Scouting Terminology

Group - The local unit of Scouting that will consist of one or more section led by a Group Scout Leader GSL .

Beaver Colony - A Beaver Scout Section that may be divided into small groups called Lodges. Beavers are aged 6 - 8.

Cub Pack - A Cub Scout Section that will be divided into groups called Sixes, each led by a Sixer. Cubs are aged 8 - 10 1/2

Scout Troop - A Scout Section that will be made up of a number of patrols each led by a Patrol Leader. Scouts are aged between 10 1/2 - 15

Explorer Unit - An Explorer Scout Unit is managed by the District. Members are 15 - 18.

Scout Network - This is a County coordinated network for members aged 18 - 25.

Each Section will have its own Leaders, usually a Section Leader supported by Assistant Section Leaders together with helpers and instructors.

GSL - Group Scout Leader (GSL) ensures the effective operation of the Scout Group. The Scout Group consists of the three younger Sections – Beavers (aged 6-8), Cubs (aged 8-10½) and Scouts (aged 10½-14).

The Group Scout Leader is responsible for ensuring that the Group has a team of ‘fit and proper’ adults who are well inducted and supported, and that a Balanced Programme is being delivered to all young people in the Group.

AGSL - Assistant Group Scout Leader

BSL - Beaver Scout Leader

ABSL - Assistant Beaver Scout Leader

Beavers section Leaders are named after wild animals.

CSL - Cub Scout Leader

ACSL - Assistant Cub Scout Leader

Cub Section Leaders are named after Rudyards Kipling's Jungle Book. The CSL is called 'Akela' and Assistant Leaders use the names of other characters.

SL - Scout Leader

ASL- Assistant Scout Leader

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 annually at 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' and meets on a monthly basis..

8th Ashford Scout Group is part of the District of Spelthorne , 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'. The 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' .