Advancement Chairman

The Advancement Chairman is the adult leader in our troop that keeps track of youth ranks and merit badges using Troopmaster software and other means, submits these records to the Occoneechee Council office, schedules Scoutmaster Conferences and Boards of Review, and prepares awards for our Courts of Honor. Mr. Owens is our Advancement Chairman.

Baden-Powell (BP)

Lord Robert Stephen Smythe Baden-Powell. The founder of Scouting in England in 1908. The Scouting program started because of the popularity of BP's book "Scouting for Boys" which was intended to familiarize youth with outdoor skills and activities.

Baden-Powell Award

This Patrol award within our Troop is based on BSA's Baden-Powell Star recognition for quality patrols. Patrols are scored on uniforms, advancements, attendance, service projects, menus on campouts, awards and recognitions at camporees, and a variety of other patrol functions. Patrol scores are compared and the Baden-Powell award is given at our February and September Courts of Honor.

Blue Card

An advancement record for merit badges. The blue card is first signed by the Scoutmaster to authorize the scout to begin working on the merit badge requirements with the appropriate merit badge counselor. When the counselor believes the scout has completed all the requirements for that badge, he will sign the blue card and pass it along to the Advancement Chairman. The scout should keep the signed "Applicant Record" part of the blue card as evidence of his merit badge completion.

Board of Review (BOR)

The final examination for each Scouting rank. When all other requirements for a rank are complete, the scout will ask the Advancement Chairman for a BOR. For Tenderfoot thru First Class, the BOR may be run by the Senior Patrol Leader and his assistants. For Star and Life, the BOR will be run by the Scoutmaster, his assistants, or other adult leaders designated by the Scoutmaster. For Eagle, the board will first be conducted by our Troop Eagle Board and then by the Three Rivers District Eagle Board of Review.

Bridging Ceremony, Bridging Over, Crossing over

The event where Webelos II Scouts ceremoniously cross a bridge to join Boy Scouts. On the other side, they are welcomed into our troop by the Scoutmaster, the Senior Patrol Leader and their new Patrol Leader.

Brown Sea Island

Is an Island in Poole Harbor on the southern coast of England where Baden-Powell held the first Boy Scout outing as a test of his program.

BSA Lifeguard

Lifeguard training for youth and adult leaders. This certification lasts 3 years.

BSA Swim Test

Beginner Swim Test - (same as Second Class swimming requirement) "Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on thesurface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place".

Swimmer Test - (same as First Class swimming requirement) "Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and begin swimming, swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating". -The Boy Scout Handbook, BSA

Buddy

On any outing, scouts group in pairs for activities, especially for swimming and boating activities. Each scout is responsible to look out for his "buddy" to ensure safety. See "Safe Swim Defense" and "Safety Afloat"

Camporee

A camporee is an outing, usually over a weekend, where the Troop camps along with other troops in Three Rivers District or in Occoneechee Council. Camporees usually include friendly competitions between troops and/or patrols, flag ceremonies, a campfire program, and sometimes an Order of the Arrow ceremony.

Centennial Quality Unit Award

An award recognizing Scout Units like our Troop for achieving excellence in providing a quality program. Formerly the "Quality Unit Award". see http://www.scouting.org/Awards/CentennialAwards.aspx

Chaplain, Chaplain's Aide

Scouting is an organization based on a belief in God. This is expressed in our Oath and in the twelveth point of our Law. Scouting is non-denominational. The Chaplain is the spiritual leader of the Troop. He coordinates with and supervises the Troop Chaplain's Aide to ensure that each outing has a religious service, prayers before meals, and other appropriate religious observances.

Charter

The contract between the Boy Scouts of America and the Charter Organization authorizing the Cub Pack, Scout Troop, or Venture Crew. This contract is renewed with the annual "re-charter" along with a re-organization of the Unit roster. Our Troop's original charter was dated March 17, 1947 and established our Unit number as 93. Generally, older troops have lower Unit numbers.

Charter Organization

This is the community organization that "owns", sponsors and is responsible for a Scout Troop, Pack, or Venture Crew. Our Charter Organization is the Pittsboro Lions Club. Many Units are sponsored by churches.

Charter Organization Representative (COR)

A member of the Charter Organization that is a liaison between them and the Unit (Troop, Pack, etc.) Committee. The Troop Committee Chair reports to the COR. The COR was formerly known as the Institutional Representative.

Chuck Box

The box in which a patrol carries cooking equipment and other patrol gear to and from an outing.

Commissioner

An Adult Leader at the Unit, District, or Council level that helps coordinate programs, recruiting, training, planning and other key infrastructure of the Scouting program. The Commissioner is a liason to the next level up in the program.

Committee

The Committee is the foundation and supporting infrastructure of a Scouting Unit. In our troop, it is made up of a Committee Chairman, the Charter Organization Representative, the Scoutmaster, at least one Assistant Scoutmaster, and a number of other parents who are registered as committee members. The Committee is responsible for assuring that the troop program follows BSA guidelines. They provide Troop infrastructure and the necessary resources for the PLC and Scoutmaster to facilitate the Troop program. The Committee meets the second Thursday of each month at the Harold Boone Scout Park. Troop Committee structure and offices are outlined in the Troop Committee Handbook.

Committee Chair (CC)

The CC is a registered adult leader appointed by the Charter Organization Representative. The CC presides over Troop Committee meetings to ensure that the Troop runs smoothly and follows BSA guidelines.

COPE Course

Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience course that uses ropes, heights, and group initiatives to build team spirit within a group.

Council

A Council is a legally incorporated organization within the Boy Scouts of America that is part of a Region. A council is made up of a number of Districts. Our Troop is part of Three Rivers District, which is part of Occoneechee Council, which is part of the Southern Region of BSA.

Council Executive

The Council Executive is the chief executive officer for the Council. This is a paid position, not a volunteer. He supervises the Council Field Directors, Program Directors, District Executives, and administrative staff.

Council Office

The office of the Council Executive, Council administrative personnel, and other Council officials. Our advancement records and Annual Charter are forwarded to our Council Office. The Office also administers our local Scout Camps, provides guidance for advancement for Eagle and for special needs scouts, provides a professional scouter for our District, organizes our popcorn fundraiser, and a variety of other administrative functions. In addition, we have a Scout Shop located in the same building on Atlantic Avenue in Raleigh.

Court of Honor (COH)

A ceremony where scouts receive and/or are recognized for the rank advancements, merit badges, and other awards they have earned. Our Troop often combines this event with a pot-luck dinner for families in February, May, and September of each year.

Cracker Barrel

A youth and/or adult leaders' meeting with crackers, cheese and other snacks generally late in the day and often with discussions and information about the current activity or event.

Den Chief

A Boy Scout leadership position in a Cub Scout Den. The Den Chief assists the Den Leader at meetings.

Den Leader

The adult leader in charge of a Cub Scout Den.

District

A District is not an incorporated legal entity, but is a sub-area within the Council and includes a number of troops. Our Troop is part of Three Rivers District, which is part of Occoneechee Council, which is part of the Southern Region of BSA.

District Executive (DE)

The DE is the Scouting professional working within a District. He is responsible for District programming, fundraising, recruiting, and events

District Roundtable

An event conducted by a roundtable commissioner and roundtable staff to help the unit leadership of a district plan and carry out their own unit programs.

Dutch Oven

The Dutch Oven is a large pot with a lid. The pot usually has three legs to hold it above the coals and a lip on the lid can retain coals on top. This allows the dutch oven to be used for baking, though it can be used to cook almost any meal. Originally, dutch ovens were made of cast iron, but are now also available in aluminum.

Eagle Board

The Board of Review for the Eagle Scout Award. This interview is conducted by members of our District Eagle Board of Review after our Troop Eagle Board of Review is satisfied that the scout meets the qualifications for the Eagle Scout Rank.

Eagle Palms

Awards recognizing the Eagle Scout for continuing to earn merit badges beyond those required for Eagle. The scout earns a Bronze Palm for an additional 5 merit badges, a Gold Palm for 10, and a Silver Palm for 15 beyond those required for Eagle. Additional Palms are awarded in combinations of these representing each additional 5 merit badges earned.

Eagle Project Workbook

A pamphlet required for use in planning and organizing each Eagle Scout community service project.

Firem'n Chit

Is a card certifying that the scout has demonstrated knowledge of safety rules in building, maintaining, and putting out camp and cooking fires.

Fleur-de-Lis

The universal emblem of Scouting. Translated from French, it means "lily flower" and was used on many European coats of arms. Historically, the fleur was often ; used on a compass rose to mark North. Representing the way to go thru life, it was adopted by BP as the emblem of Scouting. The three petals of the fleur ; match the three fingers of the Scout Sign in representing the three parts of the ; Scout Oath.

Friends of Scouting (FOS)

Is an annual fundraising campaign within each BSA Council to provide local support from members and non-members throughout the community.

Gilwell

Gilwell Park near Chingford, London, England. This 109 acre park was donated to Scouting in 1919 by William de Bois Maclauren and is the site BP's first adult leader training course which came to be known as Woodbadge. Gilwell is still used for scout outings.

God and Country

One of the many religious awards for youth recognized by BSA and administered by the Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) program.

grubmaster

This Scout is in charge of patrol hike and camp menus and assembling food for outdoor patrol activities. He is appointed by the patrol leader.

Guide to Safe Scouting

The Guide to Safe Scouting is published annually by BSA as a rule, policy and information guide to ensure safety for scouts and leaders during Scouting's activities. Scout leaders must be familiar with the Guide prior to planning Troop activities. The Guide is available at our Council Scout Shops, at Scoutstuff.org, and online at http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS/toc.aspx and on our Troop website.

Honor Scout Award

This award was initiated by our Troop in 1993 to recognize one of our scouts who best exemplifies the image and spirit of Scouting and conscientiously strives to & live by the Scout Oath, Law, and Motto. It is awarded annually at our February Court of Honor. See our Troop Handbook.

Insignia Control Guide

This is a BSA publication gives detailed rules and etiquette for appropriate wearing of the BSA uniform and all its patches. It is available from the Occoneechee Scout Shop, www.scoutstuff.org, or http://www.scouting.org/Media/InsigniaGuide.aspx

Jamboree

A large Scouting Camporee like event, usually at the National or World level and usually recurring every four years. In 2010, there will be a National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, VA celebrating the Centennial Anniversary of Scouting. Tens of thousands of scouts and scouters will attend as part of a contingent from their Council. Including contingents and visitors, daily attendance may exceed 100,000 scouts and scouters!

Junior Asst. Scoutmaster (JASM )

A leadership position for an older scout, usually one having already held other leadership roles within the Troop. This position acts as an assistant to the Scoutmaster and in our Troop (as with most others) is held by an Eagle Scout.

Junior Leader Training Conference (JLTC)

An annual opportunity for youth leaders in our Troop to learn skills related to leadership.

Key Three

In a BSA Council, the Key Three include the Council President, the Council Executive, and the Council Commissioner. There is an analogous Key Three in each Scouting District.

Leader

A person given responsibility for a group's actions, who guides them, encourages them, helps them to set worthy goals and then leads them toward accomplishing those goals.

Leave No Trace (LNT)

The BSA is committed to this nationally recognized outdoor skills and ethics awareness program to reduce impacts on the environment and other people. The seven principles should be followed at all times in the outdoors: Plan ahead and prepare; camp and travel on durable surfaces; pack it in, pack it out; leave what you find; minimize campfire use; respect wildlife; and respect others. When used as an adjective, capitalize and do not hyphenate: "Follow all Leave No Trace principles in the backcountry." See http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php or http://www.scouting.org/BoyScouts/TeachingLeaveNoTrace.aspx

merit badge

A recognition given to a Boy Scout for completing the requirements for the badge. There are more than a hundred subjects in life skills, hobby, and career fields, with requirements and supporting pamphlets to help Scouts broaden their outlook. Capitalize the name but not the words "merit badge." Example: "earn the Lifesaving and Swimming merit badges." When referring to the merit badge pamphlet, italicize the title. Example: "Journalism merit badge pamphlet."

MyScouting

An Internet portal for our members that provides access to their account data, automated tour permit applications, the E-Learning Course Management System, and more.

national office

The address of the administrative offices of the Boy Scouts of America is Boy Scouts of America, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079. "Home office" is not used except in historical references.

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

NYLT is BSA's standardized youth leader training course that is generally offered annually during the summer by each BSA Council.

New Scout Patrol

After the Bridging Ceremony in February or March each year, the former Webelos Scouts that have just joined our Troop will form an New Scout Patrol. Their Patrol Leader is usually their former Den Chief. They will pick a patrol name and function as a regular patrol for several months and through summer camp. After camp, the new scouts merge into existing patrols in the Troop.

Occoneechee

This is the name of our BSA Council. The name is derived from that of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation of Native Americans. The former Occaneechi territory centered around Alamance County, North Carolina and extended into other Piedmont areas of North Carolina and southern Virginia. This area had been known as a crossroads of early Native American trade routes.

Order of the Arrow (OA)

An organization within Scouting of honor campers exemplifying service to others. Scouts are elected by their Troop peers for membership in the OA. The OA was founded by Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council. It was approved as part of the Scouting program in 1934. OA membership has three levels:

Patrol

The Patrol is a group of approximately 8 scouts that function together as a team on campouts, during competitions and games, at camporees, weekly meetings, and other Scouting activities. Several patrols together make up our Troop.

Patrol Leader (PL)

Each Patrol has an older, elected leader called a Patrol Leader. Each Patrol Leader has an Assistant Patrol Leader who helps with his duties and can stand in his place when the PL is absent.

Patrol Leaders Council (PLC)

Formerly known as the Green Bar, referring to the green stripes on their patch of office. Our Troop is a youth –run organization. The PLC is a committee made up of all the youth leaders in our Troop. They have responsibility for planning all Troop activities, outings, and programs and then carrying out those plans. The PLC has an adult advisor for guidance and may ask other adults from the Troop or from the community for assistance with their program and plans. The PLC meets on the second Thursday of each month.

PLC Planning Meeting

The Patrol Leaders' Council meets to plan the next semester's Troop activities with the guidance of the PLC Advisor and Programs Advisor. This plan is then presented to the Troop Committee for approval to make sure the plan meets BSA guidelines and that necessary resources can be provided. This meeting normally occurs in December to plan for January thru August meetings and activities and again in August to plan September thru December activities. Obviously, some activities must be planned much further in advance to allow time for reservations. In addition, the Patrol Leaders Council meets every month to plan details of the next month's programs and activities.

Quartermaster

A youth leadership position responsible for Troop or Patrol equipment. He ensures that equipment is returned to storage in good condition and clean after each outing and checks it out as needed prior to outings. He also reports equipment needs to the Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol Leader and sometimes to the Troop Committee.

Ranks

The advancements of Scouting. They include Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle.

Re-charter

Sometimes referred to as Charter Renewal, this is an annual process of re- registering scouts and adult leaders with BSA and renewing the contract between our Charter Organization, the Troop, and BSA.

Region

BSA is subdivided into geographical administrative units called Regions. They include Northeast Region, Southern Region, Central Region, and Western Region. Each Region is divided into Councils. Our Troop is part of Three Rivers District, which is Part of Occoneechee Council, which is part of the Southern Region of BSA.

Roundtable

see "District Roundtable"

Sash

Sash refers to a strip of cloth worn with the Scout Uniform draped over the right shoulder and may have one of two purposes. The merit badge sash is about 6 inches wide of olive drab cloth and has space for merit badges the scout has earned to be displayed in rows of three. This is only worn on special occasions such as a Board of Review or a Court of Honor and is never worn as an adult scouter. The Order of the Arrow (OA) uses a 2 ½ inch wide white sash with red arrow symbols to designate Ordeal, Brotherhood, or Vigil Honor membership. This sash is only worn at OA functions or when rendering service as an OA member. Sashes should never be draped over the belt.

Scout

A youth registered in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venture Scouts

Scouter

An adult leader registered in Scouting.

Scout Handbook

Possibly the single most important resource each scout has for his Scouting career. This book has a wealth of information about the outdoors, camping, first aid, safety, and the Scouting advancements. It has rank requirements and a place for initialling and dating each one as it is completed. Thus the Handbook becomes the scout's progress record for future reference.

Scout Law

A scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent." (see the Boy Scout Handbook)

Scout Motto

"Be Prepared". When asked "Prepared for what?", BP said "Well, be prepared for any ole thing".

Scout Oath

The Creed of the Boy Scouts of America: "On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. (see the Boy Scout Handbook)

Scout Slogan

The Scout Slogan is "Do a Good Turn Daily". This is any helpful act or kindness done without an expectation of payment or any return favor. The Scouting program was brought to the US by American businessman William D. Boyce because of a good turn done for him by an unknown scout in London in 1909. See "Scroll"

Scout Shop

Our Council maintains a store Raleigh (at the Council Office) with supplies, patches, memorabilia, equipment, and books for Scouting.

Scout Stuff

See www.scoutstuff.org the online catalog of BSA equipment, supplies, and memorabilia.

Scoutmaster (SM)

The adult leader in charge of the Troop Scouting program. see the Troop Committee Handbook.

Scoutmaster Conference

The Scoutmaster Conference is a discussion between the scout and the Scoutmaster or one of his assistants at least once for each rank. This conference has several goals: For the scout and Scoutmaster to get to know each other, To help the young scout to understand the Scouting program and how to live up to the ideals of Scouting, To help the scout set goals for his next advancement and for life, and to help the scout explore his religious beliefs and duty to God. The Scoutmaster Conference was formerly known as the Personal Growth Agreement Conference. See the Boy Scout Handbook.

Scout Spirit

Scout Spirit represents the effort each scout makes to live up to the ideals of Scouting including the Oath, the Law, the Motto, and the Slogan.

Scouting magazine

The official magazine for all Scouters. It aims to interpret the program, stimulate action, and strengthen a desire to serve. The title is typeset in italics and underlined in typewritten copy. The word "magazine" may or may not be used and is not capitalized.

Scroll

The small banner in the shape of a smile under the First Class emblem to remind each scout that "a Scout is Cheerful". The knot hanging under the scroll reminds us to "Do a Good Turn Daily".

Service Project

Each rank beginning with Star requires the scout to participate in a project giving service in some way to the community. These projects may not benefit the scout's troop or family. These projects are progressively more involved as the scout advances. The Eagle service project is a substantial effort that is planned, organized, and led by the Eagle candidate. It must have prior approval by the District Eagle Board and be reported to that Board after completion.

Our Troop occasionally takes on a community service project that is not related to a scout's advancement. Examples include: Scouting for Food, CORA Food Drive, building handicapped ramps, etc.

Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)

The youth leader in charge of the Troop. The SPL's responsibilities are outlined in our Troop Handbook. This and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader are elected positions in our Troop.

Star

The rank above First Class and below Life in Scout advancement. Combinations: "Star Scout," "Star rank."

swimmer test

The minimum level of swimming ability required for deep-water swimming. The test is as follows: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

Three Rivers

Our Scouting District, including scouts in Chatham and Lee counties and a small part of Harnett county. Three Rivers is one of 13 Districts in Occoneechee Council.

Totin' Chip

A card certifying that a scout has knowledge of safe and appropriate use of woods tools (knife, ax, and saw). If caught misusing a woods tool the scout looses a corner from his Totin' Chip card. When all four corners are gone, he must re-earn the card.

Tour Permit

A "Local Tour Permit" application form is filled out for every outing and activity our Troop participates in other than weekly meetings. Occoneechee Council in turn issues us a "Local Tour Permit" authorizing the activity if we have met BSA's minimum standards of leadership and training for the activity. This information is used for safety and insurance purposes. If travel exceeds 500 miles, we must use a more detailed "National Tour Permit" application form which must be approved by BSA's Regional and National Offices.

Trefoil

The Fleur-de-Lis, or universal emblem of Scouting, so named because of its three petals, each representing one of the three parts of the Scout Oath.

Troop

The basic group of the Boy Scout program. The troop is composed of one to many Patrols, each with approximately 8 youth members. Troops have unique numbers within each Council and typically retain that number for the duration of their existence. Our Troop number has been 93 since 1947. Troops typically ange from a minimum of 5 to more than 80 youth members each. Each troop has a sponsoring or "Charter Organization", a Troop Committee, a Scoutmaster with one or more Assistant Scoutmasters, a Senior Patrol Leader, and a Patrol Leader for each Patrol.

Troop Committee

see "Committee"

troop historian

This youth leader records the troop's activities both in writing and visually; appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster's advice and consent.

TroopMaster

Popular software our Troop has purchased. Our Advancement Chairman uses this software to track and report our scouts' advancements.

Uniform

The purpose of the uniform in Scouting is to give everyone a sense of belonging to the group. As such, it helps break down social barriers and give a sense of equality among Scouting's members.

The Class A Uniform – includes the official Boy Scout shirt and either long or short pants, scout or dark socks, a scout web or leather belt. Some troops include a scout or troop neckerchief and/or a scout hat.

The Class B uniform – includes the Troop red tee-shirt, either long or short pants, scout or dark socks, and a scout web or leather belt.

Unit

Troops, Packs, and Venture Crews are all Units within the Scouting program.

unit leader

The adult leader of a unit is a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Coach, Advisor, or Skipper.

Venturing

The young adult program of the Boy Scouts of America for men and women 14 (who have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age. "Venturing" is both a noun and a modifier. The forms: "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 is different from the Boy Scout Venture program. See "Venture."

Wood Badge

Training award granted upon completion of the Wood Badge for the 21st Century course. A leather thong with two wooden beads, a special neckerchief, and a slide (woggle) are worn by those who have completed the training. See also "Gilwell Park."

World Conservation Award

A Scouting award recognizing the completion of three merit badges: Environmental Science, Citizenship in the World, and either Soil and Water Conservation or Fish and Wildlife Management.

Youth Leader

A scout holding an elected or appointed leadership role in the Troop or a Den Leader's position in the Pack. A member of the Patrol Leaders Council. See the Troop Handbook for specific descriptions.

Youth Protection

The Boy Scouts of America has been very proactive about protecting youth from abuse. BSA has published video and other training courses for adult leaders. They also have published age-appropriate training videos for youth members that teach them how to "recognize, resist, and report" abusive behaviors.