The Cub Scout program has a vocabulary all its own! If your family is just starting out, you’ll hear Cub Scout terms being tossed around at every den and pack meeting. This list of terms will help you out as you become familiar with the program.

Advancement – The progression that moves the Cub Scouts from rank to rank.

Adventure –  Adventures are “collections of themed, multidisciplinary activities representing approximately three den meetings’ worth of engaging content.” Tigers, Wolves, and Bears complete seven adventures to earn their rank badge. Webelos complete six adventures for their rank, and For the Arrow of Light, Webelos Scouts complete five.

Arrow of Light – The highest rank a Cub Scout can achieve. The Arrow of Light (AoL) badge is the only Cub Scout badge that can be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform.

Blue and Gold Banquet – February is the anniversary month of the Boy Scouts of America,  during which many packs celebrate with a Blue and Gold banquet. The banquets are special events that can include games and entertainment.  

Charter Organization – Community or faith-based organizations that own and operate Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, Venturing Crews and Sea Scout Ships. They work under a “charter” from the Boy Scouts of America.

Class B Uniform – Activity uniforms are Scouting-related t-shirts, with uniform pants or jeans. They can be pack t-shirts, day camp t-shirts or any other Scouting t-shirt. They are worn for less formal occasions such as camping and hiking, or when doing “messy” activities.

Committee Chair – The head of the pack committee. The volunteer administrator of the pack, who works as a team with the Cubmaster to ensure that the pack program is presented and funded.

Council – A council is a service area, chartered by the Boy Scouts of America, that is responsible for Scouting within its geographical area.

Crossover – A special ceremony where a Webelos Cub Scout “crosses over” or “bridges” from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA. It symbolizes the Scouts induction into their Scouts BSA  troop. 

Cubmaster – A Cubmaster is a volunteer who is the “face” of the pack. Cubmasters help plan and carry out the Cub Scout program in his or her pack. They support and motivate den leaders and parents. The Cubmaster serves as the emcee for pack meetings and other events. Cubmasters and pack committees work together to develop fun program ideas and activities.

Den – A den is a group of Scouts who are usually in the same grade or who are the same age. They work together to advance to the next level of Cub Scouts.

Den Leader – A volunteer, usually a parent of the Scouts in the den, who plans and leads the den meetings with the assistance of the Cubmaster and pack committee.

District – The geographic territory within a council is divided into districts. Districts vary in size. Some may span multiple counties, while others are one county. There may be multiple districts within one county, depending on its size.

District Executive – The District Executive (DE) is a paid employee of the local council. His or her role is to support Scouting in the district.

Class A Uniform – This is the official uniform of Cub Scouts. Lion Cub Scouts wear a Lion T-shirt, Cub Scouts wear a blue shirt, while Webelos wear the khaki Scout shirt. 

Pack – A Cub Scout pack is a collection of dens of all ranks. The pack organizes the dens, holds monthly meetings and conducts larger events such as the Pinewood Derby or Blue & Gold banquet. Packs belong to a community organization, such as a church or a service club, which is chartered by the Boy Scouts of America to operate the Scouting program.

Pinewood Derby – Cub Scout racing event. With help from their parents, Cub Scouts design and build a race car using a kit that contains a block of wood, plastic wheels, and axles made from nails.

Rank – Cub Scouts are grouped by grade or age into specific ranks. Kindergarteners are Lions, first graders are Tigers, second graders are Wolves, third graders are Bears, fourth and fifth graders are Webelos.  The Scouts work toward their rank badge throughout the year. For example, the second grader is a Wolf, but s/he does not get their Wolf rank badge until seven Wolf adventures are completed.

Webelos – This rank’s name has special meaning. It stands for WE’ll BE LOyal Scouts. Always use the “S” even when referring to one Webelos. So, one Webelos, not one Webelo.Whittling Chip – The Whittling Chip is an award a Cub Scout can earn that gives them the privilege of carrying a pocketknife to specifically designated events. To earn the Whittling Chip, Cub Scouts have to know how to safely use and care for a pocketknife, make a carving, and promise to abide by the knife safety guidelines and the pocketknife pledge.