WHAT'S THAT?

A GLOSSARY & FAQ ABOUT SCOUTING

  • Accident Insurance - Accident insurance for all Scouting functions and health and accident insurance for all overnight events are provided by the council at no cost to units . In the event of an accident at a Scouting activity, please contact Theodore Roosevelt Council  at (516) 797-7600 for details and claim forms. See also Liability Insurance

  • Achievement - Major requirement in Cub Scouting for Wolf & Bear badges.

  • Advancement Committee - This council-level volunteer group educates unit leaders and committee members in the policies, procedures, standards and philosophy of Scouting's advancement program.

  • All Faiths Committee - This council-level volunteer group coordinates the activities of the individual religious committees and promotes youth and adult religious awards.

  • Anniversary Week Celebration - An annual activity that marks the founding of the Boy Scouts of America, this week focuses attention on the Scouting program at national, regional, and local community levels. Also called Scout Sunday.

  • Bear Claw - Go to National Youth Leadership Training.

  • Blue and Gold Dinner - A birthday dinner for Scouting held by Cub Scout packs in February to celebrate the founding of the Boy Scouts of America in 1910 and of Cub Scouting in 1930. May be called "blue and gold banquet." Capitalize only when part of a full title: "Pack 214 Blue and Gold Dinner."

  • Board of Review - A review held to determine if a Boy Scout has satisfactorily completed rank requirements. A review may be held also to encourage Boy Scouts who are not advancing. For the first five ranks, the board of review is conducted by the troop committee. 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 be a member of the unit board of review.

  • Boy Scout Leader Basic Training - The three-part plan for building knowledge and skill as a Boy Scout leader, consisting of "New Leader Essentials", Leader Specific Training and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.  Each District offers programs for adult Scouters.

  • Boys' Life Magazine - A magazine published by the Boy Scouts of America written for boys 6 to 18. It is an important part of the Scouting program because it gives boys a sense of belonging to a national organization, encourages them to live Scouting between meetings, increases enthusiasm for Scouting, keeps them registered and active, and provides wholesome leisure time reading.

  • Buckskin Lodge - The council's chapter of the Order of the Arrow, a national honor camper society.  Buckskin Lodge was formed in 1949 from an older organization called the Buckskin Sons of Wauwepex, whose members had an interest in native American culture and regalia.

  • Camp Wauwepex - Camp Wauwepex is the council's oldest camp, and was renamed Schiff Scout Reservation in honor of John Mortimer Schiff, one of the original members of the Nassau County Council, which was renamed Theodore Roosevelt Council in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States and the first Council Commissioner.

  • Camping Committee - This council-level volunteer group plans, promotes, and administers Scouting's outdoor program for the benefit of Cub Scout (excluding Cub World activities) , Boy Scout, Venturer, and Explorer units and their youth members.

  • Campmasters - Campmasters are adult volunteers who staff Schiff Scout Reservation in the fall and spring to administer the weekend camping program and ensure camping safety standards are maintained by units using the camp.

  • Camporee - An event where Boy Scout units come together on the district level to camp, learn and demonstrate Scouting skills, compete, and have fun. Derived from two words: camp and jamboree.  Involves a one- or two-night camping experience. May involve Scoutcraft competition

  • Charter Review - A step in the rechartering procedure when the unit committee meets with a representative of the council and its chartered partner to formally review the past year's achievements, set objectives for the coming year, and complete the registration application.

  • Commissioner - A commissioned Scouter who works with packs, troops, teams, and Venturing crews to help the units succeed. In addition to the council commissioner, there are district commissioners, assistant district commissioners, roundtable commissioners, huddle commissioners, and unit commissioners.

  • Council Recognition Dinner - The council event held in October to salute volunteer leaders for outstanding service to Scouting and youth.

  • Council Service Center - Located at 544 Broadway in Massapequa (north of the Long Island RR station), this facility serves as the administrative offices for both volunteers and professionals in helping serve the units in the Theodore Roosevelt Council.

  • COPE - The Challenging Outdoor Physical Experience program is designed to teach teambuilding and enhance self-confidence on a series of high and low challenge course events.  Each council camp has a COPE course; COPE activities are offered in the fall and spring at Schiff Scout Reservation.

  • Cub Parent Weekend - A parent-son three day/two night camping experience held at Schiff Scout Reservation.  Registration is by district for weekends in July and August.

  • Cub Scout Leader Basic Training - Provides the pack leadership with an understanding of the objectives and methods of the Cub Scout program that will make it possible for them to be effective as they work with boys and parents.  Leader-Specific courses are taken after completion of "New Leader Essentials" course.

  • Cub Scout Program Helps - A planning tool that contains monthly program ideas, designed for use with minimum fuss and maximum fun. It is distributed through Scouting magazine.

  • Cub World - Cub World is the overall summer camping program for Cub and Webelos Scouts.  Programs include Webelos Woods, Cub Parent Weekends, Day Camp, and Wauwepex Webelos Camp. The Cub World committee is staffed by council-level volunteers to oversee the development and promotion of the program.

  • Cub World Day Camp - A six-week daytime activity for Cub Scouts located at Schiff Scout Reservation The program is designed to meet the needs and interest of individual boys. Preparation for achievements, electives, and activity badges is consistent with the program in their Cub Scout packs.

  • Den Chief Training - Den Chiefs introduce your troop to the Webelos and Cub Scouts who are your future. The participants of this training will gain knowledge to assist den leaders and make their dens and packs more productive and successful.

  • District - The council is organized into 5 districts to coordinate program, commissioner service, and service to youth and volunteers.  Four of the districts are organized geographically - Iroquois, Pequott, Rough Rider, and Shelter Rock.  The Special Program Division is a council wide district serving Scouting with Disabilities, Learning for Life, and Exploring.

  • District Committee - The district committee coordinates all the functions of the district for the purposes of organizing and supporting unit program, carrying out the policies and objectives of the council, and extending the program to the greatest number of youth.

  • Executive Board - The executive board is the governing body of the council, empowered to make decisions and to take necessary action to achieve the purposes of the council.

  • High Adventure Base - One of three national activity areas designed to provide unique and challenging outdoor experiences. Planned and designed to meet the needs and desires of older Boy Scouts and Explorers. These facilities are Philmont Scout Ranch (New Mexico), Northern Tier National High Adventure Base (Minnesota & Canada), and Sea Base (Florida).

  • Chartered Organization Visit - The Scouting professional visits with the head of the chartered organization (executive officer) 120 days before the last day in the month in which the unit is due to recharter.

  • Jamboree - A large encampment of Scouts and leaders held on a national or international basis. Provides Scouts a unique opportunity to share "Scouting at its best" and bring about a clear understanding of and a deeper sense of commitment to the ideals of Scouting.

  • Key-3 - The council key-3: council president, council commissioner, Scout Executive.  The district key-3: The district chairman, district commissioner, the District Executive.  The lodge key-3: The Lodge Adviser (OA), the Lodge Chief, the Staff Adviser

  • Learning For Life - An in-school values-based program for boys and girls from kindergarten to the twelfth grade.

  • Liability Insurance - Protection for Scouting volunteers and chartered organization against claims that may arise while carrying out responsibilities in the Scouting program. Policies can be extended to include event sites with a request form submitted to council. Please file at least two weeks prior to the event start date to assure coverage. See also Accident Insurance

  • Lifeguard BSA - A Scout, Venturer, Explorer or Scouter who is certified to assist in conducting safe water activities during a Scouting function.

  • Membership Registration - The processing of all members applications and Boys' Life subscriptions. Individual membership cards are provided and unit charters reissued. Records are maintained in the council resource centers for all members and chartered units. Fees paid are forwarded directly to the National Council to cover costs of processing and file maintenance.

  • Merit Badge Counselor List - A list of all approved merit badge counselors, formatted to facilitate identification of counselors as well as regular updates and corrections. For privacy reasons this is not available online, but each troop should have a paper copy.  To become a merit badge counselor, download the application.

  • Nassau Charger - The Theodore Roosevelt Council newsletter is published to inform, inspire, and recognize volunteers. It is the principal method of printed communication in the council.  Current issues are located at www.trcbsa.org .

  • National Camping Award - A recognition for troops that provide a variety of quality year-round activities for their Scouts. The "camping log" and awards are available at the Scout Shops.

  • National Summertime Pack Award - An award for packs that conduct monthly pack activities during June, July and August. Planning guides and awards for packs and dens are available at the Council Service Center.

  • Northern Tier National High Adventure Base - This immense, year round facility consists of the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base near Ely, MN, the Bissett Base in Manitoba, Canada, and the Atikokan Canoe Base in Ontario. Each offers Explorers and older Scouts the world's best canoeing, camping, and adventure, each with a different character and the promise of memories to last a lifetime.

  • National Youth Leader Training - This rigorous training course is conducted annually by the council. Sessions are offered at Onteora Scout Reservation (August) and Schiff Scout Reservation (July). Scouts learn and reinforce skills and are presented with opportunities to develop leadership qualities that they can use with their troop, and outside Scouting, all year round. The program is called Bear Claw NYLT.

  • Onteora Alumni Association - This organization is open to all current and past campers, leaders, and staff who would like to maintain and support summer camping operations at Onteora Scout Reservation.  The association has a web site at www.trcbsa.org/OAA.

  • Onteora Scout Reservation - Our mountain camp located in Livingston Manor, NY.  The camps is in the Catskill State Park, has 1,400 acres, and Orchard Lake.  The camp is home to the Boy Scout summer camping program.

  • Order of the Arrow (OA) - Scouting's camping honor society that provides opportunities for growth in brotherhood and cheerful service to community, unit, and council for Scouts elected by their troops.

  • Philmont Scout Ranch - A 137,000-acre national high adventure base and training center located at Cimarron, New Mexico. Philmont offers older Scouts and Explorers the experience of a lifetime in activities that include rock climbing, archaeological excavation, black powder riflery, fishing, panning for gold, and horseback adventures.

  • Pine Tree Training - The Sagamore Service Troop provides weekend training programs in the fall and spring to units in Scout skills. 

  • Pinewood Derby - A pack activity that involves making and racing model cars on a track. The cars are made from carving a block of wood supplied in the pinewood derby kits to weight specifications. Materials are available at Scout Shops.

  • Planning Conference - An annual meeting of the Council staff to plan the unit's program for the coming year.  District and council committees submit program schedules for review and coordination.

  • Pow Wow - An annual day-long training and social event attended by parents, pack committee and den and pack leaders featuring program ideas, songs, stunts, skits, ceremonies, puppets and crafts.

  • Program Counseling - Individual assistance to unit volunteers by the commissioner staff in planning and conducting effective unit program.

  • Properties Committee - This council level volunteer group provides support for the maintenance and development of council camps and facilities for the benefit of Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturer, and Explorer units and their youth members.

  • Public Relations - Each unit committee, event committee, and district committee has the responsibility and opportunity to share its success stories with the community through its own publicity committee. Newspapers especially appreciate photos with a write-up, written interviews, awards, and recognitions along with explanations of Scouting terms and programs. Troop courts of honor, camporees, district dinners, etc. can be of interest to your local community paper, radio station, or company newsletter.

  • Quality Unit Award - Based on 10 items (requirements are listed elsewhere in this resource catalogue), this national award recognizes outstanding packs, troops, teams, crews and ships for providing quality programs for their youth.

  • Roundtable - A monthly forum for Cub Scout and Boy Scout leaders that provides information, inspiration, and program ideas related to the monthly theme.

  • Roundup - An annual membership program which focuses attention on recruiting new members with incentives offered to youth and leaders for inviting others to join Scouting.

  • Safe Swim Defense - An eight-point plan for operation of a safe swim. All Scout swimming activities must follow this plan.

  • Safety Afloat - Required plan of operation for safe boating during a Scouting activity.

  • Sagamore Service Troop - This is  service based unit of individuals that offer training to units in Scout skills.  The troop sponsors the Pine Tree training program at Schiff Scout Reservation in the fall and spring.

  • Schiff Scout Reservation - Our Long Island camp located in Wading River, NY.  The camp is in the Pine Barrens region, has 400 acres, and Deep Pond.  The camp is home to the Boy Scout weekend camping program, Cub World, the Sagamore Service Troop, and year-round Scouting programs.

  • School Night - An annual Scouting program conducted in cooperation with local schools to inform youth and their parents about the Scouting program in their neighborhood. An opportunity to join a local unit is also provided .

  • Scouters' Key - An award for Scoutmasters, Advisors and commissioners who have completed requirements relating to training, tenure, and performance.

  • Scouters' Training Award - Recognition program for adult volunteers who have completed requirements relating to training, tenure, and performance. Boy Scouts. Cub Scouts.

  • Scouting For Food - The annual Scouting Good Turn held annually to collect canned goods.

  • Sea Base - Strategically located in the Florida Keys, in Isla Morada, FL, this national high adventure base has a year-round program of sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving for Boy Scouts and Explorers, ages 13 to 20.

  • Tiger Cub Graduation - Held by most packs. This event officially welcomes the Tigers and their families into the next stage of Cub Scouting.

  • Tour Permits - A planning tool to help units prepare for a safe trips and outings. Tour permits are required for all trips beyond regular meeting places, including travel to Pacific Skyline Council camping facilities. Regardless of destination, units are always encouraged to follow the guidelines in the tour permit to insure a safe and enjoyable trip.

  • Training Committee - This group plans and implements an effective year-round leadership training program for volunteer Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, and Explorer leaders for the entire council.

  • Uniform Inspection - A step in the rechartering process, which encourages good uniforming and grooming and determines the unit's uniform status. Inspection sheets and awards are available through the council resource centers.

  • Venturing Officers Association (VOA) - The council-wide organization whose membership is comprised of active youth officers and representatives of Explorers in the council. It is a support system to Explorer posts by providing communications, training sessions, and activities.

  • Wauwepex Webelos Camp - The camp is held at Schiff Scout Reservation, where Webelos Scouts are guided through an adventure-filled program by experienced volunteer leaders with the support of the regular Cub World staff.

  • Website - Theodore Roosevelt Council maintains an internet presence containing reference material, program helps, and other information. Point your browser at http://www.trcbsa.org

  • Wood Badge - Advanced training in leadership for all adult leaders conducted as two three day weekends, with supplementary projects and meetings.

  • Youth Protection Training - The training courses for adults about child abuse.  At least one adult on every Scouting outing must be Youth Protection Trained. Special programs are available for Cub Scout and Boy Scout-age boys and Venturers.   If you are not able to take the adult training in person, it is also available at the council website.