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 22 names in this directory beginning with the letter T.
TAP (The Adventure Plan)
This step-by-step planning guide for unit leaders covers all types of outdoor activities, from a simple hike to a national high adventure. It includes the four phases of planning: adventure selection, preparation, the adventure, and after the adventure. For links to many useful resources and for more information, go to https://tap.scouting.org.
team
(1)The Lion or Tiger and adult partner. (2) An administrative branch of a National Council department. Examples: “Professional Development Team,” “Environmental, Health and Safety Team.”
Tenderfoot
The second rank for Scouts BSA members; between the Scout rank and Second Class.
three R’s
Traditionally, they are “reading, ’riting, and ’rithmetic.” In Scouting, the 3 R’s of youth protection are recognize, respond, and report.
Tiger
A Cub Scout who is in the first grade and registered, with an adult partner, as a member of a Tiger den.
Tiger den
A group of five to eight Tigers and their adult partners who are part of a Cub Scout pack.
titles with names
In general, confine capitalization to formal titles used directly before an individual’s name: “District Executive Karla Wallace,” “Karla was a district executive.” An exception is Chief Scout Executive, which is always capitalized. See also “capitalization.”
Top Hands conference
The plan of action for the BSA’s future direction is crafted in these meetings of Scout executives and regional and national personnel.
total available youth (TAY)
The number of youth in an area who meet BSA membership requirements.
Totin’ Chip
A recognition given to Scouts who subscribe to the Outdoor Code and understand and can demonstrate the proper handling, care, and use of woods tools.
trademarks
When possible, use a generic equivalent for a trademarked name unless the trademark is essential. Some common examples: “adhesive bandage” rather than Band-Aid; “polystyrene plastic foam” (or “plastic foam”) rather than Styrofoam; “chocolate bar” rather than Hershey bar; “tissue” rather than Kleenex; “resealable plastic bag” rather than Ziploc bag; “flying disk” rather than Frisbee. When a trademark is used, capitalize it.
trading post
The camp or reservation store where equipment and supplies may be purchased by campers.
train-the-trainer conference
In this conference, the people responsible for training unit leaders become acquainted with the principles, methods, and techniques of training. The conference is held by a council or a cluster of councils. Do not capitalize unless giving the name of a specific conference: “Viking Council Train-the-trainer Conference.”
trained leader
Every leadership position in Scouting has several training requirements to be considered fully trained. Leaders who complete all of the requirements for the particular position are qualified to wear the “trained” emblem on that uniform.
Trained Leader emblem
This emblem may be worn by all leaders, youth and adult, who have completed Youth Protection training and the basic training course(s) appropriate to their positions. It may be worn only in connection with the emblem of office for which training has been completed. Do not italicize.
treasurer
(1) A Venturer elected to be responsible for funds in the crew. (2) A Scout who keeps a record of patrol dues and makes up a budget for patrol outings; appointed by the patrol leader.
troop
The unit that conducts Scouting for the chartered organization. Capitalize only when used with the troop number. Examples: “Scout troop,” “Troop 14,” “Scouts BSA troop.”
troop guide
A youth leader who works with Scouts in the new-Scout patrol; appointed by the Scoutmaster in consultation with the assistant Scoutmaster responsible for new Scouts.
troop historian
A youth leader who records the troop’s activities both in writing and visually; appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and counsel.
troop open house
Same as “troop rally night.”
troop rally night
A coordinated council or district membership effort using volunteers and professionals in which youth are identified through a Scout-fact survey and referred to troops. The program at a troop rally night should be aimed to sell Scouting to prospective Scouts.
troop resource survey
A survey of the talents, skills, and interests of adults who could provide program assistance to the troop.

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.