The Uniform: Why do we wear them?Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the beginning. Decades of experience show wearing a uniform has many benefits, including:
Equality The uniform represents a democratic ideal of equality. Scouts from various cultures and different economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as equals. Identification The uniform identifies a Scout as a member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that they belongs to their den, pack, and council. The uniform itself identifies a good citizen to the entire community. Achievement It gives the scouts means to display all the badges and awards that they earn. |
Commitment
Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Cub Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Cub Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.
For these reasons, among others, all parents should emphasize to their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all suitable occasions.
Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Cub Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Cub Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.
For these reasons, among others, all parents should emphasize to their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all suitable occasions.
What do I need?One of the first things you'll want to do when your boys and girls joins Cub Scouts is buy them the uniform. There are several Scout Shops in the area, or you may purchase it online from ScoutStuff.org.
Parents need to purchase the scout shirt only, all patches are provided by the Pack. Blue shirts are for Tigers, Wolves, and Bears; khaki shirts are for Webelos. (Webelos can wear their blue shirt if it still fits. The khaki shirt can carry over into Scouts.) It is generally recommended to purchase a short-sleeved shirt. Your scouts can always put a long-sleeve shirt on underneath his uniform when the weather is cool. In addition, Scouts also need to purchase a rank-specific hat and a belt. Your scout will also need a neckerchief, slide, and handbook, however these will be paid for with the membership dues, and purchased by the pack. What not to buy.In addition to the shirt patches which are provided by the pack, the Scout stores have pants, shorts, socks, etc., which are strictly optional.
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Do Adults Leaders Need Uniforms?Although it's not required, for the same reasons listed above, it is highly encouraged that registered adults and leaders have and wear the scout uniform. As leaders, we should set the example and lead from the front. We can't very well ask our scouts to do something that we wouldn't be willing to do.
Adult leaders wear the khaki-colored uniform shirt. As with the Cub Scout's shirts, all patches will be provided by the Pack. Blue shoulder loops go on the shirt shoulders and once a leader has satisfied the training requirements, a Trained patch can go on the left sleeve, above or below the position patch, depending on the shirt style. |
So now I've got a uniform shirt and a handful of patches, what now? |
Class A Uniform? Class B? What's that? |
You have a few options here. You can use the patch placement reference guide to sew them yourself, or if you would rather not get out your sewing kit, the local scout shops or the Northville Stitching Post will sew on badges for a small fee.
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The Class A uniform is described above: scout shirt, neckerchief, belt, and rank-specific hat. The Class A uniform is worn to Den and Pack meetings, at parades and other public events, to Go-See-Its, the Pinewood Derby, and traveling to and from Scout events. The Class A uniform is the default uniform and should be worn at all scouting events unless otherwise indicated.
The Class B uniform is simply any T-shirt with the Scouting logo, including the Yellow Pack 712 T-shirt. Class B uniforms are worn for more involved activities like days at camp, a soccer game, or going to the BB gun shooting range. Each scout and registered adult is given a Class B T-shirt when the join the pack. Additional and replacement shirts are available for a nominal fee. |