Glossary of terms
Sound like the Scouts and Leaders are talking another language? This might help!
Achievement Badges
A series of Award badges for Cub Scout Section covering a variety of different skill sets or activities
ACSL
Assistant Cub Scout Leader'
Affilliation
Fee payable to Scouts Australia to become 'affiliated' as a member
AJ
'Australian Jamboree'
AJSL
Assistant Joey Scout Leader'
Akela
Title traditionally given to the Leader in Charge of a Cub Scout Pack, still in very common usage worldwide
APL
Assistant Patrol Leader
Armstrong Airfield
Scouts Australia (SA Branch) Air Activities Campsite located near Blanchetown in SA's Murraylands
ASL
Assistant Scout Leader
Australian Scout Medallion
The highest Scouting Achivement for a member of the Scout Section (10-15 yrs)
Baghera
Scouting name commonly given to an Assistant Cub Scout Leader
Baloo
Scouting name commonly given to an Assistant Cub Scout Leader; the character was a bear who was a friend to Mowgli in the Jungle Book [see also Jungle Book]
Be Prepared
The motto of the worldwide Scout Movement
Beads
Small wooden beads that symbolise a Leaders completion of Woodbadge Training
Bearings
An action performed in navigation, in which the direction of a fixed point is plotted against the degrees of a compass
Billy
A small pot for boiling of water or cooking
Boomerang
Core Part of the Cub Scout Award Scheme, exists on three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold - aimed at 8, 9 and 10 yr old Cub Scouts respectively
Booting Out
A term used to describe the departure of a Rover Scout from the Rover Crew on reaching the maximum age for the Rover Scout Section (26yrs) [see also Rovers]
BP
Baden Powell', the founder of the World Scout Movement
BP Award
The peak award for Rovers (18-26 age Group)
Branch
Geographic sub-sections of Scouting across all of Australia. Divided by State borders
Branch Commissioner
Individual Leader in Charge of a specific section of the Scout Movement in each State
Branch Hike
An annual hike event conducted for all Scout Troops by SA Branch
BRC Branch Rover Council'
the peak body for Rovers in SA [see Rovers]
Buddy System
A arrangement where Scouts in a group will team up and watch out of one other particular Scout, thus being their 'buddy' - used in hiking/swimming etc
Camp Blanket
A blanket onto which a Scouting person sews a collection of badges
Camp Chief
The leader in charge of a large camp or a Jamboree
Camp Gadgets
Items built in a camp enviroment to make life more comfortable, made out of natural material eg: small tables/washing stands etc
Campfire
A gathering of Scouts around a fire for fun, song and fellowship
Campfire Chief
The leader in charge of a campfire. In effect, a Master of Ceremonies
Camp Oven
A large cast iron cooking pot, traditionally used to cook in hot coals
Certificate of Merit
A Long Service Merit Award given to Leaders
Challenge Hill
Obstacle Course located at Woodhouse Scout Activity Centre [see Woodhouse]. Also a generic name for a Jamboree Obstacle Course
Charge Certificate
Certification by Scouts Australia (SA Branch) for various types of water activities (sometimes referred to simply as a 'Charge')
Chil
Scouting name commonly given to an Assistant Cub Scout Leader
Circle
Floor markings found in a Scout Hall for use by Cub Scouts. Walking across the circle is forbidden during a ceremony
Code of Conduct
A stated code of expected conduct that applies to all Adult Leaders within Scouts Australia. Groups/Troops may have their own Code of Conduct
Cohen Cup
SA Branch Scout Section annual camping competition, conducted in Patrols to test Scouts camping ability and Scouting skills, generally held every September
Comedy Capers Gang Show
A stage show put on by Scouts in South Australia on a yearly basis
Commissioner
A position within Scouting that manages a program or major sub-section of the Organisation
Contingent
A group of Scouts from a particular Branch who are traveling interstate or overseas for a Scouting event
Contour Lines
Lines on a map used to mark areas of common elevation, thus allowing steepness of terrain to be read
Crew
The title given to an organised group of Rovers [see Rovers]
CSL
Cub Scout Leader'
Cuboree
A gathering of a large number of Cub-Scouts to have fun and do activities; similar to a Jamboree but on a much smaller scale and generally only with a Regional focus [see also Cub Scouts]
Cub-Scout
A term used to describe a member of the Cub Scout Section (aged 8-11 yrs)
Damper
Traditional Australian bush bread, made of plain flour, salt and water - cooked on hot coals and served with butter, jam and possibly golden syrup
DCSL
District Cub Scout Leader
Den
An office for Leaders or a special place for a Scout Patrol or a special place for a Venturer Unit
Dilly Bag
Bag in which plates, and cutlery are kept
Dining Shelter
A canvas shelter with open sides specifically used by Scouts for cooking and eating together
Diploma of Leadership
An accredited training scheme offered by Scouts Australia to all its leaders as part of the Leadership training
Distinguished Service Award
An award given to persons for their long and sustained excellent contribution to Scouting
District
A geographic area that contains about 4-8 Scout Groups
District Commissioner
The Leader in charge of a geographic area that contains about 4-8 Scout Groups
District Team
Leader Team of the District, headed by a District Commissioner [see District; District Commissioner]
DJSL
District Joey Scout Leader; a leader who oversees the delivery of Joey Scout Programs within a District [see also District & District Team]
Dob Dob Dob
A call that used to be given by Cub Scouts as part of the Grand Howl; traditionally given in response to the 'Dyb Dyb Dyb' call by the entire Pack'; meaning 'We'll Do Our Best' [see also Grand Howl; Dyb & Sixer]
DSL
District Scout Leader
DVSL
District Venturer Scout Leader
Easter Venture
An annual event for Venturers that is competitive
Explorer
The middle level part of the Australian Scout section award scheme signified by the colour blue
Family Camp
A camp, generally run by an entire Scout Group, in which all members of each family, Scouting members or not, are welcome to attend
Field Signals
Signals leaders makes with the arms and hands to give instructions without the use of voice. The most common one in Scouting is the Scout Sign when used to request quiet or attention in a meeting room.
Flag Break
A ceremony in which the flag is unfurled for the day, usually early in the morning
Fleur de Lis
Universal Scouting Symbol, normally surrounded by a circle of rope featuring a Reef Knot at the bottom. French in origin, also sometimes written as 'Fleur de lys'
Fly
A top cover for a tent, designed to keep moisture away from the inner tent itself
Flying Fox
A pulley with a handle on a long taut rope on which Scouts 'ride' for fun
Gang Show
A stage show put on by Scouts, usually annually. Gang Shows exist worldwide and originated in the UK.
Gateway
A traditional Jamboree Campsite entrance way erected by Scouts, the more colourful and larger the better
Gilwell Neckerchief
A neckerchief issued to Leaders who complete advanced Leader Training (see also 'McLaren Tartan')
Gilwell Scout Group
All adult leaders who complete their leader training [Woodbadge] become members of the 1st Gilwell Scout Group in the UK. This was the first Scout Group founded by BP
Gilwell Reunion
An annual gathering of Leaders who have completed their Woodbadge Training
Gilwell Woggle
A leather woggle (in a Turks Head style) made of a thin strip of leather. Signifies part completion of Adult Leader Training
GL
'Group Leader', person who is the manager of a Scout Group
Going Up
Common term for the process of moving from one section to another due to age
Gone Home
When a Scouting Brother or Sister has died they are said to have 'Gone Home', symbolised by a circle with a dot in the center
Gong
Common term for some form of long or good service award
Good Turn
A daily act of kindness traditionally performed by all Scouts without thought of reward, intended to be a regular part of being a Scout
Grand Howl
The opening ceremony for Cub Scout Packs, taken from the Jungle Book
Green Book
Scout Record of Achievement Book, details all accomplishments
Green Cord
A part of the Scout Award Scheme that involves achieving the Adventurer Badge and six other proficiency badges along with 3 Patrol Activity Badges
Grey Wolf Award
Highest award which can be achieved by Cub Scouts.
Grid Lines
An international mapping grid system that allows any point on earth to be reduced to a 6 figure series of numbers
Grid References
A means of pinpointing the position of a place shown on a map. Usually 6 figure references are used
Group
The core management sub-grouping in Scouting, usually made up of Joeys, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Venturers
Group Camp
A camp for all sections of a particular Group, usually with a family flavour
Group Committee
A support committee run by each Scout Group made up of parent volunteers under the direction of the Group Leader; also known as a Parent Committee [see Group Leader]
Group Council
The gathering of all Leaders in a Group, under the direction of the Group Leader, to make decisions and debate matters
Guides
A youth organistation for females, similar to Scouts in structure. Guides Australia is not a part of Scouts Australia but the two organisations share a common history
Guy Line
A rope used to peg out the sides of a tent
Halyard
A rope used in boating.
Hathi
A large grey elephant from the Jungle Book. The name is occassionally used as a Scouting name for Cub Scout Leaders
Hay Box
A cooking technique involving slow cooking using stored heat
HOP
The 'Joey Scout HOP' is the formal opening ceremony used by the Joey Scout Section of Scouts Australia; HOP stands for: 'Help Other People' [see also Joey Scouts]
Hopperee
A gathering of a large number of Joey Scouts to have fun and do activities; similar to a Jamboree but on a much smaller scale and generally only with a state focus
Induction
A process of introducing a person to a new position, process or task
Investiture
A ceremony in which a person (youth member or adult) joins the World Scout Movement
Jamboree
A gathering of a large number of Scouts (10,000 to 50,000) to share fellowship and do activities
JSL
Joey Scout Leader'
Joey Scout Motto
Help Other People'; also know as 'The HOP' [see also Joey Scouts]
Joey Scouts
Scouts aged 6 to 8 yrs
Joint Activity
A term used to describe activities undertaken by different Sections together ie: Cub Scouts and Scouts together for a sleep over etc
JOTA
'Jamboree of the Air'
JOTI
'Jamboree of the Internet'
Jungle Book
A fictional book about a boy in the Jungle who is raised by wolves. This story is the basis for the theme of the Cub Scout Section [see also Rudyard Kipling]
Kaa
A rock python from the Jungle Book. The name is used as a Scouting name for Cub Scout Leaders
Lanyard
A piece of rope that may be used as a decoration on a uniform or to secure a whistle
Lashing
A knot designed to tie two pieces of timber or two poles together. Commonly used to build rafts or bridges
Leadership Course
A specific course of leadership for Scouts/Venturers as a part of their award schemes. Required for a Scout to achieve the Australian Scout Medallion
Left Handshake
A symbolic Scouting gesture of greeting Baden Powell adopted from African Zulu warriors
Line Leader
Term for a Scout Leader who works exclusively with Youth Members
Link Badge
A specific badge for assisting individuals to transfer up to the next age section
Linking
The process of moving from one Scouting section to the next due to age change
Lone Scouts
Scouts who live where are no Scout Groups, common in remote locations across Australia
Magnetic Variation
The difference between 'true' north and magnetic north as displayed by a compass, varies from year to year and is detailed at the bottom of topographic maps
Mindari
A monthly gathering of all District Scout Leaders to discuss planning and pass information down from the District Scout Leader
Mob
The title given to a group of Joey Scouts within a Scout Group
Moot
A gathering of Rovers for the purpose of fellowship and activities. Very similar to a Jamboree, but smaller [see Jamboree]
Mowgli
Name of a character from the Jungle Book, used in Cub Scouting
National Presidents Award
An award given to a person for long and distinguished commitment to Scouting. Someone who has made a significant and long lasting impact on Scouting.
Necky
An Australian slang term for a scarfe
Pack
The title given to a group of Cub Scouts within a Scout Group
Pack Council
The management and decision making body of the Cub Scout Pack, made up of Adult Leaders and Sixers
Parent Helper
A parent supporter who is not a formal member of the organisation
Parent's Committee
A support committee run by each Scout Group made up of parent volunteers under the direction of the Group Leader; also known as a Group Committee
Patrol
A small sub-group of the Scout Troop, run by a Patrol Leader [see Patrol Leader]
Patrol Activity
An activity undertaken by a Patrol under the guidance of a Patrol Leader. Part of the Scouts Australia Award Scheme
Patrol Boat
A 16 foot open 'cutter' style sailing/rowing boat in current use by Sea Scouts
Patrol Box
Container, usually wooden or steel, in which a Scout Patrol stores and carries cooking and kitchen implements
Patrol Den
A specific space sometimes built into Scout Halls, for each Patrol to call their own. Not common in modern Scout Halls due to space and cost demands
Patrol Leader
A senior Scout who is place in charge of a small sub-group of the Scout Troop. This position is identified by two horizontal white bars on the chest pocket
Patrol Method
The concept of dividing groups of young people into smaller sub groups, called Patrols. A concept pioneered by Baden Powell and used to this day
Patrol Tent
A large tent, traditionally canvas, used to house a Patrol of 6-8 members [see Patrol]
Phoentic Alphabet
An alphabet used to spell letters in place of just saying the letter itself. By using a word for each letter there is less chance that the person listening will confuse letters.
Pinewood Derby
An activity for Cub Scouts that involves the building and racing of billy carts and model cars on a track or raceway.
Pioneer
The base level part of the Australian Scout section award scheme signified by the colour red
Pioneering Poles
A set of straight poles, ususally pine, used by Scouts to construct bridges, flagpoles etc
PL
Patrol Leader]
PLA
Personal Leader Advisor', an experienced Leader who assists with a new Leader's training and development
PO&R
Policy Organisation and Rules', formerly used by Scouts Australia, now superseded by other documents
Police Scouter
A sub-branch of Scouting made up of adult leaders who are or were Police Officers
Proficiency Badges
A series of award badges for Scout Section covering 31 different skill sets or activities
Program
A documented and detailed overview of a Section's planned schedule for a term or a camp
QM
Quarter Master - The person responsible for storage and management of a Scout Groups equipment [see also QM]
Q-Store
Quarter Masters Store - Storage and equipment management facility for a Scout Groups equipment
Queen's Scout
The highest Scouting Achievement for a youth member of Scouts Australia. The Queen's Scout Award is authorised under Royal Warrant.
Raksha
The 'she-wolf' from the Jungle Book that was the mother to Mowgli [see also Jungle Book]
RCC
Recognition of Current Competency - Relates to assessment of Scouts Australia Leaders under the VET arrangements [see also VET Sector]
Reef Knot
A knot used to tie together two ropes of equal thickness; a common Scouting symbol and one used in conjuction with the Fleur de Leis [See Fleur de Leis]
Regatta
A Sea Scout event run yearly, that involves competition in rowing, sailing and other seamanship skills. Can be attended by non-Sea Scout Groups
Roonka
Water Activities centre owned by Scouts Australia SA Branch, near Blanchetown on the River Murray, about 90 minutes drive from Adelaide
Rover Moot
A gathering of Rovers every three or so years, similar to a Jamboree. May be held in any part of the World
RPL
Recognised Prior Learning - A term found in relation to Vocational Education and Training in which a candidate proves previously established competencies
Rudyard Kipling
(1865-1936) Author of 'The Jungle Book' on which the Cub Scout Section theme is based
Scarf
The triangular scarf that is traditionally worn around the neck by Scouts [see also Neckie]
Scout
A term used to describe a member of the Scout Section (aged 11-15 yrs). Also a common collective term for all persons in Scouting
Scoutcraft Badge
The first badge to be earnt by new members of the Scout Troop. This badge encompasses basic Scouting skills
Scout Law
A series of about 10 simple 'laws' by which a Scout is said to live. Whilst universal in nature the Scout Law in some countries varies. For details see the Fullarton Scout Group 'Links Page'
Scout Name
A name generally given to an Adult Leader for use by youth members. Most common in the Cub Scout Pack where the names follow characters of the Jungle Book.
Scout Salute
The three fingered salute which is done with the little finger tucked under the thumb, devised by Baden Powell in the early days of the movement and still used worldwide
Scout Shouts
A stage show put on by Scouts in South Australia on a yearly basis
Scouts Own
A short gathering of Scouts to reflect and possibly to undertake 'duty to their god'.
Scout Promise
On my honour, I promise to do my best to do my duty to my God and to Australia, to help other people and keep the Scout Law' (note: optional words 'to the Queen of Australia')
Scroggan
Australian term for a mix of easily digested and quick to eat foodstuffs used in hiking. Generally made up of chocolate, nuts and dried fruits [see also Gorp]Sea Base
Sea Scouts
A sub-branch of Scouts Australia that focuses on water activities. Generally run with a nautical theme.
Seahaven
Sea Scout Campsite based at Outer Harbour in South Australia. This location is currently closed, awaiting redevelopment during 2005
Seconder
A senior Cub Scout who second in charge of a small sub-group of the Cub Scout Pack. This position is identified by one horizontal gold bar on the chest pocket [see also 'Sixer']
Sections
A term used to generally describe all sub-program areas of Scouting across the age groupings
Seeonee
A monthly gathering of all District Cub Scout Leaders to discuss planning and pass information down from the District Cub Scout Leader [see DCSL]
Seeonee Hills
Bunkhouse style campsite near Woodhouse in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia [see Woodhouse]
Shakedown Camp
A preparation camp held in the lead-up to a Jamboree to ensure all equipment and personnel are correct and familiar with one another [see Jamboree]
Silver Arrowhead
A Long Service Merit Award given to Leaders for sustained service of high order
Silver Emu
A Long Service Merit Award given to Leaders for sustained service of high order
Silver Kangaroo
A Long Service Merit Award given to Leaders for sustained service of high order
Silver Koala
A Long Service Merit Award given to Leaders for sustained service of high order
Silver Wattle
A Long Service Merit Award given to Leaders for sustained service of high order
Silver Wolf
The highest earned award for a Cub Scout in Scouts Australia. This award will be introduced in 2005 to replace the Yellow Cord
Six
A small sub-group of the Cub Scout Pack. Similar in make up and design to a Scout Patrol (from where the concept is borrowed) [see Patrol]
Sixer
A senior Cub Scout who is place in charge of a small sub-group of the Cub Scout Pack. This position is identified by two horizontal gold bars on the chest pocket
Skit
A short stage act put on by Scouts, usually in front of a campfire for the amusement of others. Generally accepted to be no longer than about 2 minutes
SL
Scout Leader - General term for the person in charge of a Scout Troop. Other terminology for this person is Troop Leader
Sleep-Over
An overnight event usually at a Scout Hall during which the Troop, Pack or Unit apparently sleeps at the hall.
SA SCOUT
Quaterly publication of Scouts Australia SA Branch
Sub-Camp
A sub-unit of a larger campsite. Common usage of this term is in relation to Jamborees
Sundowners
Monthly gathering of District Scout Leaders to communicate information/policy etc. [see District Scout Leader]
Super Splash
Yearly event conducted for Venturers
Tape
A strip on material with the name of a Group. Region or State worn on the uniform
Training Team
A group of leaders assigned by the State Branch to conduct Adult Leader Training for Scouts Australia
Trangia
A brand of lightweight cooking set, made of aluminium, that uses methylated spirits for fuel. Commonly in use with Scouts and Venturers for light weight hiking
Troop
The title given to a group of Scouts within a Scout Group
Troop Council
The management and decision making body of the Scout Troop, made up of Adult Leaders and Patrol Leaders [see Patrol Leader]
Unit
The title given to a group of Venturers within a Scout Group
Unit Chair
The head of the Unit Council of the Venturer Unit [see Venturers]
Unit Council
The management and decision making body of the Venturer Unit
Venture
A gathering of Venturers for the purpose of fellowship and activities. Very similar to a Jamboree, but smaller [see Jamboree]
Venturer Award
An award of the Venturer Section. The Venturer Award is the half-way point in the journey to the Queens Scout Award
Venturer Den
A space put aside in a Scout Hall, generally for the exclusive use of Venturers, to decorate and furnish as they wish
Venturers
Sub-Program of Scouts Australia for persons aged 14 to 18 yr
Wandara
A monthly meeting of all Joey Leaders in a Scouting District, chaired by the District Joey Leader [see also Joeys & District]
Warden
A person appointed to care for or manage a Scouting property
Warrant
A document formerly issued by Scouts Australia that authorised an Adult Leader to hold a specified position in Scouting
Wide Game
A game played by a large number of people outside. May be team or competitive based and is often played at night
Woggle
Device used to hold a neckerchief around the neck. May be made of any material and may have various markings. [see also Gilwell Woggle & Slide]
Wolf
The Wolf remains the universal symbol of Cub Scouts around the world [see also Wolf Cubs]
Wolf Cubs
The forerunner of what is now known as 'Cub Scouts'
Woodbadge
Adult Leader Qualification, common across the globe.
Wood Beads
Set of two (or more) wooden beads worn by Leaders who have completed their Woodbadge Training. The beads are worn on a thin leather thong around the neck
Woodhouse
Scouts Australia (SA Branch) Campsite located in the Adelaide Hills
World Jamboree
The major Jamboree for the entire Scouting World, held every four years in different countries
WOSM
World Organisation of the Scout Movement'
World Scout Badge
The Fleur de Lys badge, white on a purple background, worn on the uniform of all Scouts worldwide (note: the NZ version alone has a black background) [see Fleur de Luis]
World Scout Day
International Day for Scouting
YAC
Youth Advisory Council - A selected Group of Youth Members of Scouting who provide consultative input into Senior Executive deliberations within Scouts Australia {thanks to 1st Beaumont Scout Group}
Yarn
A story traditonally told around a campfire by Leaders or Senior Scouts in order to impart a lesson or some wisdom. Baden Powell specifically wrote of yarns for Scouts as an important tool
Yellow Book
Cub Scout Record of Achievement Book, details all accomplishments
YIS
Abbreviation for 'Yours in Scouting' - commonly used by Scouting people to end letters and/or e-mails to other Scouts; known to be used globally