Scout Jargon

Scouting has a lot of jargon specific to Boy Scouting, just like other activities and professions. Often a new leader does not know what is going on or what has been said because they have yet to learn the terminology. Some times this can be funny to us, but embarrassing to them.

It is not safe to assume that everyone working in scouting knows what a Cracker Barrel or a Woggle is. The key to remember is, to whom you are trying to communicate. If there is new scout or Scouter in the target audience, then include the definition so that new leaders can learn and understand the program. Here are some of the more common definitions- they are not intended to be the last word on Scouting.

Alpha Phi Omega – A college scouting service fraternity.

Akela- a good leader.

Board of review- a review for Boy Scouts.

B-P- Short for Lord Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell.

Buddy system- The paring of scouts for safe swimming and hiking.

Camporee- A unit, district, or council over-night gathering of Scouts.

Cracker Barrel - A get together or informal meeting over snacks, generally before bedtime.

Derby- A contest between rivals of the same activity, at the same location.

Ditty Bag - A small bag carried on a hike or campout which holds small personal items.

Fleur-de-lis - The generic Scout emblem in the shape of a Lily or Iris flower.

Good-Ol’ Days- events of over two or more years ago.

Gorp - A mixture of finger food and small high energy foods eaten on the trail.

Jamboree- national or world gathering of Scouts.

Key 3- the three head leaders of a district or council.

Klondike- Winter campout or camporee.

Noggin- archaic term for a small wood drinking cup.

Pedro- The cartoon mail burro in Boys’ Life magazine.

Swappin'- A Scout term for trading at Jamborees and other Scouting events.

“To Be Square” - part of the old Cub Scout promise from 1930 to 1970.

Totem- An emblem or design designating the name of something.

UNPC- Utah National Parks Council

Woggle - a turks head or woven knot worn as a neckerchief or scarf slide.
WOSM- World Organization of the Scout Movement.

YIS - Yours In Scouting; a common Signature line between Scouters.