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The Language of the OA

The Language of the OA (LOOA) encompasses style, usage, and grammar norms observed by both Scouting America and the Order of the Arrow. The OA has developed this resource so that communications at every level of the organization are more consistent. Through periodic updates of terminology, it will become a more comprehensive primary resource to ensure chapters, service areas, lodges, sections and regions are aware of terms and style specific to the OA. Additional Scouting terms not used in daily operations can be found on the Language of Scouting (LOS).


Following the Language of the OA and Language of Scouting, grammar, spelling, style, and usage decisions are based on the latest editions of the following references, in order of preference: Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, The Associated Press Stylebook, and The Chicago Manual of Style. The LOOA and LOS always take precedence. Feel free to reach out to @email with any questions or to suggest an update of the LOOA.

TermLOS
Category
Acronyms
Definition

Language of Scouting

Style and Usage
Examples
TermNC
Category
Acronyms
Definition

National Chief

Style and Usage
Examples
TermNVC
Category
Acronyms
Definition

National Vice Chief

Style and Usage
Examples
TermERC
Category
Acronyms
Definition

Eastern Region Chief

Style and Usage
Examples
TermGRC
Category
Acronyms
Definition

Gateway Region Chief

Style and Usage
Examples
TermCVC
Category
Acronyms
Definition

Conference Vice Chief

Style and Usage
Examples
TermJVC
Category
Acronyms
Definition

Jamboree Vice Chief

Style and Usage
Examples
TermEVC
Category
Acronyms
Definition

Event Vice Chief

Style and Usage
Examples
TermDSA
Category
Acronyms
Definition

Distinguished Service Award

Style and Usage
Examples
TermNCC
Category
Acronyms
Definition

National Communications Committee

Style and Usage
Examples
TermOALM
Category
Acronyms
Definition

OA LodgeMaster

Style and Usage
Examples
TermNOAERS
Category
Acronyms
Definition

National Order of the Arrow Event Registration System

Style and Usage
Examples
TermCONNECT
Category
Acronyms
Definition

Cultivate, Opportunity, New Members, Novel Approaches, Engage, Core, Training

Style and Usage
Examples