21 years of age who has expertise in STEM topics and is willing to guide youth in significant STEM-related accomplishments while maintaining the quality and safety of the program and ensuring the requirements of the Supernova awards are met.
Supply Group
The arm of the Boy Scouts of America that supplies official uniforms, equipment, and literature to the field. Includes administrative offices located in the National Service Center, the National Distribution Center, and Scout shops located nationwide.
supply item
Offset supply numbers with a comma, not parentheses: Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls, No. 39006.
swimmer classifications
All youth and adult participants in aquatics activities are designated as swimmers, beginners, or nonswimmers based on swimming ability confirmed by standardized BSA swim classification tests, which should be renewed annually.
Swimmers: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating
Beginners: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and swim 25 feet on the surface. Stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, and return to the starting place.
Nonswimmer: Anyone who has not completed either the beginner or swimmer tests.
