Glossary

AC 

Area Commissioner: a programme authority for a number of districts

ADC 

Assistant District Commissioner

Akela 

The adult leader of a Cub Pack. The name is actually taken from a name of a wolf in Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. Other names for Cub leaders have also been taken from Jungle Book. 

APC 

Assistant Provincial Commissioner

APL 

Assistant Patrol Leader

Area 

A geographical subdivision of a Region that does not have an administrative Council. The organizational affairs of its Scout Groups are administered by a Regional Council, through Area representatives. The Scouting programs are overseen by an Area Commissioner, through a service team of AACs. 

ARC 

Assistant Regional Commissioner

Baden-Powell 

Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, who later became Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell (1857-1941), the founder of the Scouting movement. An excellent site devoted to information about him is: http://pinetreeweb.com/B-P.htm

B-P 

Baden-Powell. 

B P & P 

By-Laws, Policies & Procedures: A publication of Scouts Canada that serves as its constitution and procedural reference for the operation of Scouting activities. 

Bagheera 

The name of a black panther in Kipling's Jungle Book.

Baloo 

The name of a bear in Kipling's Jungle Book. 

Beaver 

A member of the youngest division of Scouting, aged 5-7. 

Beaveree 

A camping event for Beavers. 

Beaver Salute 

Like a peace sign made with bent fingers. It represents the two front teeth of a beaver. 

Boer War

The armed conflict between the British forces and the Dutch farmers (Boers) in South Africa, which lasted from 1899-1902. Baden-Powell fought in this war and was instrumental in holding off a siege at Making for 217 days. 

Brownsea Island 

The site of the first experimental Scout camp, in 1907, in Poole Harbour, southern England.

Bubbles 

One of the five members of the Jones family found in the story "Friends of the Forest", named by the beavers for the fun she was having splashing her feet in the water. Used as a Leader name in the Beaver program. 

Camp Mclean 

A Camp owned by Scouts Canada located next to Campbell Valley Park (GVRD) in Langley at 20315 16th Ave. It offers a range of camping experiences suitable for all sections. Its facilities are widely used for camps, meetings, training sessions, events (Beaverees, Cuboree). 

Charterhouse School 

The school in London, England that Baden-Powell attended. At age 13, he entered the school on scholarship, and at age 19 entered military service with the British forces in India.

Chief Scout's Award 

The highest award available to a Scout. It follows three years of active participation in the troop program, during which time the Scout has the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and interests, ranging from citizenship and leadership, to camping and woodcraft. This award is presented by the Lieutenant-Governor at an annual ceremony. This award and the Queen's Venturer Award replace the old Queen's Scout Award that was part of the pre-1968 Scouting program. 

Chief Scout 

An honorary position held by the current British monarch, and by the Governor-General of each member of the British Commonwealth, Canada included. 

Chopping Position 

Beavers squatting down with elbows on knees, both hands making a Beaver Salute. 

CJ 

Canadian Jamboree. This event is run as a nine-day camp. It is held every four years and rotates among three locations in Western, Central, and Eastern Canada. CJ '01 was held at Cabot Park, on the north shore of Prince Edward Island. 

Colony 

The basic organizational unit for the Beaver level of Scouting, for ages 5-7. 

Company

The basic organizational unit for the Venturer level of Scouting, for ages 14-17. 

Contact Leader

Is a leader acting as a liaison for a section. 

Council 

The administrative unit which consists of the usual table officers at the National, Provincial, and Regional levels.

Crew 

The basic organizational unit for the Rover level of Scouting, for ages 18-26. 

Cub 

A member of the Scouting movement at the pack level, aged 8-10. 

Cuboree 

A camping event for Cubs. 

DAC 

Deputy Area Commisioner 

Dam 

A circle formation; used by the Beavers in all ceremonies. 

DCAT 

Deputy Area Commisioner For Training 

DC 

District Commissioner: a programme authority for a number of groups (Scout groups). 

District 

a programme authority structure for a number of groups (Scout groups) 

Eager Beaver 

An invested Beaver. 

Fantasy Camp 

The closest thing you'll probably ever play that resembles Dungeons & Dragons in the woods. This event is for Scouts & Venturers, who come for the weekend camp with imaginative costumes and harmless costume weaponry to meet strange beings in the forest in their quest to get a chance to slay the Dragon. The event is organized in late May, in order to take full advantage of the blackflies or the odd early mosquito, without which most Scouting events just would not be the same. 

Flag break

An important observance at the opening of a Pack, Troop, or Company gathering, during which the flag of Canada is broken and saluted. The national anthem is often sung. 

Friends of the Forest 

A story about a colony of beavers and their friends, the Jones family, that provides the foundation theme of Scouts Canada's Beaver section. 

Gilwell 

A park in England that was acquired for the purpose of training Scout leaders. Until this day, the Wood Badge II training course is also known as the Gilwell course, and the beads given as recognition for this training are known as Gilwell beads. See Zulu.

gone home 

Among the Scoutcraft skills that Baden Powell taught to his boys was a system of trail markings and signs you could leave to communicate to others on the trail. One of these was a circle with a single spot in the center, used to indicate that the hiker had gone home. Such a symbol was placed on Baden-Powell's gravestone, and since then, "gone home" has been used in the Scouting community to refer to someone who has died. 

Grand Howl 

Part of the opening ceremony at a Cub meeting. 

Group

A group includes all of the sections (colonies, packs, troops, companies, and crews) that are sponsored by one sponsor. They usually meet in a building provided by the sponsor. Youth completing any level of the Scouting program normally move on to a section at the next level in the same group. 

Group Committee (GC)

Each sponsor of a Scout Group must have in place a committee whose mandate it is to oversee and support the Group by providing meeting space, recruiting and screening leaders, and handling all registrations. Group Committees are also ultimately responsible for overseeing and coordinating fundraising events.

Over the past several years, something of a convergence has occurred between the administrative side and the program side of Scouting, in that Group Committee members must be interviewed and screened just as section Scouters are. And while it is entirely possible they may have had no actual Scouting experience, they are full members of Scouts Canada and are entitled to wear the uniform.

Hathi 

A large grey elephant from the Jungle Book, name used by Cub Section Scouters.

Hawkeye

One of the five members of the Jones family found in the story "Friends of the Forest", named by the beavers as he saw them first and must have eyes as sharp as a hawk's. Used as a Leader name in the Beaver program. 

Horseshoe 

The formation in which Scouts normally assemble in their Troop meetings, for flag break,announcements, and so on. 

Investiture 

The ceremony by which a new youth or adult, who has completed certain minimum requirements, is declared ready to become an active member of a Scouting section, and is formally accepted. 

Jamboree 

A term originating in the days of Baden-Powell, for a large gathering of Scouts. The first jamboree was a world-wide gathering held in England.

jump up 

The ceremony whereby older Cubs advance to Scouts. 

jumpstart kit 

A set of resource materials that can be used by leaders to plan activities and run meetings effectively. The kits can include videos, and printed resources include games and other activities.

Kaa 

A rock python snake from the Jungle Book, also used as Cub Section Leader name.

Keeo 

A Cub who helps as an activity leader with a Beaver Colony. 

Kim 

A Scout who helps as an activity leader with a Cub pack. The name Kim is taken from Kipling's novel about a British Intelligence Officer named Kim O'Hara. 

Kim's game 

A game of observation in which a tray or table of several objects are shown to the participant for a fixed amount of time, such as a minute, and then taken away. The participant must then recall as many objects as possible from memory. The skill was one required ofKim and other intelligence officers. 

Kit 

In the story "Friends of the Forest" and in nature, a young beaver but in the colony, it is a Beaver who has not yet been invested.

Leader magazine

More completely called The Canadian Leader Magazine, a national monthly publication for registered adult members. It contains news, articles, features, and ads of interest to Scouting.

Lodge

The smaller working groups within a Beaver Colony. 

Lodge Patch

A coloured patch worn by each Beaver that shows the lodge to which he belongs. It is worn on the vest pocket of the Beaver uniform. 

Mafeking 

The location of the strategically-placed fort in South Africa which Baden-Powell and his men defended against siege for 217 days from October 1899 to May 1900. This one event ensured B-P's rise to fame as a military hero. 

Malik

 

mission statement of Scouts Canada (adopted December 2000)

To contribute to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law, to help build a better world where people are self fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society. 

mugup 

The popular name for a refreshment and energy break at Scout camps, generally after an outdoor activity such as a formal evening campfire. The name may have something to do with the practice of Scouts going through the hot chocolate lineup with their mugs, and being told by their Scouters who are pouring, "Hold your mug up!", shortened to"mug up!". This explanation has not been authoritatively substantiated, but it's as good as any. 

neckerchief 

Often shortened to 'necker'. A piece of cloth in the shape of an isosceles triangle worn about the neck and closed with a woggle or neckerchief slide. A special neckerchief fabric and design is used for Wood Badge II recognition, and for certain other roles in Scouting. Many Scout Groups have their own colour scheme custom-made locally. Easthill's neckerchief design is the familiar green and yellow colour scheme, . 

Nyeri 

The location of Baden-Powell's gravesite in Kenya, not far from Mount Kenya. 

Operation Alert 

A major Provincial event for Scouts and Venturers, held around the middle of September. Teams of youth must camp together, and participate in a number of competitive skill challenges at "projects" (stations) set up throughout Camp Nedooae and run typically by Scouters. The Venturers' projects are located in a separate area of the camp. 

Pack 

The basic organizational unit for the Cub level of Scouting, aged 8-10. 

Patrol

The smaller working unit of a Troop, comprised typically of between 5 and 8 Scouts.

Pond 

The meeting place for Beavers, e.g. auditorium, community club, church, school, home, as well as other places. 

PJ 

Provincial Jamboree 

PL 

Patrol Leader 

PRC 

Police Record Check 

Queen's Venturer Award 

The highest award that can be earned by a Venturer. It and the Chief Scout's Award (for Scouts) replaced the old Queen's Scout Award that was part of the pre-1968 Scouting program, before the Venturer section existed. 

Rainbow 

One of the five members of the Jones family found in the story "Friends of the Forest", named by the beavers for her clothes of many colors. Used as a Leader name in the Beaver program. 

Raksha

The name of the she-wolf that was mother to Mowgli in Rudyard Kipling's JungleBook and as a Cub Section Leader name.

Region

One of several geographical jurisdictions in British Columbia which include several Areas, formerly Districts.

Regional Commissioner (RC)

a programme authority for a number of areas

Ringtail 

One of the five members of the Jones family found in the story "Friends of the Forest", named by the beavers for his cleverness as a racoon. Used as a Leader name in the Beaver program. 

Risk Management 

The set of practices by which Scouts Canada ensures that its members are prepared and qualified for the activities in which they participate, that leaders complete certain paperwork for events they supervise, and that all participants are registered so as to be covered by insurance while on Scout activities. 

The emphasis on risk management has been prompted by any number of high-profile legal cases against various organizations and individuals in our country,and it is well-known that lawsuits can now threaten the total assets of those organizations, raising the possibility of their total destruction. Therefore, current Scouting policy requires strict adherence to practices that will result in the creation of an acceptable "paper trail" to be referred to in case of accident, injury, or lawsuit. 

The following question is printed boldly on the front page of the Scouts Canada Camping/Outdoor Activity Guide:

Are we in the right place,
at the right time,
with the right people,
with the right equipment?

Riverbanks 

The formation of two wavy lines, facing each other, made by Beavers when preparing for an opening or closing. 

Rover

A member of the oldest program section in Scouting, for young men and women aged18-26. 

Rusty

One of the five members of the Jones family found in the story "Friends of the Forest", named by the beavers for his hair that was the color of a red fox. Used as a Leader name in the Beaver program. 

sash

A closed band of cloth secured at one shoulder and crossing the front of the shirt diagonally. It is worn by Cubs and Scouts to accommodate badges and other insignia. 

Scout 

Generally, a youth member in the Scouting movement. Specifically, a member of a Scout Troop, aged 11-14. 

Scouting for Boys 

The important writings by Baden-Powell adapted from his military training notes, which first appeared as episodes in a periodical, and later published in one volume. They constitute the core of Scouting skills as practiced and taught by the founder of the movement, and by generations of Scouts worldwide ever since. 

Scouter 

An adult leader in any of the Scout sections from Colony to Crew level. 

Scouters Club

A monthly district meeting 

Scouters' Conference

An annual event held the first weekend in November, open to the adult Scouters of Nova Scotia. It is held in a conference location such as a hotel, rather than in a camping environment.

Scouts' Own

A brief interdenominational worship or meditation event, specifically designed for Scouting events where there may be members of more than one faith expression. The intention of a Scouts' Own is to provide a spiritual emphasis for a camp, without reflecting the views of a particular denomination or faith. 

Section

A Beaver colony, Wolf Cub pack, Scout troop, Venturer company or Rover crew 

screening process 

The Adult Volunteer Screening Process. The process which gives guidelines for the screening and interviewing of adult members - both program and administrative. 

Section

Each Colony, Pack, Troop, Company, or Crew in a Group is called asection

Semaphore

An international method of communicating using two signal flags. Its usefulness and value will become readily apparent in any situation where medium-distance communication (up to a kilometre per relay stage) is required, and radio, phone, and cell phone technology are temporarily unavailable. 

Service team 

A service team is a group of program Scouters, including Assistant Commissioners at all levels from Colony up, whose role is to support and assist Scouters in their jurisdiction, and organize large-scale events for that can be attended by members of several Groups. Service teams exist at Area, Regional, and Provincial levels.

Six 

Any of one or more smaller working groups of Cubs that make up a Pack.

Sixer

A youth leader of a Six 

slide

Neckerchief slide. See woggle. 

Sponsor 

Any organization, agency, or service club that undertakes to set up and be responsible for a Scout Group. It must have in place a Group Committee and subscribe to the principles of Scouts Canada. Most sponsors have traditionally been churches. 

STA 

spare time activity 

Sunshine 

One of the five members of the Jones family found in the story "Friends of the Forest", named by the beavers for her warm smile and sparkling eyes. Used as a Leader name in the Beaver program. 

Swim up

The ceremony whereby older Beavers (white tails) advance to Wolf Cubs. 

Tail Slap 

The name of the opening ceremony performed by a colony of Beavers. It is also the act clapping one's hands behind one's back as performed by the Beavers during their opening ceremony.

Tic Tac 

The name of the squirrel found in the story "Friends of the Forest". Used as a Leader name in the Beaver program. 

Trainer 

An experienced Scouter who is qualified to train other Scouters at training events such as Wood Badge I or II courses.

Troop

The basic organizational unit for the Scout level of Scouting, aged 11-14.

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Venturer 

A member of a Company - a Scouting section for young men and women aged 14-17. 

White Tail camp 

A camp for White Tail Beavers, that is, Beavers in their third year who are being prepared to advance to Cubs. 

WJ 

World Jamboree 

woggle 

A neckerchief slide. There is a long tradition of Scouters carving or creating their own distinctive designs from various materials. On the other hand, the Scout Shop has woggles in the colour of each Section. A special woven woggle is presented to Scouters upon the completion of Wood Badge I training. 

Wood Badge I and II 

The two important training events for all program Scouters. Wood Badge I is generally run in two modules: module A consists of basic information of use to Scouters at all levels. Module B consists of Section-specific material, dealing with program at each particular level. All leaders are expected to take Wood Badge I training in their first year. 

The Wood Badge II course likewise contains a combination of general material, and section-specific material, covered in a camp setting. Wood Badge II training is usually run over two weekends. 

WOSM

World Organization of Scouting Movements. Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. 

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Zulu 

Native tribe of Africa, whose chief Dinizulu gave B.-P. his necklace of wooden beads as a token of surrender. These beads would later be used as a design for the Woodbadge beads.