Glossary
Achievements: To earn the rank badge all Scouts must complete achievements found in their Handbook. The achievements cover these areas: God, Country, Family and Self.Activity Badge: There are 20 Activity Badges a Webelos Scout can earn. These are divided into 5 areas: Physical, Mental, Technology, Outdoor, and Community. A pin is presented for completion of each Activity Badge.
Advancements: Advancements in rank are presented at each pack meeting and include Tiger Cub, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light badges.
Akela: Akela is the Cub Scout term for a leader - any leader - including den leaders, Cubmasters, teachers, parents, and any other adult the Cub Scout looks up to. Akela was the wise leader of the wolves who accepted the man-cub Mowgli into his pack in Rudyard Kipling's story The Jungle Book.
Arrow of Light: This is the highest award a boy can earn in Cub Scouting - also the ONLY (non-religious) award from Cub Scouts which can be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform.
Arrow Points: Arrow Points are awarded to Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts for completion of electives beyond the Achievements covered for earning the Wolf or Bear rank badge. A Gold Arrow Point is awarded for the first 10 electives; a Silver Arrow Point is awarded for each successive 10 electives completed.
Assistant Cubmaster: An assistant Cubmaster is an adult (18 years or older) who assists the Cubmaster with the pack program. You may have several assistant Cubmasters. One of them might become the next Cubmaster.
Assistant Den Leader: An assistant den leader is an adult (18 years or older) who assists the den leader with the den meetings.
Assistant Webelos Leader: An assistant Webelos leader is an adult (18 years or older) who assists the Webelos den leader with the den meetings.
Bear Cub: These are generally third grade Cub Scouts, who work on activities in the areas God, Country, Family and Self. Of the 24 possible Achievements, they must complete a prescribed amount in each area, for a total of 12.
Bobcat: Every boy who joins Cub Scouts must first earn the Bobcat badge. Doing this, he learns the seven basic tenets of Cub Scouting: the Promise, the Law of the Pack, the sign, the handshake, the motto, the salute, and what Webelos means.
Boy Scout: A Boy Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a Troop. Boy Scouting furthers the development of the boy through camping, outdoor activities, skills development, and advancement. The Boy Scout advances through these ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.
Boy Scouts of America: The Boy Scouts of America is a national organization chartered by the U.S. Congress that owns the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing and Varsity Scouting programs.
Boy's Life: An award-winning magazine for boys. All cubs in Pack 688 receive Boy's Life as part of their annual registration. There are three different age-appropriate editions published monthly.
Chartered Organization: A chartered organization is a community group - often a religious, civic, fraternal, educational, or other organization - that sponsors a Scouting unit, such as a Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, or Venturing crew. The Boy Scouts of America issues a charter to each chartered organization, allowing them to use Scouting as part of their youth program. Bethany United Methodist Church is Pack 688's Charter Organization.
Charter Renewal: Charter renewal is the annual process during which the charter issued by BSA to your chartered organization is renewed. The pack committee must help by verifying the list of boys and adults registered in the pack.
Clown Volleyball: To play Clown Volleyball, tie a string about 6 feet up off the ground to act as a net (play the game outdoors if you can). Divide the den into two teams and give each team an inflated balloon. Both balloons are played at the same time, and the game ends when both balls are "grounded."
Council: The Council is an organization of professional Scouters that oversees all Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and other units in a large geographic area. Pack 688 is part of the Sam Houston Area Council.
Cub or Cub Scout: A Cub Scout is any member of Boy Scouts in first through fifth grade (or age 7 - 11).
Cub Scout Leader: Any of the adult volunteers in your pack who are currently registered as leaders with the Boy Scouts of America.
Cub Scout Sign: The Cub Scout sign is used when Cub Scouts say the Cub Scout Promise and Law. The sign is also used to get the attention of any Cub Scout group. To make the sign, hold up your right hand with the arm straight and first and middle fingers extended. The other fingers and thumb are folded over into the palm.
Cubmaster: The Cubmaster is the Cub Scout Leader responsible for planning and conducting the monthly pack meetings, influencing the program of the pack, and assisting with the operation of the dens. The Cubmaster may delegate responsibilities to one or more Assistant Cubmasters.
Den: The Den is a group of Cub Scouts who meet at regular intervals. Ideally, a den consists of 6 to 8 boys who are all working toward the same rank.
Den Chief: A den chief is a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer who serves as a Den Leader's assistant and helping to provide fun and interesting things for the boys to do.
Den Leader: A Cub Scout Den Leader is an adult volunteer who leads a Cub Scout den, with the help of assistant den leaders and parents. The Den Leaders are among the most important people in the pack.
Den Meeting: Individual Den Meetings are held for each rank level of Cub Scouts. These usually occur at a regular intervals, such as weekly or bi-weekly. Wolf and Bear dens work on fun projects, crafts, skits, or some of their Achievements. Webelos dens use this time to work on the various Activity Badges.
Denner: The Cub Scout Denner is a den member elected by the den for a short period, usually one or two months. His responsibilities are determined by the den leader and den chief. This might include helping to set up the den meeting place and cleanup; helping with games, ceremonies, tricks, and puzzles; leading a song; or acting as den cheerleader. The Denner wears a special gold shoulder cord on his left shoulder. The Webelos Scout Denner is a Webelos Scout who has been elected by secret ballot by the Webelos den for a short term of office, usually three to six months. His responsibilities are determined by the Webelos den leader and Webelos den chief, and might include such things as leading ceremonies, preparing equipment, setting up the meeting room, greeting new boys and helping them get acquainted, assisting with tricks and puzzles, or other worthwhile tasks.
District: Each Council is divided into a number of Districts. Pack 688 is part of the Golden Arrow District. The District provides leader training support, special camping and scouting events, and serves as liaison between the Council and the Unit (Pack).
Floating Ball Trick: To do the Floating Ball Trick, hold a table tennis ball over the end of a soda straw, tip your head back, and blow hard. Release the ball and it will stay suspended above the straw as long as you blow. Bendable elbow straws work best.
Friends of Scouting: Friends of Scouting (FOS) is a charitable foundation that supports the Council. You will be asked to contribute to Friends of Scouting at a Pack Meeting once per year. Pack 688 encourages 100% participation in this annual request.
Handbook: Each level of Scouting has its own Handbook. The Handbook is ESSENTIAL for your Scout, as it spells out the requirements for advancement, as well as providing a place to record completion of the same. Webelos-2 scouts will receive a Boy Scout Handbook about six months after they have earned their Webelos Rank Badge.
Living Circle: In a Living Circle, Cub Scouts and leaders stand in a circle, left hands extended to the center, palm down. Each person grasps the thumb of the person to their left, forming a complete circle of hands. The right hand is raised in the Cub Scout sign. Pumping the left hands up and down, everyone says "Ah-KAY-la, we'll do our best."
Outing: Outings are den or pack trips away from the usual meeting place. They can be as simple as a den trip to tour a local fast food restaurant or as big as a bus trip to a museum or sports event. If you are going outside the Houston-Galveston metropolitan area, you must file a Local Tour Permit with the Sam Houston Area Council. Outdoor activities are an important part of Cub Scouting. They can include hikes, picnics, games, and similar day events. Cub Scouts can also participate in pack camping, in which each Cub Scout has family members present. Cub Scout day camp and resident camp, as well as family camping opportunities, are also an important part of the program.
Pack: All of our dens and families together is called a Pack. The Pack usually meets once every month.
Pack Committee: This is the group of adult volunteers who "run" the Pack. Any interested adult is welcome to attend Committee meetings. The pack committee is responsible for the operation of the pack, including planning, finances, records, activities, advancement, and more.
Pack Leaders' Meeting: A pack leaders' meeting is held monthly to finalize details for the pack program and pack meeting for the current month, and to plan upcoming months.
Pack Meeting: The pack meeting is a monthly gathering of all the Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, and Webelos Scout dens in the pack, along with their families, for recognition, fun, and program.
Pinewood Derby: Pinewood derby is an activity for all Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts. Boys build wooden race cars, often with adult assistance, and race them down inclined tracks for prizes and trophies. Pinewood Derby teaches craftsmanship and reinforces sportsmanship in a very fun way.
Pow Wow: Pow Wow is an annual one-day Cub Scout Leader learning conclave sponsored by the Council. Usually held the first weekend in November, Pow Wow offers all Cub Scout Leaders and parents an opportunity to learn from each other and take required training.
Program: The annual pack program is planned to lay out the themes and activities that will be used for the upcoming year. A monthly theme is chosen, and most den and pack activities for the month relate to that theme. The annual Cub Scout Program Helps contains suggested themes and program content.
Rank Badges: The Rank Badges are: Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos and Arrow of Light. All boys, regardless of what age must first earn the Bobcat Rank.
Recognition: Recognition is a fundamental element of all Scouting program. Cubs receive recognition for many different activities and achievements. Rank Badges, Arrow Points, Special Awards, Patches, Belt-Loops and Pins etc. are all forms of recognition. Dens may invent additional ways to recognize their Cubs for personal achievements.
Roundtable: Each District holds a monthly Roundtable meeting for all of its Boy Scout and Cub Scout leaders. The purpose of Roundtable is to help units succeed by providing useful program ideas, information on policy, leadership training, and current information on upcoming Council events and training opportunities. Roundtables are the best way to find out what's going on and parents are welcome too.
Scout Sign (Boy Scouts): The Scout sign is used when Webelos Scouts say the Scout Oath or Promise and Scout Law. To make the sign, raise the right hand palm forward, upper arm straight, and out to the side. The arm is bent at the elbow, forming a right angle. The three middle fingers are held erect and the thumb covers the nail of the little finger.
Service Project: Service projects are part of Cub Scouting's citizenship training. They can include service in the neighborhood, to the community, or to the chartered organization.
Spiritual Growth: The Boy Scouts of America encourages reverence to God and spiritual growth of its members. The program nonsectarian and leaves decisions about religion to each Cub Scout's family.
Strong Man: For or Strong Man, make a set of "weights" out of cardboard. The boys can wear long-sleeved shirts with the sleeves stuffed for "muscles."
Theme: A monthly theme is chosen by the pack committee, and most den and pack activities for the month relate to that theme. The annual Cub Scout Program Helps contains themes suggested by the Boy Scouts of America.
Tiger Cub: The Tiger Cub program is for first grade (or age 7) boys and their adult partners. There are five Tiger Cub achievement areas. The Tiger Cub, working with his adult partner, completes 15 requirements within these areas to earn the Tiger Cub Badge. These requirements consist of an exciting series of indoor and outdoor activities just right for a boy in the first grade. Tiger Cubs and their families are encouraged to participate in Pack events. Tiger Cubs usually close their first year in scouting by earning the Bobcat Rank.
Tour Permit: A BSA Tour Permit is required when a den or pack conducts an activity outside the Houston Metroplex. The Council provides tour permit forms designed with their specifications and instructions. Tour Permits generally take 14 calendar days for approval.
Uniform: The Cub Scout and Webelos uniform are required clothing for all official Cub Scout events. See the Pack Handbook for uniform requirements. For "casual" events, a Cub or Webelos Scout T-shirt and shorts is acceptable.
Unit: Every chartered Pack, Troop, Crew or Order of the Arrow Lodge is a Unit.
Webelos: Webelos means WE'll BE LOyal Scouts. Or for you old timers, WeBeLoS stood for Wolf, Bear, Lion, Scout to indicate the progression towards being a Boy Scout.
Webelos Badge: The Webelos badge is awarded to a Webelos Scout who completes the six (two specific and four other) activity badges.
Webelos Den Leader: A Webelos den leader is an adult volunteer who leads a Webelos Scout den, with the help of assistant Webelos den leaders and parents.
Webelos Scout: Fourth and Fifth Grade Cub Scouts, who work on up to 20 Activity Badges in the den/patrol setting.
Wolf Cub: Second Grade Cub Scouts or boys who have reached the age of 7 join a Wolf Den and work on 12 Achievements, mostly in the home setting.
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