Alphabet Soup
The commissioned volunteer leader, 21 or older, of a Boy Scout troop; appointed by the chartered organization.
What is SM?
A Boy Scout or Varsity Scout who helps direct the activities of a Cub Scout den.
What is a den chief?
A recognition given to Scouts who have taken part in a wilderness trip of at least 50 consecutive miles over at least five consecutive days, and fulfill requirements for group service projects on the trip.
What is the Fifty-Miler Award?
A 30‐minute interactive video presentation and training program that is offered online. All registered adults are required to take this training every two years.
What is Youth Protection Training?
A term for a social gathering with refreshments after a meeting or activity. Often an evening activity at camp before taps.
What is Cracker Barrel?
Otherwise known as a life vest. Those used in scouting must be U.S. Coast Guard approved.
The youth leader of the patrol, elected by its members.
What is a patrol leader (PL)?
Highest rank in Cub Scouting. The only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.
What is the Arrow of Light Award?
An introductory training session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding, and methods of Scouting.
What is New Leader Essentials (NLE)?
A ceremony where Webelos Cub Scouts cross a ceremonial bridge to signify their transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. This is NOT a graduation ceremony from Cub Scouts, it is rather an induction ceremony into Boy Scouts.
What is Bridging?
A commonsense set of guidelines that allows Scouts to camp, hike, and take part in related outdoor activities in ways that are environmentally sound and considerate to others using the same areas.
This position is responsible for keeping an inventory of equipment and works to maintain the equipment’s good condition.
A recognition for Scouters who give noteworthy service to youth at the district level.
What is the District Award of Merit?
A training class taught by the senior youth leaders for newly elected and appointed youth leaders
What is Junior Leader Training (JLT)?
The Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC) meets to plan the next year’s activities with the guidance of the Scoutmaster (SM). This plan is then presented to the Troop Committee for approval to make sure the plan meets Boy Scouts of America (BSA) guidelines and that necessary resources can be provided.
What is the Annual Planning Meeting?
An annual opportunity for Scouters and interested people in the community to be identified with the local council through their financial support and influence in the expansion of the council program. Enrollees are known as “Friends.”
The elected boy leader who runs the troop meetings and the patrol leaders’ council meetings, with the guidance of the Scoutmaster.
What is the senior patrol leader (SPL)?
A lifesaving award presented to a registered youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at minimum risk to self.
What is the Heroism Award?
The basic Adult Leader Training. Although this is sometimes called Scoutmaster Fundamentals, this is an excellent training program for any adult wanting to become more involved in the Boy Scout program, or who just wants to learn more about how the program works.
What is Scoutmaster Specific Training?
A term chosen by Baden-Powell to describe the first international gathering of Scouts camping together in London in 1920.
Scouting and ham radio join forces to make many international contacts through the "air" waves, traditionally the 3rd weekend in October.
An appointed officer in the troop or patrol who keeps the troop or patrol records.
An award that may be earned by members of a troop for hiking a trail listed in Nationally Approved Historic Trails and completing a project related to the trail.
What is the Historic Trails Award?
A six-day training course for youth leaders conducted at the council level.
What is National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)?
The initiation ceremony experience for new OA members generally involving personal introspection, service to improve camp or trail and ceremonies based on Indian legend or lore.
What is OA Ordeal?