As one of the methods of scouting, the uniform is the most visible part of the boy scouts.
Show Notes:
- Scout Uniforming (WikiPedia)
- Boy Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet (pdf)
- Wearing the Scout Uniform (Scoutinsignia.com)
- How to encourage proper placement of patches on uniforms (Scouting Magazine)
Transcript:
The Boy Scout uniform is one of the methods of scouting.
Paraphrased from the BSA, the uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a positive youth image in the community.
It gives the Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
The uniform is an important part of the program, if it is appropriate for your scouting population, as some parts of the country find it a burden on families to afford and maintain. So while is an important method, it is not the only method.
There are many however who are zealots for the uniform. Itemizing and commenting on every patch, every placement and bits and pieces that may be incorrect or missing.
You see this a lot with adult leaders more than with the boys.
For the boys, at least from my perspective, when presenting as in a flag ceremony or in general out in public the boys should appear uniform and neat. This is really that they have their shirts tucked in, and if possible don’t look like the uniform lives at the bottom of the hamper. I look for shirt, pants or shorts, neckerchief, and if possible socks if they have shorts on.
We have a troop hat, but over the years some of the boys have opted for the dough boy hat, and some have hats from our council summer camp that they prefer. And while we advise on the proper placement of patches, sometimes they end up in the wrong spot.
Adults on the other hand can be brutal to other adults, primarily outside of the unit.
I’ve seen and experienced scouters descend on young eager leader and berate them on missing or misplaced patches. While at their core I believe these uniform police believe they are doing the right thing, it is in essence an embarrassment to the young leader who may be new to events such as roundtables and leave with their only memory being taken down a peg by these old scouters.
In scouting we say that you should let the scout oath and law be your guide, and sometimes folks who have been in the program for a fair number of years begin to loose the walk the walk mentality.
Take what you like and leave the rest, and as we say in Woodbadge, feedback is a gift, leave yours below in the comments, with the hope we can all learn together.
I’m Scoutmaster Dave, and this was a bit on wearing the uniform.
