1. 2010 University of Scouting Uniform Class
Topics
The importance of the uniform
The parts of the uniform
How to correctly wear the uniform
Suggestions for uniforming your unit
9:00 – 9:10 Introduction, meet everyone, stress forum style class setting
9:10 – 9:20 Importance of the uniform and regulations, ensure everyone agrees the uniform is important
9:20 – 9:35 Parts of the uniform and new uniform stuff
9:35 – 9:50 Basic cost and unit suggestions
Purpose of the class: Educate scouters on the importance of the uniform and how to wear it correctly, provide suggestions to help get their unit in uniform
Instructor:
Will Hamilton
3/27/2010

2. The Eight Methods of Scouting
Scouting Ideals
Patrols
Outdoors
Advancement
Adult Association
Personal Growth
Leadership Development
The Uniform
Scouting Ideals
The ideals are those outlined in the Scout Oath and Law, the Scout Motto and Slogan, and the concept of "Scout Spirit". The ideals define what a Scout should strive to be: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverent, mentally awake, morally straight, physically fit, always prepared.
This method permeates everything Scouts do, defining acceptable behavior, challenging the Scout to do his best, and even to do better than his best. Scout spirit describes the level of commitment a Scout has toward these ideals, and challenges him to do what needs to be done.
Patrols
The Patrol is the basic unit of Scouting. It is a perfectly sized group of Scouts with a common purpose. When properly formed, the Patrol is more than a group; it's a team and each member has a job to do. In a Patrol, the Scout first begins learning about citizenship, making decisions, and doing things for himself. He counts on the other members of his Patrol to do their part, just as they count on him to do his.
Membership in a Patrol leads to opportunities for leadership, so this method is also important to other methods in this list. Everything in Scouting can and should be done using the Patrol method, and Patrols should be more than just a list of names. The group should be real, and it should have real things to do. Its leaders should be real leaders, with real authority.
Outdoors
Doing things outdoors are what Scouting is all about. In the course of doing the things Scouts do, a boy cannot help but go into the outdoors. In fact, it's impossible to properly conduct a Scouting program without going outdoors. As much as possible, and as often as possible, Scouts should get out of buildings. They should follow the dirt trails, camp in the woods, swim in the lake, and all of the other things boys have done for millennia.
A Scout program that doesn't include going into the outdoors is not much of a program. It can't be much fun either. Scouting is not school. We don't learn things in Scouting by sitting in a classroom - we learn them by going out and doing them!
Advancement
The advancement method is nearly as pervasive as the ideals of Scouting. Advancement gives the Scout things to do when they go outdoors, and it gives Patrols something to work together on. Advancement also contributes to a Scout's personal growth, provides opportunities for leadership and adult associations, and a reason to go outside.
Advancement in Scouting is specifically designed to present every boy with a big challenge, broken up into smaller and smaller challenges. A Scout learns to set goals, develop plans for meeting those goals, to motivate himself to do what needs to be done, to always try his best and keep trying, and even that his perception of what he can do is often wrong. The Scout learns about his personal abilities and limitations, and ways to overcome those limitations and take advantage of those abilities.
Personal Growth
Much of what we do in Scouting involves boys facing unfamiliar territory and learning to cope with it. This is what we call personal growth. Every Scout develops greater confidence through experience and advancement. He learns to have confidence in himself; to challenge himself, and to learn from his failures.
Every step along the way, a Scout is faced with a challenge that has to be overcome. In the process, he learns to look at himself differently. He stops saying "I can't" and begins to look for ways to say, "I can." As his confidence grows he looks for greater responsibilities and challenges. He learns to make real decisions.
Adult Association
From time immemorial youth have looked to adults for guidance. Sons look to parents for an example to live by. Students look to teachers for knowledge. In Scouting, this tradition continues. Adults provide the living example to Scouts of the ideals of Scouting. More importantly, adults provide the impetus for a Scout's personal growth and self-confidence.
Adults also provide the safety net that allows Scouting to work. Through guidance and support adults in Scouting create the environment the Scouts need to take advantage of these methods. The Scout learns to work with other adults and develops the skills needed to navigate the adult world.
Leadership Development
Scouts learn to lead themselves. In Scouting, adults aren't there to lead the youth. They are there to guide the youth through the process of leading themselves. This process begins in the Patrol where Scouts have their first opportunity to choose their own leaders. As the Scout's experience grows, his opportunities for leadership increase.
Leadership in Scouting includes making decisions and guiding the troop and Patrol, planning the program, and conducting meetings. Scouts learn to lead by leading, and they develop leadership skills by learning to follow their chosen leaders.
Uniform
The uniform has always been an important part of being a Scout. In this day and age, many would have you believe that the uniform really isn't all that important; that a Scout is as much a Scout in T-shirt and jeans as he is in khaki and green. That's partly true, but the uniform is more than a set of clothes. It's more than simply a place to display achievements. It is a symbol of the boy's commitment to Scouting - his acceptance of Scouting's ideals and willingness to live by them.
Scouts who do not wear a uniform usually do not have a complete understanding of Scouting or the commitment they have been asked to make. Many Scouts will tell you that the uniform doesn't look good, it doesn't fit well, or it isn't very good for outdoor activities. In some respects, this is true, but they are superficial concerns. Perhaps they don't understand that the uniform is a symbol of their commitment and, not wearing the uniform is a sign that they lack that commitment.
3/27/2010

3. Why Do We Wear Uniforms? Self identity Visible sign of membership
Practical attire for activities
Provides a way to display achievements
Positive image for others
The uniform is a symbol of the boy’s commitment to Scouting – his acceptance of Scouting’s ideals and willingness to live by them.
The uniform makes the Boy 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 Boy Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting. The uniform gives the Boy Scout identity in a world brotherhood of youth who believe in the same ideals. The uniform is practical attire for Boy Scout activities and provides a way for Boy Scouts to wear the badges that show what they have accomplished. People seeing a boy in a Scout uniform expect someone of good character who is prepared to the best of his ability to help those around him.
The uniform has always been an important part of being a Scout. In this day and age, many would have you believe that the uniform really isn't all that important; that a Scout is as much a Scout in T-shirt and jeans as he is in khaki and green. That's partly true, but the uniform is more than a set of clothes. It's more than simply a place to display achievements. It is a symbol of the boy's commitment to Scouting - his acceptance of Scouting's ideals and willingness to live by them.
Scouts who do not wear a uniform usually do not have a complete understanding of Scouting or the commitment they have been asked to make. Many Scouts will tell you that the uniform doesn't look good, it doesn't fit well, or it isn't very good for outdoor activities. In some respects, this is true, but they are superficial concerns. Perhaps they don't understand that the uniform is a symbol of their commitment and, not wearing the uniform is a sign that they lack that commitment.
3/27/2010

4. Why Don’t We Wear Uniforms?
Cost
Parental influence
Leader influence
Cost of program compared to sports, band, etc.
Parental influence – subtle undermining by not participating in the whole program, uniforms are made for Scout activities
Leaders – parents not likely to support the program unless leaders do
Cost references:
Football ~$400
Hockey $500 - $850
Pay to Play by Teri Brown
3/27/2010

5. Regulations of Interest
The complete and correct way to wear the uniform is described in the BSA Insignia Guide. It is available online.
No alteration of, or additions to, the official uniforms may be authorized except by the National Executive Board.
Imitation of Armed Forces uniforms is prohibited.
Badges awarded by organizations other than the Boy Scouts of America may not be worn on an official uniform.
Members should make every effort to keep their uniforms neat and uncluttered.
Scouters should not wear awards designed for youth members on the Scouter uniform except for square knots.
Insignia, Uniforms, and Badges
ARTICLE X, SECTION 4.
General
Clause 1. The badges and other official insignia and the uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America shall be made available to, and used only by, registered youth members or officials and other members who have satisfactorily complied with the requirements prescribed by the Corporation.
Official Uniforms
Clause 2. The official uniforms authorized as evidence of official relationship to the Boy Scouts of America shall be those approved by action of the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America from time to time, as illustrated and correctly described in the handbooks, catalogs, and other official publications of the Boy Scouts of America.
Protection of Uniforms
Clause 3. Restricted Sale and Use. The sale and use of the appropriate uniform as specified shall be restricted to members of the Boy Scouts of America who are registered and in good standing, according to the records of the organization. It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Boy Scouts of America and especially of all commissioned officers and chartered councils to cooperate with the Corporation in preventing the use of the official uniforms by those who are not members of the organization in good standing.
Clause 4. Prohibition of Alteration or Imitation.
No alteration of, or additions to, the official uniforms, as described in the official publications, or the rules and regulations covering the wearing of the uniform and the proper combinations thereof on official occasions, may be authorized by any Scouting official or local council or any local executive board or committee, except the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America after consideration by the Program Group Committee.
Imitation of United State
s Army, Navy, or Marine Corps uniforms is prohibited, in accordance with the provisions of the organization's Congressional Charter.
Distribution of Uniforms
Clause 5. The official uniforms and parts thereof shall be issued only as authorized by the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and sold either directly by the national office—through responsible local merchants designated as local Scouting distributors—or through designated local councils. Local Scouting distributors may be appointed and licensed and the licenses revoked only by the national office, but chartered local councils may make recommendations for such actions.
Use of Uniforms
Clause 6. The official uniforms are intended primarily for use in connection with Scouting activities as defined by the national Executive Board, and their use may be approved by the local council executive board for council events or activities under conditions consistent with the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America.
Clause 7. Use Abroad. Members of the Boy Scouts of America, whose address of registration is within the United States, shall not wear the official uniforms nor any official Scouting badges and insignia outside the limits of the United States except when carrying international letters of introduction issued by the Corporation or as members of groups traveling with tour permits issued by the Corporation.
Protection and Use of Badges and Insignia
Clause 8. All badges and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America shall be used exclusively by members of the Boy Scouts of America, registered and in good standing according to the records at the national office, who qualify in accordance with the provisions herein set forth or as may be authorized by the Executive Board from time to time and published in the official handbooks by the Corporation.
Clause 9. All badges and insignia shall remain the property of the Boy Scouts of America subject to recall for cause by the Corporation or its duly authorized representative.
Alteration of Badges and Insignia
Clause 10. No alteration of, or additions to, the official badges and insignia or in the rules and regulations governing their use or their location upon the uniform may be authorized by any Scouting official, local council, local executive board, or committee except the national Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and committees specifically authorized thereof. Proprietary backing is to be used on all official BSA patches and emblems. Products without appropriate backing are considered illegal.
Special local badges and Insignia
Clause 11. Local councils are authorized to adopt special badges and insignia as awards for particular purposes in harmony with national policies and to permit their use upon the official uniform in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Corporation, but such awards must be approved as to purpose and design by the Corporation in advance.
Authorization
Clause 12. The national office shall have the sole right to authorize the use of insignia, words, phrases, designation marks, pictorial representation, and descriptive remarks relating to the program of the Corporation on commercial products, promotional efforts, and/or sale and distribution to members of the Boy Scouts of America and/or the general public.
The use of same by local councils shall be only as authorized and approved by the national office.
3/27/2010

6. Parts of the Uniform Shirt Pants or shorts Belt Socks Neckerchief Hat
Patches (Council strip, World Crest, awards, etc.)
Shoulder loops should be worn for the position in which you are functioning.
Pants or shorts
Venturers may wear any pants or shorts in the appropriate color.
Belt
Optional belts can be leather with official BSA buckles.
Socks
Several high performance options are now available.
Neckerchief
Official versions are to be worn by Cub Scouts.
Troops decide by vote what type of neckerchief to wear, if any.
By troop approval an Eagle scout may wear an Eagle neckerchief.
Hat
Several options available.
Shirt
Blue, Tan or Green depending on program
Shoulder Loops - Wear the color for the primary registered position in which you are functioning.
Patches – too much to list...
Pants
Can’t find reference that Cubs and Boy Scouts need ‘official’ pants. Venturers may use whatever they want.
Belt
Cubs and Boy Scouts must wear the appropriate “official” belt. Leather camp, high-adventure base, or Wood Badge belts with official BSA buckles also may be worn with the youth or adult uniform. Venturers may wear a belt of their choice.
Socks
No reference.
Hat
Official headgear may be worn while the unit or individual is participating in an indoor formal ceremony or service duty, except in religious institutions where custom forbids.
Neckerchief
Cub Scouts are prescribed to wear the “official” version.
Boy Scout neckerchiefs are optional. The troop decides by vote, and all members abide by the decision. If the neckerchief is not worn, then the shirt is worn with open collar. Boy Scout and Boy Scout leader neckerchiefs may be worn in a variety of plain colors and contrasting borders. Those available through Supply Group include the embroidered universal Scouting emblem if perma-press, or printed if not. Troops choose their own official neckerchief .
By troop approval an Eagle may wear an Eagle neckerchief.
3/27/2010

7. Centennial Uniform
New Boy Scout and adult uniform released in August 2008.
Two types of material to choose from:
Supplex Nylon – high performance microfiber that dries quickly
Poplin / canvas – 67/33 cotton/polyester blend
Shoulder loops and unit numbers changed from red to green.
New belt, socks and hat accompany the redesign.
All parts are interchangeable with other uniform styles.
3/27/2010

8. Retail Cost Boy Scout Centennial Adult sizes Nylon Poplin / Canvas
Shirt, short sleeve
$40
$30
Shirt, long sleeve
$50
$35
Pants
Belt
$11
Socks
$4 – $15
Neckerchief
$5 – $25
Hat
$12
Patches, etc.
Total
$150 – $215
Cub Scout
Youth sizes
Cotton
Shirt, short sleeve
$23
Shirt, long sleeve
$27
Pants
$25
Belt $9
Socks $5
Neckerchief
$5 – $7
Hat
$12
Patches, etc.
Total
$118 – $120
From scoutstuff.org
3/27/2010

9. Unit Suggestions Get the leaders in full uniform!
Annual uniform inspections with the help of your Unit Commissioner (It’s part of their job!)
Pictures of the boys in uniform
Recognition for proper uniforming
Reward the best Den at your Pack meeting.
Reward the best Patrol.
Fundraisers
Organize a special event to get your boys in uniform
If your unit keeps an “account” for each boy, encourage them to use it for uniform supplies as well as events
Alternate sources of used uniform pieces
Uniform bank or closet
Online retailers (eBay, craigslist, etc.)
Salvation Army, thrift stores, etc.
3/27/2010

10. Uniform Bank A uniform bank is great addition to your unit
Organize it: Have a parent volunteer as uniform chairperson each year, and make sure everyone in the unit knows where to donate uniforms. Explain how to donate clean uniforms, with patches removed and sizes clearly marked.
Advertise it: The bag of uniforms doesn't do anyone any good if it's just sitting in a closet. Hand out a flier to all new families, so the parents know where to go if they need a uniform and can't afford one. Update the flier regularly as the unit's uniform chairperson changes.
Make it cool: When you display the uniforms at a pack or troop meeting, hype the "hero factor." Was a uniform once owned by the current captain of the football team or drum major of the marching band? Maybe he’s an Eagle Scout now! Pin a note identifying that uniform's previous owner, to make it a most-wanted item among the younger boys.
3/27/2010

11. Our job is to offer the full program--including the uniform--and then to help each boy make sure it's a good fit.
-Cathy Steg, Scouting Magazine
3/27/2010

12. Supplemental Info
3/27/2010

13. The Cub Scout Uniform
3/27/2010

14. The Boy Scout Uniform
3/27/2010

15. The Adult Uniform
3/27/2010