about the scout uniform
- General Information
-
Uniform Inspection Sheets
About the Uniform
When To Wear The Uniform
When Not To Wear The Uniform
Legal Protection of Uniforms
Insignia Guide - Adult Leader Uniform
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Youth Uniform
Female Leader Uniform
Male Leader Uniform
Uniform Inspection Sheets
- Cub Scout / Webelos (138 Kb)
- Boy Scout / Varsity Scout (166 Kb)
- Female Leader (133 Kb)
- Male Leader (156 Kb)
About The Uniform
Uniforming is one of the eight Methods used to accomplished the Scouting Aims of Character, Citizenship, & Fitness.
The uniform makes the Scout troop visible as a force for good and creates a
positive youth image in the community. Boy Scouting is an action program, and
wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout's commitment to the aims
and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Scout identity in a world
brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals.
The uniform is practical attire for Scout activities, and provides a way for
Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished.
The Boy Scout Uniform
has long served as an expression of a Scout's friendliness
to all other Scouts regardless of Who they are or where they're from. The
uniform represents Scouting's spirit of Equality and democracy, and identifies a
boy as a brother to every other Scout. Wearing the uniform promotes comradeship,
loyalty to one's patrol and troop, and public recognition of membership in the
Boy Scouts of America.
A boy is not required to have a uniform in order to be a Boy Scout. However,
troop leaders should set a good example by wearing the uniform themselves and by
encouraging each Scout to acquire and wear a uniform. Scouts can take on
projects or find part-time jobs so that they can have the satisfaction of
purchasing uniforms with their own money. In many troop, Scouts donate
"experienced" uniforms they've outgrown to a uniform bank that in turn will lend
uniform parts to troop members who need them. New uniforms can be purchased from
one of our Scout Shops.
Uniform inspections may be held periodically, using the Boy Scout Uniform
Inspection Sheet to advise boys on the care and correct wearing of uniforms and
insignia.
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When To Wear The Uniform
Boy Scouts and Scout leaders proudly wear the full uniform for all ceremonial
and indoor activities including troop meetings, boards of review, and courts of
honor. The uniform should also be worn during special outdoor occasions, such as
flag ceremonies, Scout shows, and special times during summer camp.
During physically active outdoor events and informal activities, Scouts may wear
an activity uniform -- troop or camp T-shirts with Scout pants or shorts.
When Not To Wear The Uniform
- Do not wear the uniform while selling a commercial product or service, even for Scout fundraising purposes.
- Do not wear the uniform in situations that might mistakenly imply an endorsement by the BSA of a product, service, political candidate, or philosophy. Scouts and Scouters are encouraged to take part in political matters as private individuals but not while wearing the uniform.
- Do not wear the uniform while engaged in any activity that could dishonor or discredit the Boy Scouts of America, the uniform, or the person wearing it.
Good Taste
While Scouters may wear the insignia to which they are entitled, a 'total
display' may not be in the best taste if the uniform looks overdecorated.
Unauthorized insignia or incorrect wearing of authorized insignia is always
wrong. Scouters must set the example for Scouts in this matter. The Scoutmaster
who wears only his Scoutmaster emblem, council or community strip, troop
numeral, and service star on his uniform is never guilty of poor taste.
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Legal Protection of Uniforms
The official uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America are those authorized by the
organization's National Executive Board and are described in current handbooks,
catalogues, and other official publications of the BSA.
No alterations of, or additions to, the official uniform may be made by any
Scout, leader, or Scouting official without permission from the National
Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America.
In accordance with the provisions of the Boy Scouts of America congressional
charter, any imitation of United States Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps
uniforms is prohibited.
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Insignia Guide
This is an illustrated guide to the correct placement and usage of official
insignia and other badges for all BSA programs. Includes the latest changes.
This guide is a tremendous help with insignia placement. It is also invaluable
in giving you pictures and labels of all the Cub, Webelos, Boy Scout, Varsity
Scout, & Venturer awards. Many adult awards are included in this guide.
Pick up a copy of this guide at one of our
Scout Shops. You won't be sorry!