Terms and Style Items - "C"
caliber
The form: ".22-caliber rifle." Also see "weapons."
calling-out ceremony
The ceremony that begins the membership induction process for a newly elected Order of the Arrow candidate. Can use "callout" on subsequent references.
camp director
The Scouter in charge of the administration of a Boy Scout resident camp or a Cub Scout day camp or resident camp.
camp ranger
A ranger's responsibilities may include keeping camp facilities functioning properly, performing camp improvements and maintenance, issuing supplies and equipment related to maintenance, directing the maintenance staff, and managing the off-season program. Usually the ranger reports to the camp director or business manager.
Campaign for Local Council Endowment
See "Nationally Coordinated Campaign for Local Council Endowment."
campcraft
See "outdoor skills."
camping
Camping is the hallmark of Scouting. See "day camp," "long-term camping," "outdoor program," "high adventure," "High Adventure Division," and "resident camping."
camping director
A professional Scouter who is responsible for 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.
campmaster
A volunteer Scouter trained to assist in short-term camping. Many councils organize a campmaster corps as a resource for their units. Also see "wagonmaster."
camporall
A weekend council activity in which all districts of a council participate in a coordinated camporee-type program. Capitalize only when referring to a specific council's camporall: "Circle Ten Council Camporall."
camporama
An activity that combines the essential elements of a camporee or camporall and a booth Scouting show. Capitalize only when referring to a specific council's camporama: "National Capital Area Council Camporama."
camporee
Derived from two words: camp and jamboree. A camporee is a district or council troop activity that demonstrates the techniques of living in camp. Involves a one- or two-night camping experience and may include outdoor skills competition. Capitalize only when referring to a specific district's or troop's event: "Hiawatha District Camporee."
campout
A camping activity with at least one overnight stay. One word.
campsite
A unit's outdoor home for an overnight, resident, or long-term camp or for den activities at Cub Scout day camp. One word.
Campways
A nationwide system of stopover camps for traveling Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews using official BSA tour permits.
capitalization
In general, avoid unnecessary capitalization. When in doubt, don't capitalize.
Many words and phrases, including special cases, are listed separately in this guide. Entries that are capitalized without further comment should be capitalized in all uses. If there is no relevant listing in this guide for a particular word or phrase, consult the latest edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Use lowercase if the dictionary lists it as an acceptable form for the sense in which the word is being used.
As used in this book, "capitalize" means to use uppercase for the first letter of a word. If additional capital letters are needed, they are called for by an example or a phrase such as "use all caps."
Following are some Scouting specifics:
- Activities. Do not capitalize "pow wow," "camporee," "lunchoree," "jamboree," or "show" unless the reference is to a specific event: Midland District Pow Wow, South Central Camporee, the 1997 National Scout Jamboree, Pioneer Day Scouting Show.
- Groups. Do not capitalize "pack," "den," "troop," "patrol," "team," "ship," "crew," "district," "council," "region," or "area" unless the reference is specific: Pack 10, Den 5, Troop 6, Fox Patrol, Ship 2, Central District, Circle Ten Council, Western Region, Area 2.
- Headings and Titles of Works. In headings and titles that use uppercase and lowercase letters, capitalize the first letter of the first word, the first letter of the last word, and all other words except "to" in infinitives [Dare to Fly With the Eagles], articles [a, an, the], coordinating conjunctions [and, but, or, nor, for], and prepositions of fewer than four letters [at, by, for, in, of, off, on, per, to, up, via]. Do capitalize prepositions of four letters or more [With, From, Between, After]. Note that subordinating conjunctions [as, if, when] are capitalized [Scouts to Work at Cleanup As Their Good Turn].
- Titles of Office or Group Members. Always capitalize Tiger Cub, Wolf Cub Scout, Bear Cub Scout, Webelos Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturer, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Coach (Varsity Scout Coach only), Advisor (Venturing Advisor only), Skipper, Scouter, Chief Scout Executive, and Chief Scout of the World. Capitalize other titles only when they precede the name: District Executive Thorpe is working with other district executives; she is the council's Scout executive.
- Capitalize the names of nationalities, religious organizations, and tribal or racial groups; do not capitalize group names that refer to color: American, Islamic, Hispanic, African American, Asian, American Indian, black, white.
Also see "composition titles."
captain
The elected youth leader of a Varsity Scout team.
cathole
One word.
Celsius
Use this term rather than "centigrade" for the temperature scale that is part of the metric system. To convert to Fahrenheit, multiply a Celsius temperature by 9, divide by 5, and add 32 (25(9=225, 225(5=45, 45+32=77 degrees Fahrenheit). Generally, the Fahrenheit temperature scale is presumed if Celsius is not specified. Also see "Fahrenheit" and "temperatures."
Centennial Quality awards
Quality awards available from 2007 to 2010 in celebration of the BSA centennial. See "Quality awards."
Center for Professional Development
Professional Development Levels 1, 2, and 3 (abbreviated PD-L1, PD-L2, and PD-L3) and other courses for professional Scouters and professional-technical employees are taught at this center, which is located near the national office. Historical references may refer to National Training School (NTS) or National Executive Institute (NEI) courses, but these terms are obsolete.
cents
Spell out the word "cents" and lowercase, using numerals for amounts less than a dollar: "5 cents," "12 cents." Use the "$" sign and decimal system for larger amounts: "$1.01," "$2.50." Numerals alone, with or without a decimal point as appropriate, may be used in tabular matter.
century
Lowercase, spelling out numbers less than 10: "the first century," "the 21st century," "a 19th-century novel."
certificate of merit
See "Local Council Certificate of Merit" and "National Certificate of Merit."
chairman, chairwoman
Generally, do not capitalize unless used as a formal title before a name: "company Chairman Rocky Rhodes"; "the chairwoman called the meeting to order"; "committee chairman Robert Jones" (informal use of a temporary position: lowercase). Do not use "chairperson" unless it is an organization's formal title for an office. However, if possible, do not presume maleness with the use of "chairman." Some alternatives: chair, moderator, committee head, coordinator, speaker.
chaplain
(1) A spiritual leader for units appointed by the church, synagogue, or community organization chartered to use the Scouting program. (2) One who gives spiritual leadership to a camp or jamboree community; conducts religious services according to his or her faith and arranges for other religious observance as needed; provides help in dealing with morale; and visits those who are ill and provides counseling in case of bereavement.
chaplain aide
A youth leader who works with the troop chaplain to ensure all members have appropriate religious observance during outings and helps other Scouts in the religious emblems program. Appointed by the senior patrol leader with the Scoutmaster's advice and consent.
chapter
An optional geographic administrative unit of an Order of the Arrow lodge corresponding to a district or multiple districts.
Character Connections®
This method of emphasizing character development through the 12 Core Values is woven throughout the Cub Scouting program and is not a separate "program." It challenges Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts to consider (1) knowledge (What do I know or think about the Core Value, the experience, etc.); (2) commitment (How do I feel about this value?); and (3) practice (What can I do to demonstrate this value at school, at home, with my friends?). See "12 Core Values."
Charles L. Sommers High Adventure Base
This year-round headquarters facility in Ely, Minnesota, offers cold-weather camping and access to dozens of wilderness routes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. See "Northern Tier National High Adventure Program."
charter
In the BSA, charters authorize (1) an organization to operate BSA Scouting units (see "chartered organization"); (2) a local council to incorporate as a BSA local council; (3) operation of an Order of the Arrow lodge; or (4) the Boy Scouts of America to incorporate. See "Charter of the Boy Scouts of America" and "Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America." When used as a verb, use "to obtain a charter" and "to renew a charter" rather than "to charter" or "to recharter."
Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America
The published booklet containing the two documents. Underlined when typed and italic when typeset if reference is to the physical book; titles of the separate documents are not underlined or italicized.
Charter of the Boy Scouts of America
This Congressional Act of Incorporation, passed on June 15, 1916, authorized and set standards for the incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America. It also protects the name, emblems, badges, and descriptive or designating marks, words, or phrases of the program. See "Charter and Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America."
charter presentation
A formal ceremony at which the charter, Scouter commissions, and membership certificates are presented to organization authorities and members of the unit.
charter renewal
An annual meeting attended by the chartered organization representative, head of the chartered organization, troop leaders, and unit commissioner for the purpose of completing the charter application and making plans for the charter presentation.
charter review
See "membership inventory."
chartered organization
A religious, civic, fraternal, educational, or other community-based organization that has applied for and received a charter to operate a BSA Scouting unit. Do not use the term "chartered partner" or the term "sponsoring unit."
chartered organization representative
A manager of Scouting in a chartered organization who also represents this organization in the local council and district. Formerly called "Scouting coordinator."
chartered partner
Do not use this term in place of "chartered organization."
cheermaster
This Scout is in charge of leading patrol songs, yells, stunts, and campfire programs. He is appointed by the patrol leader.
chief
The key elected youth leader in the Order of the Arrow who may be a chapter chief, lodge chief, section chief, regional chief, or national chief.
Chief Scout
The United Kingdom's version of Chief Scout Executive.
Chief Scout Citizen
Theodore Roosevelt was named Chief Scout Citizen in 1910 when the Boy Scouts of America was founded. Always capitalize.
Chief Scout Executive
The top-ranking professional Scouter of the Boy Scouts of America. This is the only professional title that is routinely capitalized.
Chief Scout Executive's Winners' Circle
Scouting professionals with a direct or supporting membership responsibility must have a gain in membership in their service area on June 30 over the same period one year before and a gain in total units to be in the Winners' Circle.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The parentheses and the words they surround are part of the formal name.
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) National Association of Scouters
This advisory committee promotes and guides cooperative efforts between the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Boy Scouts of America.
church
Capitalize as part of the formal name of building, congregation, or denomination; lowercase in other uses: "St. Mary's Church," "the Roman Catholic Church," "a Presbyterian church." Do not use as a catch-all phrase in reference to places of worship.
Church of Christ, Scientist
The international headquarters is at the Mother Church in Boston. A branch church, governed by its own board, is named the First Church of Christ, Scientist, or Second Church, etc., according to the order of its establishment in a community. The terms "Christian Science Church" or "Churches of Christ, Scientist," are acceptable in all references to the denomination.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Note the punctuation and capitalization of "Latter-day." For specific guidance on how to refer to this church and its members correctly, see http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/style-guide. In addition, "LDS" may be used as a modifier (never a noun) but never as part of a shortened name for the church. (Examples—Correct: "The LDS initiative is going well." Incorrect: "The LDS Church is hosting the event.") For official glossaries of related terms, see http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/glossary and http://mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/glossary.
Church of the New Jerusalem (The New Church)
Members of this faith share a common belief in the Bible and the teachings of the 18th-century scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (so they are sometimes known as "Swedenborgians").
Churches of Christ
Individual churches function autonomously and do not regard themselves as a denomination.
Climb On Safely
The BSA's recommended procedure for conducting unit climbing/rappelling activities. The eight points—qualified supervision, discipline, physical fitness, safe area, equipment, planning, environmental conditions, and qualified instruction—help ensure the safety and well-being of participants. Note the uppercase "On."
cluster
A grouping of Venturing crews by program interest. The five national Venturing clusters are arts and hobbies, outdoors, sports, youth ministries, and Sea Scouting.
Coach
The commissioned volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed to lead a Varsity Scout team.
Coach's Corner
A short inspirational message given by the Coach during a Varsity Scout team meeting.
cocaptain
An assistant youth leader of a Varsity Scout team.
coed Venturing crews
The membership policy of a Venturing crew is determined by the organization chartering the crew. The organization may determine whether its crew is to be coed, all male, or all female. (The majority of crews are coed.) It is recommended that coed crews have male and female adult leaders.
College Scouter Reserve
A registration status for young people 18 and older who are in college, have been actively registered in Scouting, and commit themselves to an informed interest and active participation in the program whenever possible.
colon
See "punctuation."
comma
See "punctuation."
commissioned personnel
The commissioned personnel of a council includes all professional Scouters and all commissioners.
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. Also see "international commissioner."
committee
(1) The work of the National Council is conducted by volunteers working in committees with the guidance of professional Scouters. There are five group standing committees of the National Executive Board: the Administration Group Committee, Program Group Committee, Human Resources Group Committee, Regional Presidents' Group Committee, and Relationships/Marketing Group Committee. Under these are 14 support standing committees: the Supply Committee, Finance and Investment Committee, Properties Committee, Marketing Committee, Relationships Committee, Cub Scout Committee, Boy Scout Committee, Venturing Committee, Finance Support Committee, High Adventure Committee, Council Services Committee, Professional Development Committee, Compensation and Benefits Committee, and Human Resources Administration Committee. (2) A council may have committees to direct any of the various aspects of the program as it deems necessary. (3) The district committee is a group of volunteer adults responsible for carrying out the council program within their district. (4) A local chartered organization has a unit committee, composed of volunteers, to administer the affairs of each unit it operates. (5) Some national organizations have advisory committees to guide the use of Scouting by their affiliated local community and religious organizations and to promote cooperation between them and the Boy Scouts of America. Capitalize "committee" only in the official name of a particular committee. Combinations: "national Boy Scout Committee," "Longhorn Council Finance Committee," "district membership committees," "troop committee," "National Catholic Committee on Scouting."
Committee for Meher Baba of Scouting
This advisory committee promotes and guides cooperative efforts between the Meher Baba faith and the Boy Scouts of America.
Community of Christ
Formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Changed its name in 2001.
compass points emblem
Awarded to Webelos Scouts when they have earned four activity badges in addition to those needed for the Webelos badge. A metal compass point may be pinned to the emblem for each four activity badges earned subsequently until three compass points have been earned.
composition titles
Capitalize the principal words, including prepositions of four or more letters. The word "to" in infinitives is not capitalized. See also "capitalization." Italicize the following:
- Titles of books and booklets: The Boy Scout Handbook; Cub Scout Program Helps
- Periodicals: Boys' Life magazine; ProSpeak
- Newspapers: Dallas Morning News
- Sections of newspapers published separately: New York Times Book Review
- Plays: Romeo and Juliet
- Movies: Gone With the Wind
- Long poems published separately: Milton's Paradise Lost
- Operas and other long musical compositions
- Works of art: Grant Wood's American Gothic
Enclose the following titles in quotation marks:
- Articles and features in periodicals and newspapers
- Chapter titles in books
- Short stories and essays
- Short poems
- TV and radio shows
- Songs and short musical compositions
- Computer games: "Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?"
Do not use quotation marks or italics for posters, calendars, short fliers, cards, and the like.
conclave
A section training meeting for Order of the Arrow members from a specific geographic area.
congress
Capitalize "U.S. Congress" and "Congress" when referring to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
congressional
Lowercase unless part of a proper name: "congressional salaries," "the Congressional Quarterly," "the Congressional Record."
Congressional Award
A recognition given by the Congress of the United States to young people ages 14 through 23 who accomplish high goals in voluntary public service.
conservation Good Turn
An opportunity for Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews to join with conservation or environmental organizations (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their communities. A new conservation Good Turn emphasis was launched in January 1995 and is ongoing.
constitution
Capitalize references to the U.S. Constitution, with or without the "U.S." modifier: "The president said he supports the Constitution." Lowercase in other uses: "the organization's constitution." Lowercase "constitutional" in all uses.
consultant
A person who has special skills, equipment, facilities, or contacts in an interest area related to the interests of Venturing crew members or of a Varsity Scout team activity.
contingent
May be used to describe an official Scout group at an official Scout event. Otherwise, use "delegation." The term "delegation" also is used when referring to the group of Scouts who attend the annual Report to the Nation.
contractions
Don't be afraid to use them, but don't overdo it. Contractions reflect informal speech and writing. Contractions are acceptable in informal contexts where they reflect the way a phrase commonly appears in speech or writing and when they won't cause confusion.
cookout
No hyphen.
COPE
See "Project COPE."
Core Values
See "12 Core Values."
council
An administrative body chartered to be responsible for Scouting in a designated geographic territory. See "BSA local council," "local council," and "National Council." Capitalize only when referring to a specific local council or the National Council: "Moby Dick Council," "Gulf Coast Council."
council employee
A full-time or part-time employee serving in a support position not classified under professional, professional-technical, or paraprofessional guidelines (i.e., secretaries, clerks, custodial personnel, most camp rangers, and seasonal camp employees). It is recommended that all council employees be registered members of the BSA.
council junior leader training conference
This term is now obsolete. See "National Youth Leadership Training."
council office
See "council service center."
Council Packet
A collection of pertinent, detailed information for councils and key national staff members. Distributed regularly from the national office.
council president
The elected volunteer Scouter who heads the council and chairs its executive board.
council service center
The business center for the local administration of Scouting. "Council office" may be used, but "council service center" is preferred as being more representative of its function.
court of honor
A recognition ceremony for those who have met the requirements of any one of the Boy Scout ranks, merit badges, or other awards. See "National Court of Honor."
crew
(1) A working group of Sea Scouts in a ship. There are usually several crews in a ship. This compares with the Cub Scout den, the Boy Scout patrol, and the Varsity Scout team. (2) A working group of five to 12 members of a high-adventure base contingent. (3) See "Venturing crew."
crew code and bylaws
A set of bylaws adopted by the members of a Venturing crew or Sea Scout ship to guide their officers and program. The Venturing Code is included as a preamble.
crew leader
The elected youth leader of a Sea Scout or high-adventure base crew.
critical issues
The strategic planning process of the BSA identifies critical issues that need special attention from everybody in the Scouting movement. The five critical issues of 2006-2010 are:
- Every eligible youth has an opportunity to be involved in a quality Scouting experience.
- The number of engaged, accountable volunteers is dramatically increased at all levels of Scouting.
- Evey local council is fiscally sound.
- Local, regional, and national chartered organizations and strategic alliances are identified and engaged.
- Enough of the right professionals are identified, developed, and retained in the right positions at all levels, with a focus on diversity.
crossover
When Webelos Scouts become Boy Scouts: "Webelos crossover."
Cub Scout
A registered youth member of a Cub Scout pack or one registered as a Lone Cub Scout who has completed first grade but who has not yet completed third grade, or who is age 8 or 9. See "Cub Scouting."
Cub Scout Academics and Sports program
A supplemental enrichment program that complements Cub Scouting. A pack may select any of 38 sports or academic subjects to pursue. Sports or Academics belt loops, pins, and jacket letters recognize the Cub Scouts for participation and practice.
Cub Scout day camp
See "day camp."
Cub Scout Division
The arm of the National Council Program Group that develops and administers Cub Scouting.
Cub Scout handshake
Used by Cub Scouts and Cub Scouters; like an ordinary handshake with the right hand except that the index and middle fingers are extended toward the other person, touching his wrist.
Cub Scout Immediate Recognition Kit
This kit contains enough materials to recognize 10 Cub Scouts for progressing in rank. It includes, for each boy, beads, a thong, and a Cub Scout immediate recognition emblem (a blue, white, and yellow Cub Scout diamond with the words “Progress Toward Ranks” ).The emblem is attached to the right shirt pocket. The thong hangs from the emblem; for each three achievements completed, a bead is strung on the thong. When there are four yellow beads, he has earned the Wolf rank. When there are four red beads, he has earned the Bear rank. He may wear the emblem until he becomes a Webelos Scout.
Designed to provide Cub Scout and Webelos Scout leaders with basic information about their responsibilities.
Cub Scout Leader Basic Training
Designed to provide Cub Scout and Webelos Scout leaders with basic information about their responsibilities.
Cub Scout Leave No Trace Pledge
I promise to practice the Leave No Trace frontcountry guidelines wherever I go: 1) Plan ahead. 2) Stick to trails. 3) Manage your pet. 4) Leave what you find. 5) Respect other visitors. 6) Trash your trash.
Cub Scout motto
Do Your Best.
Cub Scout Promise
I, [name], promise to do my best
To do my duty to God and my country,
To help other people,
and To obey the Law of the Pack.
Cub Scout Renewal Plan
A computer-based, personalized approach to reclaiming separated Cub Scouts to the program.
Cub Scout resident camp
See "resident camping."
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 sign made by raising the right hand straight up high over the head with the palm forward. The first two fingers are wide apart and pointing up as in a V. The thumb covers the nails of the ring and little fingers. Used when repeating the Cub Scout Promise or Law of the Pack and as a signal for quiet in meetings.
Cub Scouter
A registered member 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 Scouter Award
An award for Cub Scouters for completing requirements of tenure, training, and performance. See "Cubmaster Award."
Cub Scouting
That part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for boys who are in the first grade through fifth grade (or are 7 through 10 years old). Tiger Cubs are in the first grade (or age 7); Cub Scouts, second or third grade (or ages 8 or 9); and Webelos Scouts, fourth and fifth grade (or age 10). The unit is a Cub Scout pack and the pack is made up of dens of the various age groups. The emphasis is on family-centered activities, group activities, learning, and having fun. (Never use the term "Cubbing"; "Cub" is not a verb.) See "Tiger Cubs BSA."
Cub Scouting's Leave No Trace Awareness Award
Cub Scout youth and adult members can earn this award by taking the Cub Scout Leave No Trace Pledge and fulfilling six age-appropriate requirements.
Cubbing, Cubber
Do not use to correspond to "Scouting" and "Scouter" because "Cub" is not a verb. However, "Cubbing" may be appropriate in historical contexts, as the term was used before 1945.
Cubmaster
A volunteer Scouter, 21 or older, appointed by the chartered organization to lead a Cub Scout pack.
Cubmaster Award
An award available to Cubmasters for completing requirements of tenure, training, and performance.
Cubmaster's Minute
See "Den Leader's Minute."