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 16 names in this directory beginning with the letter V.
Venturer
A registered youth member of a Venturing crew. The word “Venturer” should be used only as a noun referring to a youth member. Use “Venturing” when a modifier is needed. Examples: “One Venturer built a kayak.” “One member of a Venturing crew built a kayak.”
Venturing
For young men and women ages 14 through 20, or 13 with completion of the eighth grade. “Venturing” is both a noun and a modifier. Examples: “Venturing is a program for young adults.” “Young women and men take part in Venturing activities.” “Good Venturing Advisors are crucial to successful Venturing crews.”
Venturing activity interest survey
An annual survey of the career and leisure interests of high school students conducted by the local council. Survey results may be available to help crews recruit new members.
Venturing Award
The first-level Venturing award.
Venturing crew
Youth members and adult volunteers who conduct the Venturing program within an organization chartered by the BSA.
Venturing Impact Plan
A council organizational plan to “sell” business, industry, labor, professional, and community groups to organize Venturing crews.
Venturing Key 3
The Venturing officers' association president, staff Advisor, and volunteer Advisor.
Venturing motto
Lead the Adventure.
Venturing officers’ association (VOA)
A group of Venturers at the district, council, area, regional, and national levels that provides support for membership, resource sharing, and events for Venturers and Venturing crews.
Venturing program conference
Conducted by many councils to provide program support and training to Venturing leaders. The Advisor, associate Advisors, president, and vice presidents from each crew attend.
Venturing salute
A hard salute made by Venturers with all four fingers of the right hand extended, as for a military salute.
VenturingFest
A national gathering of Venturers that occurs every four years. Regional VenturingFest events are held every two years.
veteran
A recognition status accorded to members of Scouting who have served five years or more. Examples: “10-year veteran,” “15-year veteran,” “20-year veteran.” Units also achieve veteran status and may display veteran insignia on their flags and uniforms.
vice chair
A National Council, local council, district, or unit committee title. This term is not hyphenated.
vice president
(1) An adult volunteer elected position in a local council. (2) An elected youth position in a Venturing crew. This term is not hyphenated.
Vigil Honor
The highest honor the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members, for service to the lodge, council, and Scouting.

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.