Cub & Webelos Scout Uniforming
http://bsauniforms.org/
What's
the first thing a boy wants when he becomes a Cub Scout? The uniform,
of course. The distinctive blue and gold uniform is undoubtedly one of
the major
incentives for young boys to become Cub Scouts. It is graphic evidence
that they belong, that they are members of the world's largest boys'
organization - "The Boy Scouts of America." The uniform also does these
things for a boy:
- It reminds him to live up to the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and motto - Do Your Best.
- It encourages neat, correct appearance as well as proper behavior.
- It provides the only place for proper display of his badges and awards.
- It reminds him of the steps along the Scouting trail and encourages him to continue into Boy Scouting.
Please
note that individual uniform parts may not be worn with civilian
clothing, and that various other types of Cub Scout garments are
available, such as T-shirts, sweat shirts, red patch vests, etc. These
are for casual wear and are not considered part of the official uniform.
The
uniform is an important part of the Scouting program, especially for
the youngest boys just starting their boy scout trail. It identifies the
boys and adults with Tiger Cubs and gives them a sense of belonging to
the den, the pack, and the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts enjoy wearing
their Tiger Cub uniform. They should wear it to all den meetings, pack
meetings, and special pack activities.
The
current uniform for the Tiger Cub, introduced in August 2004, is the
official blue Cub Scout shirt with blue/orange neckerchief and
neckerchief slide. This replaces the Tiger Cub orange T-shirt with the
Tiger Cub emblem on the front. The official Tiger Cub cap and blue web
belt with a Tiger Cub buckle are optional. There are also blue socks
with orange band to complete the uniform. Adult partners don't have to
wear a uniform, but it is highly recommended that they wear a Tiger Cub
orange T- shirt or sweatshirt.
The
uniform for Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts is the official blue Cub Scout
shirt, Wolf or Bear neckerchief, and slide. The official Wolf or Bear
cap and blue web belt with a Cub Scout buckle are optional.
Tip:
Purchase a short-sleeved rather than long-sleeved shirt for your wolf
scout. The short-sleeved shirts are less expensive, cooler in active
play, and will not be outgrown as fast as long-sleeved. One
short-sleeved shirt should last for the 2.5 to 3 years he'll need it.
Webelos
may continue to wear their blue Cub Scout uniforms for as long as the
den chooses. Dens may chose when to transfer to the tan uniform. After
earning the Webelos Badge is a good time because the new oval Webelos
badge can be used in the same location that Boy Scout rank badges will
be placed, the tan shirt can be used in Boy Scouts, when doing Arrow of
Light activities with a Boy Scout troop the Webelos will fit in, further
distinction as the 'senior' group in the Pack, many boys are outgrowing
their blue uniforms.
Each
Webelos den should learn to work as a patrol. To help with that patrol
identity, each den may choose a patrol name, get patrol patches to
replace the den numbers, create a patrol flag, and yell.
The new tan/green Webelos hat matches the tan uniform instead of the blue one.
If
you get a belt for the tan uniform, do not get a Boy Scout belt if you
will be using any Cub Scout belt loops. The belt widths are different
and the loops will not fit.
The Purpose of Uniforms in the BSA
Adapted from CS Leader Book
See chapter 12 for more information
Leaders
and Youth members wear a BSA uniform because it is a means of
identifying ourselves openly with the principles and aims to which we
are committed - character development, citizenship training and physical
and mental fitness. The fact that youth and adult members of Scouting
wear a uniform doesn’t mean that we are all alike. We come from
different backgrounds, with different religious beliefs and political
views. We are each individuals, with our own family traditions and
values. The uniform is not intended to hide our individuality, but it
is a way we give each other strength and support. It is a bond that
ties us together in making visible our commitments to a belief in God,
to loyalty to our country, and to helping other people.
The
Scouting movement is built on positive values, As we wear the uniform,
we are openly identifying ourselves with those values. We stand
together, not alone, in encouraging others to live by those same
values. Boys and Adults alike should take pride in belonging to such a
movement and wear the uniform as intended.
Benefits for Boys –
- A uniform gives boys a sense of belonging.
· Boys need to belong to a group.
· Boys dress the same and feel unity.
· Boys dress the same and arc not categorized or judged by who is or isn't wearing designer labels and brand-name clothes.
- A uniform gives boys a sense of pride
· Uniforms can strengthen unit spirit.
· Uniforms are a reminder of the commitment to the purpose and aims of the BSA.
· Uniforms promote advancement by providing the proper place for wearing badges and awards.
· Uniforms can attract new members.
- A uniform encourages proper behavior.
· Uniforms can remind boys to live up to the Cub Scout Promise. Law of, the Pack, and Cub Scout motto.
· As boys learn to respect the uniform and what it represents. their behavior improves.
Benefits for Leaders
- A uniform gives leaders a sense of belonging.
- A uniform gives leaders a sense of pride.
- A uniform affects the attitudes of boys.
· The leader's attitude toward complete uniforming influences the attitude of the boys toward wearing their uniforms.
· When a leader's uniform shows that he or she has earned awards, boys are inspired to earn awards, too.
· Leaders in uniform, with insignia placed correctly, set a good example for boys
- A uniform improves tenure.
· Leaders who regularly wear their uniform tend to stay in Scouting longer
· Uniformed leaders tend to participate more in activities and training than leaders who are not in uniform.
The Official Uniform Inspection Guides may be downloaded directly from National’s Site – www.scouting.org\forms
If you are really fussy about it, you can purchase the official Insignia Guide, item 33066, for $4.99 at your local Scout shop.