> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thepulse.org/en/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Scouting Glossary: Akela, Jamboree, Patrol and More - URL: https://thepulse.org/en/scouting-glossary/ - Published: 2024-10-09T21:54:23.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-20T13:22:14.000Z - Description: Scouting has a vocabulary all its own, and not every word makes sense at first glance. This glossary explains terms like Akela, patrol and jamboree, and the traditions and values behind them. - Author: Christian Holfeld - Tags: Articles, #target-leaders, #topic-planning, #topic-summer-camp, #age-children, #age-teens ****Articles in this series** 1\. [Why Your Church Needs a Scout Group Right Now](https://thepulse.org/en/why-your-church-needs-a-scout-group/) 2\. [What Does Your Church Need to Start a Scout Group?](https://thepulse.org/en/7-things-to-start-a-scout-group/) 3\. [What Do Scouts Actually Do?](https://thepulse.org/en/what-do-scouts-do/) 4\. [Living Out Your Faith in Scouting](https://thepulse.org/en/living-faith-in-scouting/) 5\. Scouting Glossary **Akela, patrol and jamboree: what do they actually mean?** You may have noticed that scouts have a vocabulary all their own. The words aren’t always easy to understand at first glance if you didn’t grow up with them. Many of these terms have a long tradition and reflect the special values and customs of the scouting movement. They’re more than just words: they embody the shared experiences, the sense of belonging and the love of adventure that make scouting what it is. To give you a better overview and help you dive into the world of scouting, we’ve collected and explained the most important terms here. | Term | What it means | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ****Akela** | In many scouting organizations, the leader of the Cub Scouts is called “Akela.” The name comes from Rudyard Kipling’s **The Jungle Book*, where Akela is the old leader of the wolf pack. | | ****Association** | An association is a union of several local scout groups that share common values and structures. Within an association, groups often work closely together. | | ****B-P** | B-P stands for Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the scouting movement. His ideas and educational principles still shape scouting around the world today. | | ****Be Prepared** | The scout motto. It means always being ready to face challenges. This motto encourages a positive attitude toward life and a sense of responsibility. | | ****Beavers** | In many organizations, the youngest section, for children around kindergarten age. Beavers get a first taste of scouting through playful activities. | | ****Group** | The local unit of scouting in a town or a church. Its members are divided into different age sections, but they often work together. | | ****Handbook** | A booklet in which a scout’s progress is recorded. It has entries for completed requirements, which the leader signs off. | | ****Hike** | An outing in which scouts head out into nature in small groups. Along the way, they have certain tasks to complete. | | ****Investiture** | A ceremony in which a new member is officially welcomed into the scout group. During the ceremony, the new scout makes the Scout Promise and often receives a neckerchief as a sign of belonging. | | ****Jamboree** | A large camp where scouts from all the groups of an association come together. It’s a chance to meet scouts from other regions. | | ****Learning by doing** | This principle of scouting says that you learn best through hands-on experience. Scouts gain their skills by solving tasks on their own and learning from their mistakes. | | ****Neckerchief** | One of the best-known symbols of scouting. It comes in different colors depending on the section, group or association, and it shows that you belong to the scouting movement. | | ****Pack** | The Cub Scouts meet as a pack. A large group of children can be divided into smaller packs, often of about 15 to 20 Cubs, each with its own pack leader. | | ****Paddle your own canoe** | This educational principle encourages you to take charge of your own life, like a canoeist who steers their own canoe. | | ****Patrol** | A small group of children or teenagers within a scout group. In a patrol, members learn that everyone plays an important role. | | ****Requirements** | Tasks that scouts complete depending on their age and section. One example: lighting a campfire with just one match. | | ****Rovers** | The oldest section, for older teenagers and young adults. Rovers get the chance to act more independently and take on responsibility. | | ****Scout Law** | A set of rules that is meant to shape how scouts behave. One example: “A Scout is helpful.” | | ****Scout sign** | Made with the right hand: the three middle fingers are held up while the thumb holds down the little finger. The three fingers stand for the three parts of the Scout Promise. | | ****Sketch map** | A hand-drawn map used on hikes or orienteering courses. It’s a simplified picture of the area and helps scouts find their way. | | ****Trek** | A typical scout adventure: several days on the move, on foot or by bike. | | ****Uniform** | The sturdy, matching shirt that scouts wear. It’s seen less as a uniform in the military sense and more as a practical piece of clothing that comes in handy in everyday scouting. | ℹ️ This article is by Christian Holfeld. He is an organizational developer and theologian, and has been a passionate scout since 1982. *English version: October 2026* ![](https://thepulse.org/en/content/images/2026/09/Signup-1.jpg) ## Stay on the pulse. Pulse in English has just begun: ready-made material for youth leaders, parents and educators, free. We let you know when something new is out. Count me in Almost done: check your inbox and confirm the link. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.