Scouting has its own rich vocabulary. This glossary will help new scouts and parents understand the terms used in Troop 31 and throughout BSA.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Board of Review | A meeting between a scout and adult committee members to verify that requirements for a rank have been completed. |
| Blue Card | The official merit badge application and record, signed by the Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor, and Scout. |
| Charter Organization | A civic group, religious institution, or other organization that sponsors a BSA unit. Troop 31's charter org is Third Presbyterian Church. |
| Court of Honor | A ceremony to formally present rank advancements and merit badges to scouts in front of their families. |
| Eagle Project | A significant community service project planned and led by a Life Scout as a requirement for the Eagle Scout rank. |
| Eagle Scout | The highest rank in BSA, requiring 21 merit badges, leadership experience, and an Eagle project. |
| JASM | Junior Assistant Scoutmaster — a Scout 16 or older who assists adult leaders. |
| Patrol | A small group of 6–8 scouts within a troop who camp, hike, and work together. |
| PLC | Patrol Leaders' Council — the governing body of the troop composed of patrol leaders and senior youth leadership. |
| Scoutmaster | The adult volunteer leader responsible for the program of the troop. |
| Senior Patrol Leader | The highest youth leadership position in the troop, elected by scouts to lead them. |
| Troop Committee | Adult volunteers who support the troop's administration, finances, and program support. |
| YPT | Youth Protection Training — mandatory online training for all BSA adult members to ensure the safety of youth. |
