Scouting's founder, Lord Baden Powell realized long ago, that when people look the same (uniform), they not only show they are members of an organization, but being dressed the same ERASES all trace of "class" or "wealth" or "social status". In Scouting, all are equal and treat each other with respect. In doing so, we learn to look past class, income, race, religion, nationality, and social status. Despite the attacks from some of Scouting's detractors, there has never been a program so OPEN and SUPPORTIVE of diversity as Scouting. Considering this was taken into account in 1907, Lord Baden Powell was clearly a man ahead of his time. The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. Its uniforms help to create a sense of belonging. They symbolize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Wearing a uniform gives youth and adult members a sense of identification and commitment. - Personal equality - The uniform represents a democratic idea of equality, bringing people of different backgrounds together in the Scouting tradition.
- Identification - The uniform identifies youth and adult members of the Boy Scouts of America, visible as a force for good in the community. When properly and smartly worn, the uniform can build good unit spirit.
- Achievement - The uniform shows the wearer's activity, responsibility, and achievement. The accomplishments of every youth and adult member can be recognized by the insignia worn on the uniform.
- Personal commitment - The uniform is a constant reminder to all members of their commitment to the ideals and purpose of the Scouting movement. It is a way of making visible members' commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and helping others at all times.
The leaders of Scouting—volunteer and professional—should promote the wearing of the correct, complete uniform on all suitable occasions. The BSA Centennial Uniform Design for the latest boy scout uniform came out in August, 2008. The colors are pretty much the same so new uniform pieces can be transitioned as old ones are outgrown. A big difference is red shoulder loops and unit numbers are now forest green. The uniform is promoted as more versatile and wearable in the field instead of just for meetings. The new boy scout baseball-style cap is a big improvement. - It looks great! The switchbacks pants are staying around but with a few changes. There are two styles, heavier and lighter. |
Placement of insignia on the uniform is important. The Uniform Inspection Sheet has insignia placement guides. Here are helpful layout images for Left Pocket and Right Pocket. There is also a Male & Female Leader Uniform Inspection Sheet. See the BSA Insignia Guide for more info. The Scouting program in America has always included uniforms for its members and volunteers to identify members and show they are part of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts and leaders should wear their uniforms to all patrol meetings, troop meetings, and scout outings. The tan and green Boy Scout uniform is a well-known symbol of American scouting. All scouts in the program wear the same uniform with the major differences being the badges each scout has earned and the troop specific neckerchief. Most scout troops also have an activity uniform which is often a t-shirt customized just for the troop. Activity uniforms are worn for work projects, sporting activities, and other events in which the dress uniform might get damaged. The official dress uniform is commonly referred to as the 'Class A' uniform and the activity uniform as 'Class B' even though these are not correct BSA terms. The best place to buy customized scouting t-shirts is the ClassB.com web site. ClassB.com is an official licensee of the Boy Scouts of America and is actually run by a few Eagle Scouts. | |
Each scout belongs to a patrol within the troop. To foster patrol identity, each patrol chooses a Patrol Patch and creates a patrol flag, name, and yell.
Boy Scout Uniform Costs |
shirt | neckerchief | slide | shoulder loops | cap | belt | zip-off pants | socks | handbook | total |
$25-$45 | $5-$10 | $4 | $2.50 | $13 | $0 | $35-$50 | $6 | $10 | $100-$140 |
(BSA zip-off pants give you long and short pant uniforms, plus a belt) Uniform Patches |
World Scout Crest Emblem | $1.50 |
Council Strip | $1.50 - $6.00 |
Troop Number | $3.60 |
Patrol Emblem | $2.00 |
Useful Items |
Scout Handbook Cover - $10 |
Scout Requirements Book - $5 |
Sewing Kit - $5 |
Uniform details, price changes, and other scouting gear is found at
ScoutStuff.Org - and you can now purchase online.
Retrieve a list of Scout shops and distributors in your area at this Scout Store Locator
Boy Scout Uniform Savings
These uniforms are a significant cost for many scouting families. Some possible ways to reduce costs are:
- Have your scout earn his uniform or part of it.(it might last longer, too)
- Purchase only minimum required items in your troop.
- Check with your troop or district about a Uniform Exchange where you can pick up or drop off uniforms.
- Buy used Boy Scout items at local clothes store.