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Understanding Scouting language
Abbreviations, terms and jargon
To a newcomer, Scouting can seem to have a language all of its own and far too many people talk in abbreviations, which can be a barrier to newcomers.
Group |
The local unit of Scouting that will consist of one or more sections and be lead by a Group Scout Leader ‘GSL' . |
Colony |
A Beaver Scout Section that may be divided into small groups called Lodges . Beavers are aged 6 – 8.
|
Pack |
A Cub Scout Section that will be divided into groups called Sixes , each lead by a Sixer . Cubs are aged 8 - 10 ½.
|
Troop |
A Scout Section that will be made up of a number of Patrols each lead by a Patrol Leader . Scouts are aged 10 ½ - 14
|
Unit |
An Explorer Scout Unit that is managed by the District. Members are aged 14 - 18
|
Scout Network |
This is a County co-ordinated network for Members aged 18 – 25 years. |
Each Section will have its own Leaders, usually a Section Leader supported by Assistant Section Leaders together with Helpers and Instructors.
BSL |
Beaver Scout Leader |
ABSL |
Assistant Beaver Scout Leader |
CSL |
Cub Scout Leader |
ACSL |
Assistant Cub Scout Leader |
Leaders in the Cub Scout Pack use names drawn from Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book. The CSL is called ‘Akela' and the Assistant Leaders use the names of other characters: Baloo, Hathi, Kaa, Rikki and so on.
SL |
Scout Leader |
ASL |
Assistant Scout Leader |
In many Troops it is traditional that the Scout Leader is called ‘Skip' .
ESL |
Explorer Scout Leader |
AESL |
Assistant Explorer Scout Leader |
The terms Leader and Scouter are both used to describe those adults who hold a Warrant . The warrant is the appointment card that is given to those who accept the appointment as a uniformed Leader. Such appointments are made by the Scout District.
Other adults may be Helpers or Skills Instructors . Helpers usually provide general help to a section on a regular basis whilst Skills Instructors provide more specialised support. Both are issued with Certificates of Appointment .
Besides the Leaders, the Group will have a team of other adults who provide support chiefly with administration and fund raising. These will be lead by a Group Chairperson . The Group Chairperson is strictly speaking the Chairperson of the Group Scout Council . This meets annual as the Group Annual General Meeting ‘AGM' and includes all those, especially parents, who are connected to the Group. The more routine management of the Group's affairs is conducted by the Group Executive Committee often called ‘the Executive' . Some Groups are ‘sponsored' by a Church with the Minister acting as ‘Sponsoring Authority' .
Your Group is part of a District , which exists to provide support to and promote co-operation between Groups. The District will be lead by a District Commissioner ‘DC' . The District Commissioner is supported by a team of Assistant District Commissioners ‘ADC' . These will each have specific responsibilities and thus hold appointments such as Assistant District Commissioner (Cub Scouts) ‘ADC (CS)' .
District look for their support to a County that will be led by a County Commissioner ‘CC' . Similarly to the District there will be a team of Assistant County Commissioners ‘ACC' .
