Tidewater Council's Acronym, Abbreviation, & Term Decoder
A
Able
The second highest rank in Sea Scouting.
ACM
See assistant Cubmaster.
ADL
See assistant den leader.
advancement
The process by which a youth member meets certain requirements and earns recognition.
Adventure
See Cub Scout Adventure.
Adventure pin
A recognition device awarded to a Webelos or Arrow of Light Scout for completing the requirements of an Adventure. Adventure pins should be worn in the Webelos colors or on the front of the Webelos cap.
adviser
A member of the Order of the Arrow who is at least 21 years of age, supervises the program, and guides, counsels, and teaches an OA organization or committee.
advisor
A member of the Scouting America professional staff or a Venturing or Exploring adult unit leader at least 21 years of age.
aims of Scouting
The Scouting program has four specific objectives or “aims.” They are character development, citizenship training, leadership, and personal fitness.
Akela
(Pronounced Ah-KAY-la.) Akela is a title of respect used in Cub Scouting. Any good leader is Akela. The name comes from Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.
Albemarle
Tidewater Council consists of four geographically assigned districts. The Albemarle district comprises seven North Carolina counties: Camden, Chowan, Currituck (less Knotts Island), Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans.
Alpha Phi Omega
A coeducational service fraternity organized in many of America’s colleges and universities. While separate from Scouting America, APO was founded on the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
ALPS
Venturing’s program model emphasizes four areas: Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service.
Anniversary Week
See Scouting Anniversary Week.
Annual Leadership Breakfast
Tidewater Council’s Annual Leadership Breakfast honors and supports the efforts of thousands of volunteers who provide a quality, year-round Scouting program to youth in South Hampton Roads and Northeastern North Carolina. The event, usually held in the spring, features a keynote speaker – often a sports figure. All proceeds benefit Scouting America Tidewater Council.
AOL
See Arrow of Light.
APL
See assistant patrol leader.
APO
See Alpha Phi Omega.
Apprentice
The entrance rank in Sea Scouting.
aquatics
A group of water-related sports, such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, sailing, rafting, and SCUBA.
aquatics awards
Several Scouting America experiential aquatics awards, not tied to advancement, promote water safety and are available to Scouts BSA members, Sea Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers. They include Boardsailing, Kayaking, Mile Swim, Scuba, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddleboarding, and Whitewater Rafting.
Arrow of Light
(1) The highest rank in Cub Scouting. The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Scouts BSA uniform.
(2) Cub Scouts in the fifth grade who work toward the Arrow of Light rank are called Arrow of Light Scouts.
Arrowman
A youth or adult member of the Order of the Arrow. The plural is Arrowmen.
ASE
See assistant Scout executive.
ASM
See assistant Scoutmaster.
ASPL
See assistant senior patrol leader.
assistant council commissioner
This volunteer assists the council commissioner.
assistant den leader
A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, who helps a Cub Scout den leader.
assistant district commissioner
This volunteer assists the district commissioner.
assistant patrol leader
A Scout appointed by the patrol leader as a helper to take the patrol leader’s place in that youth leader’s absence.
assistant Scout executive
This is the number two position in some councils. The assistant Scout executive has responsibilities related to membership, finance, and program.
assistant Scoutmaster
A volunteer Scouter, 18 or older, who helps the Scoutmaster by working with a new Scout patrol.
assistant senior patrol leader
A youth leader, usually in larger troops, who helps the senior patrol leader. An ASPL is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent.
assistant Webelos den leader
A leader in a Cub Scout pack, 18 or older, who helps the Webelos den leader.
associate Advisor
Each Venturing crew should have one or more adults, 21 years of age or older, who perform such duties as may be assigned by the Advisor. Associate Advisors are often assigned administrative and program functions.
Awesome Field
This is the gathering place and flag ceremony location in Camp Lions at Pipsico Scout Reservation, between the Burton Center and the Duncan/Glanville Dining Hall. Also known as Willie Nobles Field, it is named after a past Pipsico camp ranger.
B
Baden-Powell, Robert Stephenson Smyth
Founder of the worldwide Scouting movement. He was born February 22, 1857, in London, was made a baron in 1929, and died January 8, 1941. He is called Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, Chief Scout of the World. Abbreviated as B-P (without periods). Do not use his first name with his title: “Lord Baden-Powell” is acceptable, but never “Lord Robert Baden-Powell.”
badge
The term is usually in lowercase when referring to advancements that Scouts can earn: “Webelos badge,” “Wolf badge,” and “Camping merit badge.” The exception is “Wood Badge.”
Baker
See Camp Baker.
BALOO
See Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation.
Barriers to Abuse
Scouting America policies designed to protect the safety and well-being of its members. Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse include policies for registration requirements, adult supervision, responsibility, accommodations, program requirements, and reporting requirements.
base camp
A camp from which expeditions set out.
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation
This training experience teaches volunteer leaders how to plan and conduct an outdoor experience for Cub Scouts.
Bayside
Tidewater Council consists of four geographically assigned districts. The Bayside district comprises all areas of Virginia Beach north of I-264 and Norfolk (excluding Southside Norfolk).
Be Prepared
The Scout motto. The motto’s initials are Baden-Powell’s, the founder of Scouting. Capitalize only if standing alone: “The Scout motto is ‘Be Prepared.’”
belaying
A variety of techniques to keep tension on a climbing rope so that in case of mishap, a climber does not fall far before being stopped by the rope.
Ben L. Juren OA Shelter
This is a large outdoor shelter located in Camp Kiwanis. It has three open sides and a large brick fireplace on one end. It was built by Order of the Arrow members and named after past Blue Heron Lodge adviser Ben L. Juren.
Black Pug
A software product used by Tidewater Council to manage its accounting, events, camp reservations, and point-of-sale transactions.
blue and gold banquet
A birthday or annual dinner for Scouting held by Cub Scout packs, typically in February, to celebrate the founding of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 and Cub Scouting in 1930. It may be called “blue and gold dinner.” Capitalize only when part of a full title: “Pack 471 Blue and Gold Banquet.”
Blue Heron Lodge
Tidewater Council’s Order of the Arrow counterpart is the Blue Heron Lodge, founded in 1946 when a team from Octoraro Lodge in Pennsylvania inducted the first members. Blue Heron Lodge members visit Pipsico Scout Reservation regularly to perform service to camp. Lodge members built several of the buildings at the camp, including the Ben L. Juren OA Shelter, Harold V. Pace OA Shelter, pump house, and Gregson Center. The OA assists with preparing Camp Lions for summer camp by erecting tents on the platforms, clearing debris from the sites, and performing other tasks.
board of review
A review meeting to determine whether a Scouts BSA member has satisfactorily completed rank requirements. A review may also be held to encourage Scouts who are not advancing. The troop committee conducts boards of review for the Tenderfoot through Life ranks. For the Eagle Scout rank, the council decides whether the unit committee or the district or council committee responsible for advancement conducts the board of review. At least one district or council advancement representative shall always be an Eagle Scout board of review member.
boatswain
(pronounced BO-sun.) The elected youth leader of a Sea Scouting ship is comparable to the president of a Venturing crew.
boatswain’s mate
The second-highest youth leadership position in a Sea Scouting ship; elected to assist the boatswain.
Bobcat
The first step in each Cub Scout rank. The Bobcat requirements for a Lion (kindergarten) will focus on simple tasks like getting to know den members and understanding the Scout Law. As Cub Scouts progress to higher ranks, the Bobcat requirements will become more challenging, involving activities that promote leadership and character development.
Boy Scouts
See Scouts BSA.
Boy Scouts of America®
The legal name of the organization is singular. Example: “In 2010, the Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 100th anniversary.” Starting in February 2025, the organization became known as Scouting America.
Boys’ Life
See Scout Life.
bridge of honor
An award presentation ceremony in Sea Scouting.
bridge of review
An evaluation to determine whether a Sea Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements. For the Apprentice, Ordinary, and Able ranks, the review is held by peers; for the Quartermaster rank, it is conducted by an approved group of adults in cooperation with the district or council advancement committee.
bridging
This is when Cub Scouts have completed their grade level at the end of the school year and officially form the next grade level den.
Brotherhood member
This is the second and final induction phase of membership in the Order of the Arrow. After six months, Ordeal members may “seal” their membership by demonstrating their knowledge of the OA’s traditions and obligations. They then participate in an induction ceremony and become Brotherhood members.
BSA
See Boy Scouts of America and Scouting America.
buddy system
A procedure in which two individuals (buddies) operate together as a single unit to monitor and help each other and ensure mutual safety.
Burton Center
The Camp Lions office at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
C
Camp Baker
Camp Baker is 375 acres of heavily wooded land leased from the Army Corps of Engineers. It is located on the northeast side of the juncture of the Albemarle Chesapeake Canal and Centerville Turnpike in Chesapeake. Camp Baker is open for short-term camping. Many Scouting activities such as camping, hiking, pioneering, wilderness survival, nature, and bird study can be conducted there.
camp director
A professional Scouter who is responsible for the development of the year-round camping program of the local council. This person supervises the long-term camping program and may or may not serve as the resident camp director.
Camp Kiwanis
The first camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Kiwanis is used for weekend camping and other short-term events such as camporees and training. It was named to honor donors from local Kiwanis clubs.
Camp Lions
One of four year-round camps at Pipsico Scout Reservation, Lions serves the long-term camper. The camp offers the Duncan/Glanville Dining Hall, the Fred Beazley Aquatics Center featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool, showers/latrines, a health lodge, a trading post, activity shelters, a 40-foot-high climbing and rappelling tower, a shooting sports range, and 11 campsites with water and latrines. It was named to honor donors from local Lions clubs.
Camp Moonyah
This camp consists of 37 acres of densely wooded land leased from the Army Corps of Engineers. Located at the end of Greenwing Drive on a point of land along the south side of the Gilmerton Deep Creek Canal and along the north side of Deep Creek in Chesapeake, Camp Moonyah is a beautiful place for rugged camping.
Camp Powhatan
This mature forest camp is the most primitive of the four at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Best suited for backpackers, Powhatan is accessed via the five-mile-long Red Trail or by way of a short hike from the Pipsico Barn.
Camp Rotary
The newest short-term camp at Pipsico Scout Reservation provides year-round campers with water, latrines, and 12 campsites. It was named to honor donors from local Rotary clubs.
camping
Camping is the hallmark of Scouting. See day camp, long-term camping, resident camping, short-term camping, outdoor program, or high adventure.
campmaster
A volunteer Scouter trained to assist in short-term camping. Many councils organize a campmaster corps as a resource for their units.
camporee
Derived from two words: camp and Jamboree. A camporee is a district or council activity that demonstrates the techniques of living in a camp. It involves a one- or two-night camping experience and may include an outdoor skills competition. Capitalize only when referring to a specific district or troop event: “Albemarle District Camporee.”
campout
A camping activity with at least one overnight stay. It is one word.
Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience
This interactive program uses initiative games and other activities to help develop teamwork, trust, communication, leadership, self-esteem, problem-solving, decision-making, and planning. In low-course activities, typically up to six feet above ground, participants help protect one another from injury using spotting. In high-course activities, typically conducted six feet or more above ground (up to 70 feet high on some courses), participants must be protected by a life safety system such as a belay system, lanyard, or collective safety system.
chapter
A geographic administrative unit of an Order of the Arrow lodge. It usually corresponds to a district or multiple districts.
chartered organization representative
A manager of Scouting in a chartered organization who also represents this organization in the local council and district.
chief
The key elected youth leader in the Order of the Arrow may be a chapter chief, lodge chief, section chief, regional chief, or national chief.
CM
See Cubmaster.
CO
See chartered organization.
COC
See Council of Chiefs.
commissioner
A commissioned volunteer Scouter who works with packs, troops, crews, and ships to help units succeed. In addition to the council commissioner are district commissioners, assistant district commissioners, roundtable commissioners, and unit commissioners.
conclave
A section training meeting for Order of the Arrow members from a specific geographic area.
council
An administrative body and separate legal entity chartered to be responsible for Scouting in a designated geographic territory. Capitalize only when referring to a specific local council (“Tidewater Council”) or the National Council.
council commissioner
This volunteer is the leader of all the district commissioners.
Council of Chiefs
The Blue Heron Lodge Council of Chiefs is the body of youth leaders and adult advisers that handle all the lodge’s operations. The Council of Chiefs is responsible for planning lodge events and providing support to the chapters in the lodge.
The Council of Chiefs consists of the chief from each of Blue Heron Lodge’s six chapters, other Arrowmen as appointed, and chapter advisers. Only the chapter chiefs vote on lodge business.
Council Service Territory
In 2021, Scouting America reorganized its four regions and associated areas into 16 National Service Territories (NSTs). In 2024, NSTs were renamed Council Service Territories (CSTs), and several CST boundaries were updated. Tidewater Council is part of CST 15.
crew
(1) See Venturing crew.
(2) A working group of five to 12 members of a high adventure base contingent.
cross over
This is when fifth grade Arrow of Light Scouts join a Scouts BSA troop. This should be a special Cub Scout pack ceremony that involves a local troop.
CST
See Council Service Territory.
CST 15
See Council Service Territory.
Cub College
A one-day training conference for Cub Scout leaders.
Cub Scout
A youth member of a Cub Scout pack or one registered as a Lone Cub Scout. Cub Scouts are elementary-aged (beginning in kindergarten and have not yet completed fifth grade). See Cub Scouting.
Cub Scout Adventure
A grouping of themed activities acting as a unit of measure for Cub Scout advancement. Some Adventures are required to earn a rank, and others are elective.
Cub Scout den
A neighborhood group of four to eight Cub Scouts who are close in age that meets periodically, usually once a week, and is part of a Cub Scout pack.
Cub Scout handshake
A handshake used by Cub Scouts and Cub Scouters. It is like an ordinary handshake with the right hand except that the index and middle fingers are extended toward the other person, touching the wrist.
Cub Scout motto
Do Your Best.
Cub Scout pack
A group of Cub Scout dens: Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light. The pack includes the registered youth in the dens and registered volunteers.
Cub Scout salute
A hand salute made by Cub Scouts and Cub Scouters with the fingers of the right hand held in position as for the Cub Scout sign, except that the index and middle fingers are held together. The tips of the fingers touch the right eyebrow or the bill of the Cub Scout cap.
Cub Scout sign
A hand sign made by raising the right hand straight up high over the head with the palm forward. The first two fingers are wide apart, pointing up like a V. The thumb covers the nails of the ring and little fingers. Used when repeating the Scout Oath and as a signal for quiet in meetings.
Cub Scouter
A registered volunteer of a Cub Scout pack, 18 or older, or a professional Scouter who works with Cub Scouting. (Do not use “Cubber” to correspond to “Scouter” because “Cub” is not a verb.
Cub Scouting
The Scouting America program for boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Cubmaster
A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, who leads a Cub Scout pack.
D
Darden Gala
The Darden Gala is an annual fundraising event for Scouting America Tidewater Council. Each year, Tidewater Council bestows the “Citizen Scouter of the Year Award” to deserving individuals who exemplify public service in the community. The award is named after Colgate W. Darden, Jr., who served as governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a delegate to the General Assembly, a United States congressman, and a delegate to the United Nations. He was Chancellor of the College of William and Mary and President of the University of Virginia. Governor Darden loved Scouting and served as president of Tidewater Council (1938-1941 and 1960-1961), the only man ever to serve two non-consecutive terms.
day camp
Day camp is a council-organized program designed for Scouts for two or more days, under council-retained leadership, at an approved site with no overnight stay. The program may operate at the Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scouting level. Always lowercase.
DE
See district executive.
den
See Cub Scout den.
den chief
A youth Scouts BSA member or Venturer who has been appointed to help direct the activities of a Cub Scout den.
den leader
A volunteer leader, 21 or older, who plans and directs the den’s activities.
denner
A Cub Scout elected by members of the den to help the den chief and den leader.
DESA
See Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
Dining Hall
See Duncan/Glanville Dining Hall.
Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
This (DESA) award is bestowed upon individuals who earned the Eagle Scout rank 25 or more years ago, have received extraordinary national-level recognition or fame, have demonstrated eminence within their field, and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community.
district
A geographical area of the council determined by the council executive board to help ensure the growth and success of Scouting units within the district’s territory. Capitalize only when naming a specific district. Tidewater Council districts comprise Albemarle, Bayside, Princess Anne, and Three Rivers.
district chair
The volunteer executive officer of the district committee.
district commissioner
This volunteer leads all the district’s unit commissioners and roundtable commissioners.
district committee
Consisting of chartered organization representatives and elected district members at large, the district committee coordinates the district’s functions to conduct the council’s policies and objectives.
district executive
A professional Scouter who works under the direction of the Scout executive and is responsible for providing direct service to one or more districts.
DL
See den leader.
Duncan/Glanville Dining Hall
This camp-wide meeting and dining facility at Camp Lions at Pipsico Scout Reservation was named for past Tidewater Council presidents Daniel W. Duncan and Charles L. Glanville.
E
Eagle Club
Tidewater Council’s donor recognition program for those who contribute $5,000 or more to the annual Friends of Scouting campaign.
Eagle Palms
These recognition items are awarded for continued leadership and skills development (merit badges) after earning the Eagle Scout rank. The Bronze Palm represents five additional merit badges, the Gold Palm represents ten additional merit badges, and the Silver Palm represents 15 additional merit badges.
Eagle Scout
The highest rank for Scouts BSA members.
Eagle Scout board of review
The board of review to determine the quality of a Scout’s experience and decide whether the requirements for the Eagle Scout rank have been fulfilled.
Eagle Scout court of honor
A public ceremony that recognizes a Scout for completing all the requirements necessary to earn the Eagle Scout Award. Always lowercase “court of honor.”
Eagle Scout service project
While a Life Scout, the Eagle candidate plans, develops, and gives leadership to others in a project that benefits any religious organization, school, or community. Required for the Eagle Scout rank.
Eagle’s Call
A periodical published for members of the National Eagle Scout Association. Formerly called Eagle Scout Magazine.
EBOR
See Eagle Scout board of review.
E.D.G.E.
A training method (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) used to help youth learn and master skills.
EK
See Electronic Knapsack.
Electronic Knapsack
A semi-monthly electronic newsletter distributed to subscribers interested in news and events from Tidewater Council.
executive officer
The head of a chartered organization. Sometimes also called the institutional head or IH.
Explorer
A member of an Exploring post or club.
Exploring
Scouting America’s coed career exploration program. The program emphasizes career opportunities, character development, life skills, leadership experience, and citizenship.
F
family camp
A family camp is a one-time, council-approved, one- or two-night camp at an approved site for Cub Scouts and their families and that involves more than one unit. The council, or its agents, may provide staffing, program, and/or food service.
Fifty-Miler Award
This award is earned when a Scout hikes, paddles, bikes, or rides horseback for at least 50 miles over five consecutive days, performs 10 hours of service, and completes the 50-Miler Award application.
First Class Scout
The fourth rank for Scouts BSA members; between Second Class and Star.
FOS
See Friends of Scouting.
Fred Beazley Aquatics Center
Located at Camp Lions at Pipsico Scout Reservation, this facility includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool with ramp access for those with disabilities and attached individual and private shower and restroom facilities.
Friends of Scouting
Tidewater Council’s annual giving campaign. The Friends of Scouting campaign provides approximately 21% of the council’s annual budget – that means more than a fifth of every dollar in the council budget comes from the generosity of Scouting families, alumni, and community supporters. Friends of Scouting makes the overall cost affordable so all families can participate.