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 43 names in this directory beginning with the letter B.
Baden-Powell, Robert Stephenson Smyth
Founder of the worldwide Scouting movement. He was born Feb. 22, 1857, in London, was made a baron in 1929, and died Jan. 8, 1941. He is referred to as Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, Chief Scout of the World. Abbreviate B-P (without periods). Do not use his first name with his title: “Lord Baden-Powell,” but never “Lord Robert Baden-Powell.”
badge
Usually lowercase when referring to badges that Scouts can earn: “Webelos badge,” “Wolf badge,” “Camping merit badge.” Exception: “Wood Badge.”
BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation)
This training experience teaches volunteer leaders how to plan and carry out an outdoor experience for Cub Scouts.
Baptist churches
Do not apply the term “church” to any Baptist unit except the local church. There are more than 20 Baptist bodies in the United States, the largest being the Southern Baptist Convention.
Be Prepared
The Scout motto. The initials of the motto are the initials of Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. Capitalize only if standing alone: “The Scout must always be prepared.” “The Scout motto is Be Prepared.”
biannual, biennial
Biannual means twice a year and is a synonym for the word “semiannual.” “Biennial” means every two years.
blue and gold banquet
A birthday or annual dinner for Scouting held by Cub Scout packs, typically in February to celebrate the founding of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 and Cub Scouting in 1930. May be called “blue and gold dinner.” Capitalize only when part of a full title: “Pack 214 Blue and Gold Banquet.”
board
This may refer to an executive board and is not capitalized in general reference. It may refer to a board of review only on second reference. Capitalize in reference to the BSA Executive Board or a specific executive board: Rio Grande Council Executive Board.
board of regents
Recipients of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award are invited to join the Board of Regents of the National Eagle Scout Association. The chair of the NESA Board of Regents is elected by those who have accepted membership. Capitalize only when reference is clearly to the NESA Board of Regents.
board of review
A review held to determine if a Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements. A review may be held also to encourage Scouts who are not advancing. For the Tenderfoot through Life ranks, the board of review is conducted by the troop committee. For the Eagle Scout rank, the council decides whether the unit committee or the district or council committee responsible for advancement conducts the board of review. At least one district or council advancement representative shall always be a member of the unit board of review. Always lowercase: “Eagle Scout board of review.”
boatswain
(Pronounced BO-sun.) The elected youth leader of a Sea Scout ship. The office is comparable to president of a Venturing crew.
boatswain’s mate
The second-highest youth leadership position in a Sea Scout ship; elected to assist the boatswain.
booth show
Booth displays by Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Venturers are put on simultaneously while the audience walks around to observe them. This indoor or outdoor event may include stage shows for individual unit demonstrations. See also “arena show.”
Boy Scouts of America National Foundation
A foundation established by the BSA to help local councils raise new gifts, provide technical assistance and advice for major gifts, and help donors establish gifts such as charitable unitrusts, scholarship funds, and those that may be distributed among several Scouting entities. The foundation also distributes and tracks financial grants to local councils, raises funds for national BSA initiatives, and serves as trustee for a wide variety of charitable gifts benefiting Scouting. Also commonly referred to as the BSA Foundation.
Boy Scouts of America®
The legal name of the organization is singular. Example: “In 2010 the Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 100th anniversary.” The abbreviation is BSA (without periods) and is used with the article (“the BSA”) when used as a noun. The registered mark should appear at the end of “America” at the top corner on first reference in running text and in general in a stand-alone reference.
Boys’ Life
The magazine for all youth published by the Boy Scouts of America has changed its name to Scout Life. The title should be italicized.
brand names
When they are used, capitalize them. “Brand name” is a nonlegal term for “service mark” or “trademark.” Brand names normally should be used only if they are essential; otherwise, use generic terms. See also “trademarks.”
bridge of review
A review held to determine if a Sea Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements. For the Apprentice, Ordinary, and Able ranks, the review is held by peers; for the Quartermaster rank, the review is conducted by an approved group of adults in cooperation with the district or council advancement committee. Always lowercase: Quartermaster bridge of review.”
Bridging
This is when Cub Scouts have completed their grade level at the end of the school year and officially form the next grade level den.
Bronze Wolf Award
The only award presented by the World Scout Committee. Bestowed solely in recognition of outstanding service by an individual to the world Scout movement.
Brotherhood membership
The second and final induction phase of membership in the Order of the Arrow. Capitalize Brotherhood only when referring to membership or to the ceremony. Do not capitalize when referring to friendship.
BSA Aquatics Instructor
A five-year training designation for an adult who satisfactorily completes the Aquatics section at a BSA National Camping School.
BSA Brand Center
The BSA Brand Center is an asset management resource, located at https://scoutingwire.org/BSA-Brand-Center, that is designed to help councils produce brand-consistent and cost-effective marketing materials, including fliers, logos, videos, and more.
BSA Learn Center
Accessed via my.scouting.org, the BSA Learn Center offers a selection of courses for adult volunteers.
BSA Lifeguard
A professional-level lifeguard training program available to registered members at least 15 years old.
BSA Mission Statement
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law
BSA Vision Statement
The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
buddy system
The safety system where Scouts group together and keep an eye out for each other during Scouting activities such as camping, aquatics, hiking, and other activities. For aquatics activities, swimmers of like ability are grouped, check in and out of the water together, and monitor the safety of each other during the swim.
budget plan
A method used by a unit to develop thrift habits. A yearly budget is established and weekly dues are agreed upon.
bugler
An appointed youth position of responsibility in a Sea Scout ship or a Scout troop. Bugler is not considered a position of responsibility for the Eagle Scout rank; it is, however, for the Star Scout and Life Scout ranks.
