Tidewater Council's Acronym, Abbreviation, & Term Decoder
N
National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience
NAYLE is conducted at select high-adventure bases. This advanced training is designed to help prepare Scouts BSA members, Venturers, and Sea Scouts for leadership positions. National Youth Leadership Training is a prerequisite for this course.
National Camp Accreditation Program
Scouting America’s NCAP program helps councils elevate camps to new levels of excellence in delivering Scouting’s promise to youth. Councils conduct a rigorous review of camps and properties, consisting of (1) Application and Authorization to Operate review, (2) National camp standards, (3) Camp Strategic Analysis, (4) Continuous Camp Improvement Program, and (5) Annual camp assessment process. Scouting America-accredited camps must successfully complete all five aspects of the NCAP.
National Camp Standards
Established by Scouting America, these standards promote the health, safety, and well-being of every camper, leader, visitor, and staff member while participating in a Scouting America-accredited camp. National Camp Standards guide councils so that each camper and leader obtains a quality program consistent with the Scouting America brand.
National Camping School
A weeklong training experience for adults who are key staff members in council camp operations. Sections include Management, Program, Aquatics, Climbing, COPE, Ecology/ Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Range and Target Activities, and Trek Leader.
national chief
The top youth Arrowman in the Order of the Arrow. Youth Arrowmen elect this position. Three recent national chiefs are members of Blue Heron Lodge in Tidewater Council.
National Council
This is the corporate entity chartered by the United States Congress to operate the Scouting America program. Members include all elected members of the National Executive Board, members of regional executive committees, elected local council representatives, elected members at large, and elected (nonvoting) honorary members. The National Council’s program is directed by the National Executive Board and administered by the Chief Scout Executive and a staff of professional Scouters at the National Service Center and other locations.
National Eagle Scout Association
This group provides an opportunity for all Eagle Scouts to retain their Scouting identification through service to the local council in which they live.
National Order of the Arrow Conference
This biennial conference is designed to improve the program and leadership skills of all Arrowmen. Training, activities, shows, and American Indian activities are included in this five-day, even-year event. Capitalize all instances: e.g., “2024 National Order of the Arrow Conference,” and “last year’s National Order of the Arrow Conference.”
national vice chief
The youth Arrowman elected by peers to assist the national chief. Lowercase except when used as a title with a name.
Nature Pavilion
See Shelter A.
NCAP
See National Camp Accreditation Program.
NCS
See National Camping School.
NESA
See National Eagle Scout Association.
NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
This award is presented solely to Eagle Scouts who demonstrate remarkable achievements well beyond their Scouting endeavors by excelling in their careers/vocations at local, regional, or national levels.
NOESA
See NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.
NST
See Council Service Territory.
NYLT
See National Youth Leadership Training.
O
OA
See Order of the Arrow.
OA Shelter (Camp Kiwanis)
See Ben L. Juren OA Shelter.
OA Shelter (Camp Lions)
See Harold V. Pace OA Shelter.
on belay
The voice command issued by your climbing partner to indicate they are prepared to keep the rope’s tension as you climb, thereby ensuring your safety. See belaying.
Ordeal
Once Scouts are selected as Order of the Arrow Ordeal candidates, they must seal their membership by participating in an event known as “the Ordeal.” This event starts on Friday night and continues until Saturday evening. The Ordeal is designed to challenge Scouts and Scouters, mentally. The program is administered using standardized guidelines that were developed on a national level with the approval of all major religious organizations.
Ordeal member
After being elected or nominated to the Order of the Arrow, candidates may participate in a call-out ceremony to recognize the selected Scouts and Scouters. Candidates subsequently participate in the Ordeal induction ceremony, emphasizing service and selflessness. The candidates are welcomed as Ordeal members if they succeed in their Ordeal.
Order of the Arrow
The OA is often called “Scouting’s Honor Society.” Membership is granted only to those elected by their own unit. The OA is one of few organizations where primarily non-members make selections. Each year, troops, ships, and crews may hold an Order of the Arrow election. All youth members and Scouters under the age of 21 can vote in this election. Units electing at least one youth can nominate adults for consideration.
Ordinary
The rank in Sea Scouting above Apprentice and below Able.
outdoor program
The total scope of outdoor activities offered by Scouting America in which youth members’ differing skill and experience levels are accommodated. Includes Cub Scout overnighters, day camp, council-organized family camps, and resident camp; Scouts BSA overnight, resident, and long-term camping; Venturing and Sea Scouting overnight, resident, and long-term camping; Jamborees; council and national high adventure; and wilderness camping.
outdoor skills
Skills for living outdoors: using shelter for protection, building fires for food preparation, knowing the skills of field sanitation, and safely using tools for the woods.
overnighter
A Cub Scout pack-organized one-night campout held at a council-designated location.
P
pack
See Cub Scout pack.
Pathfinder
In Tidewater Council, Pathfinders are donors who blaze the trail for a successful Friends of Scouting campaign by making their gift or pledge by January 31. Pathfinder donors receive a special lapel pin.
patrol
A small group of Scouts (usually five to eight) who belong to a troop and work together in and out of troop meetings. Normally, there are several patrols in one troop.
patrol leader
Elected by the patrol members, this youth Scout leads the patrol and represents it on the patrol leaders’ council, which plans the troop program.
patrol leaders’ council
Each patrol leader representing a patrol meets with other patrol leaders and the senior patrol leader to plan their troop program. The Scoutmaster advises the patrol leaders’ council.
patrol method
The patrol method gives Scouts BSA members an experience in group living and participating citizenship. Working in patrols teaches Scouts responsibility and allows them to interact in small groups where they can easily relate to each other. These small groups determine troop activities through their elected representatives. Patrols and their youth leaders run the program, while adult leaders assume the roles of leadership trainers, mentors, safety officers, and guides.
personal fitness
One of the four aims of Scouting. Includes both mental and physical fitness.
PEX High Adventure Camp
See Pipsico Experience.
Philmont Scout Ranch
One of Scouting America’s high adventure bases, Philmont Scout Ranch provides western high adventure for older Scouts and Venturers in almost 140,000 acres of rugged northern New Mexico. The ranch also has a center for volunteer and professional training.
Philmont Training Center
Scouting America’s national volunteer training center is located at Philmont Scout Ranch. The center hosts volunteer, professional, and local council training conferences.
Pinewood Derby®
A pack activity that involves making and racing small wooden cars on a track. The registered mark should appear at the end of “Derby” at the top corner on the first reference in running text and, in general, in a stand-alone reference.
Pipsico Barn
A storage barn located across from the entrances to Camp Lions, Camp Rotary, and Camp Kiwanis at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
Pipsico Experience
One of three Summer Adventure Program opportunities offered at Pipsico Scout Reservation. PEX was designed by teenagers for teenagers. Campers rotate through a series of programs such as canoeing, tubing, range and target activities, whitewater, climbing, fishing, cooking, and pool partying, with off-site experiences.
Pipsico Scout Reservation
The history of Tidewater Council’s signature camp goes back to December 13, 1634, when King Charles I patented 2,000+ acres of land on the south shores of the James River and four miles upstream from Jamestown to Col. Henry Browne. The land was considered part of the original Jamestown Colony and served as a lookout post to protect the settlers at Jamestown. The name Pipsico honors Chief Pepsicumah of the Quioughcohannock Indians, who assisted settlers by providing them with food and training them to raise and manage indigenous crops, such as corn. Pipsico Plantation, now Pipsico Scout Reservation, was placed in trust for the benefit of Tidewater Council in 1958.
Pipsico Tree
A tulip poplar 20 feet in circumference, the Pipsico Tree predates the arrival of the first English colonists in Jamestown. It is located adjacent to Camp Lions campsite 3 near the Red Trail at Pipsico Scout Reservation.
PL
See patrol leader.
PLC
See patrol leaders’ council.
post
See Exploring post.
post advisor
A volunteer, 21 or older, who leads an Exploring post.
Powhatan
See Camp Powhatan.
pow wow
See Cub College.
P.R.A.Y.
See Programs of Religious Activities with Youth.
president (council)
See council president.
president (Venturing)
The president is the top elected youth leader in a Venturing crew.
Princess Anne
Tidewater Council consists of four geographically assigned districts. The Princess Anne district comprises all areas of Virginia Beach lying south of I-264 and Knotts Island, NC.
Programs of Religious Activities with Youth
A nonprofit organization that administers religious emblems programs for several youth-serving organizations, including Scouting America. Note the periods in the abbreviation P.R.A.Y.
PTC
See Philmont Training Center.
Q
Quartermaster (rank)
The highest rank in Sea Scouting, conferred with the Quartermaster Award.
quartermaster (youth officer)
A youth officer in a troop or patrol who keeps the equipment in good shape and maintains an up-to-date inventory. In the troop, the quartermaster is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster’s advice and consent; in the patrol, the patrol leader appoints the quartermaster.
R
Raingutter Regatta
A pack activity that involves making and racing model boats.
range and target activities
Planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs that teach youth and adult members the safe, responsible, and intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, archery, and hand-held throwing sports.
rank
Ranks are part of Scouting America’s advancement program for youth members. In Cub Scouting, youth work on the rank for their age- and grade-level. The Cub Scout ranks are Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light. Rank advancement for older youth isn’t age- or grade-based; instead, Scouts progress at their own pace. The ranks for Scouts BSA are Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Scout. The Sea Scouting ranks are Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster. The Venturing ranks are Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder, and Summit.
Red Trail
The “Red Trail” that encircles Pipsico Scout Reservation provides a variety of visual and ecological wonders to marvel hikers of all ages. Along the trail, hikers may choose to visit the Pipsico Tree, stroll along the sandy beach of the James River, and observe the flight of the bald eagles that nest on the reservation.
religious emblems program
Various religious organizations have designed requirements and procedures for Scouting participants to earn their faith’s religious emblem.
resident camping
A council-organized overnight camp that operates under council-retained leadership. In Cub Scouting, a resident camps is three to five days in duration. In Scouts BSA, resident camp is at least five consecutive nights. In Venturing and Sea Scouting, resident camp is at least three consecutive nights.
Rick Anoia Scouting Golf Classic
This annual fundraiser benefits Tidewater Council and is named for Rick Anoia, an Eagle Scout from Tidewater Council. As an adult, Rick served in many ways, including as a council executive board member, council commissioner, and council president. His family plays a significant role in staging and supporting the event.
Rotary
See Camp Rotary.
roundtable
An event conducted by a roundtable commissioner and roundtable staff to help the unit leadership of a district plan and conduct their own unit programs.
S
S.A.F.E.
A four-point planning method to ensure the safety of participants in Scouting America programs. The acronym stands for Supervision, Assessment, Fitness and skill, and Equipment and environment.
Safeguarding Youth Training
An annual training course required for all Scouting America registered volunteers. Safeguarding Youth Training replaced the previous Youth Protection Training course in May 2025. The training emphasizes proactive measures to prevent abuse and create a culture of safety within Scouting.
Safety Moment
A moment taken at the beginning of a meeting or activity to prepare for the activity, review safety measures, identify risks, or educate about a topic.
Sail Hampton Roads
One of three Summer Adventure Program opportunities at Pipsico Scout Reservation. It is a full week of sailing and nightly port visits on the James and Elizabeth Rivers.
Scout
A youth member of Scouting America.
Scout executive
The council’s chief executive officer oversees the administration, financing, marketing, recruiting, and staffing required for successful council operations.
Scout handshake
The left-handed Scout handshake is a formal way of greeting other Scouts and is used worldwide. It is made with the hand nearest to the heart and offered as a token of friendship. In most situations, the handshake is made firmly without interlocking fingers. It is usually made only when both people are in uniform.
Scout Jumuah
The Islamic observance of Scouting Anniversary Day.
Scout Law
“A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.” (There are 12 points to the Scout Law.)
Scout Life
The magazine for all youth published by Scouting America. It was previously known as Boys’ Life.
Scout motto
“Be Prepared.”
Scout Oath
“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.”
Scout rank
The first rank of Scouts BSA.
Scout Sabbath
See Scout Shabbat.
Scout salute
A hand salute made by Scouts and Scouters with the fingers of the right hand held in position as for the Scout sign.
Scout Shabbat
The Jewish observance of Scouting Anniversary Day. Typically observed on the Saturday on or after February 8.
Scout Shop
Tidewater Council operates a Scout Shop at the Mary Jayne Breeden Council Service Center. The store offers a wide inventory of official Scouting America merchandise and other camping and outdoor items. Proceeds from sales directly benefit the council’s youth.
Scout sign
The Scout sign is used when the Scout Oath or Scout Law is recited. It is also used to call the patrol to order. The Scout sign is made with the right hand by bending the little finger down and touching it with the thumb. The arm is raised until the elbow makes a square (or right angle) with the index, middle, and ring fingers all together and pointed upwards.
Scout slogan
“Do a Good Turn Daily.”
Scout Sunday
The Christian celebration of Scouting Anniversary Day.
Scouter
An adult member of Scouting America.
Scouting
Also known as the Scouting Movement, Scouting is a worldwide youth social movement employing a program of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor skills, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports.
Scouting America
The Boy Scouts of America rebranded to the Scouting America name on February 8, 2025, the organization’s 115th anniversary. The trade name reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcoming every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting.
Scouting Anniversary Day
February 8.
Scouting Anniversary Week
The week, beginning on Sunday, that includes Scouting Anniversary Day, February 8. During the week, units are encouraged to conduct rededication ceremonies and demonstrate Scouting’s purposeful activities.
Scouting family
When an organization is chartered to operate a Cub Scout pack, a Scouts BSA troop, and a Venturing crew, it is said to have the whole Scouting family. Other members of the Scouting family are a Sea Scouting ship, Exploring post, and Exploring club.
Scouting for Food
First conducted nationally in November 1988, this food collection effort is Scouting America’s effort to address hunger and food insecurity in the community. Tidewater Council schedules its annual Scouting for Food drive to coincide with Scouting Anniversary Week.
Scouting Movement
Robert Baden-Powell started this idea in England. It is based on the conviction that youth can live up to a code of conduct and develop themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually in association with their peers through a program of appealing activities and advancement challenges under the guidance of adults. Use it in historical references or when referring to the worldwide Scouting Movement.
Scouting.org
Official website of Scouting America. The website provides resources and information about Scouting for youth, parents, volunteers, alumni, and the public.
Scoutmaster
A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, who leads a Scouts BSA troop.
Scoutmaster conference
A distinctive feature of the troop advancement plan is that a Scoutmaster helps a Scout accept responsibility for the youth’s own growth toward each rank.
Scoutmaster’s Minute
A part of the closing ceremony of a troop meeting or campfire in which the Scoutmaster encourages Scout-like conduct by telling a story.
ScoutReach
Tidewater Council and other Scouting America councils use this program to reach out to underserved urban and rural communities. ScoutReach programs may include paid program staff, afterschool program delivery, and financial assistance. ScoutReach programs are part of the council’s commitment to ensuring that all young people have an opportunity to benefit from Scouting, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or background.
Scouts BSA
Known as Boy Scouts until 2019, Scouts BSA is the flagship program of Scouting America for boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17.
Scouts BSA troop
The Scouts BSA unit. Capitalize “troop” only when used with a specific troop number, e.g. Troop 400.
SCUBA Camp
One of three Summer Adventure Program opportunities offered at Pipsico Scout Reservation. Participants can earn “Open Water Diver” SCUBA certification and SCUBA merit badge.
SE
See Scout executive.
Sea Scout
A registered youth member of a Sea Scouting ship.
Sea Scouting
An aquatics-focused Scouting America program for young men and women ages 14 to 20. Sea Scouts specialize in traditional nautical activities, such as sailing, motorboating, paddle sports, SCUBA diving, and maritime careers.
Sea Scouting ship
The Sea Scouting unit. Capitalize “ship” only when used with a specific unit number, e.g. Ship 100.
Second Century Society
A former recognition society for donors who gave at least $25,000 outright over five years or $100,000 or more deferred. There were four levels, up to $1 million and up. The Second Century Society replaced both the Founders Circle Award and the 1910 Society before it was replaced by the Good Turn Society in 2024.
Second Class Scout
The third rank for Scouts BSA members. It is between Tenderfoot and First Class.
section
The geographical and administrative grouping of Order of the Arrow lodges. Blue Heron Lodge is in Eastern Region Section 9.
senior patrol leader
Each troop has one senior patrol leader, a Scout elected by the troop members to help all the patrols succeed. One or more assistant senior patrol leaders may assist this youth leader.
service star
An insignia worn over the left shirt pocket of the uniform to denote the number of years of service.
SFF
See Scouting for Food.
Shelter A
This shelter at Pipsico Scout Reservation, commonly called the Nature Pavilion, is open to the air. It is located on the road to the Camp Lions shooting sports area and is named after Percy Robert Patterson, a former Scouting volunteer.
Shelter B
This Camp Lions shelter, directly adjacent to the Huskanaw First Year Camper Area, is open to the air. While it does not have electrical power, it does have a potable drinking faucet.
Shelter C
This open-air shelter is just past Site 12 in Camp Lions on the road to the Jim Gray Campfire Ring.
ship
See Sea Scouting ship.
shooting sports
See range and target activities.
Shooting Sports Area
Located at Pipsico Scout Reservation at the end of the road past the Nature Pavilion/Shelter A, this secured area offers an archery range, rifle range, and shotgun range.
Singletary Handicraft Building
This building is in Camp Lions at Pipsico Scout Reservation, behind the Duncan/Glanville Dining Hall and next to the Fred Beazley Aquatics Center.
Skipper
The unit leader for a Sea Scouting ship.
SM
See Scoutmaster.
SPL
See senior patrol leader.
Spring Grove
An unincorporated community in Surry County, Virginia, and the home of Pipsico Scout Reservation.
square knot
See knot.
Star Scout
The fifth rank for Scouts BSA members, between First Class and Life.
STEM
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Surry
A county bordering the James River in Virginia, and the home of Pipsico Scout Reservation.
SYT
See Safeguarding Youth Training.