The latest in a series designed to help Scout families, Scouts and those new to Scouting better understand what Scouting is, how it works, and how to get the most out of the experience. For past articles, see back issues of The Guide.
The Gear of Scouting: Uniforms, Books and Why They Matter (Cont.)
Owning and wearing a uniform is an important part of Scouting. It distinguishes Scouts from other youth organizations, serves to bring a sense of pride and full membership in Scouting, and unites a Scout with other Scouts not only throughout the United States, but around the world. Each uniform carries the World Scouting Crest, an emblem shared with Scouts globally. Just as in youth soccer or baseball, the league or club has a uniform shirt and each team has a different color or style that identifies it, the Scout uniform identifies the youth as a Scout and signifies the particular unit to which he or she belongs. Perhaps more importantly, the uniform sets a standard and promotes the idea that in Scouting, all members are equals. The uniform is designed to wear well and will hold up to the activity and adventure found in Scouting.
Each unit, that is Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship or Post will determine some of the standards for uniforms and other gear. The official Scout uniform includes a shirt, pants with belt, socks, and usually a neckerchief with slide and hat. For Lion Cubs, the official uniform is a Lion t-shirt, neckerchief with slide, and a Lion cap. The shirt and neckerchief help to identify Lions and unify them into a common Den or group of scouts. The belt is important as it will hold the belt loops earned as each achievement is completed through the year. The belt will continue to serve the scout through Cub Scouting as long as it fits and each belt is adjustable, so it is useful to leave a little growing room at it is sized.
Tigers, Wolves, Bears and Webelos wear a blue Cub Scout shirt, blue pants, and the blue belt which holds belt loops through the Bear year (third grade). Cub Scout socks are also part of the uniform and there is some variation among them based upon grade level. There is a different neckerchief, slide and hat for each rank or grade level to complete the uniform. If the Scout outgrows the blue shirt during the Webelos year in fourth grade, it is common to move to the tan shirt common to Scouts BSA.
As an Arrow of Light Scout in fifth grade, the uniform shifts to the standard Scouts BSA uniform and is tan. The pants are now green and the belt is also green. Arrow of Light Scouts may wear any official neckerchief and slide at this point. Any official Scout socks may be worn, usually green. The hat is optional. This uniform “crosses over” with the Scout to Scouts BSA and a troop during the fifth grade. The only change is the color of loops worn on the shoulder from blue to green and the unit numbers worn on the sleeve. The Troop usually supplies the neckerchief.
Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts earn activity pins instead of belt loops for their achievements. These pins are worn on a “colors” ribbon which pins to the sleeve of the shirt. Each rank will earn a patch upon completion of the requirements. Patches may be sewn onto the uniform shirt or may fit into a plastic holder that hangs from the button on the pocket of the shirt. The Arrow of Light patch may be worn on the tan shirt for the duration of the Scout’s membership until aging out at age 18.
Families often wonder whether to purchase a handbook. The Lion and Tiger handbooks are set up like workbooks with a guide for the Scout and one for a parent or other adult. They are important both as a way to measure learning and maintain a record of achievement, as well as helping the parent to understand Scouting better. Handbooks for Wolves, Bears, Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts are unique to each rank and describe fully the achievements required to earn the rank. There are six required achievements for each rank, and the Scout must also complete two electives from among many. Cub Scouting is designed to include the family and many achievements may be completed, especially at the Lion and Tiger level, between the parent and youth. However, most Dens work together on achievements during Den meetings. Scouts who join at various points during the year can easily complete those already tackled by the Den and catch up, so families needn’t worry that their Scout is behind!
The cost of joining may seem daunting when you add in the cost of the uniform and handbook, but in total the cost is usually well below the cost of other extracurricular activities such as youth sports, martial arts, or instrumental music. Many units have uniform parts to hand down as families may donate them to the unit when they no longer fit. The Bay Lakes Council has financial support available to families for whom the cost may be prohibitive. To access support, contact the unit leader or Council office. Product sales such as the annual popcorn sale, individual unit fundraisers including wreath sales, candy bar sales, brat stands and other fundraisers can also help with the cost of Scouting.
Your investment in Scouting will pay many dividends through the years. Your youth will learn new skills, develop a stronger sense of self, discover new interests and most important, make life-long friends. You are likely to find family friends as well. Thank you for all you do and will continue to do to share and reinforce the value of Scouting and the value of each member’s participation. Happy Scouting and may you have a successful year ahead. I’m looking forward to seeing you down the trail.
Paul Shrode
psshrode@aol.com