The Cub Scout Uniform
Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the
beginning. Decades of experience show uniforming to have many benefits,
including these:
- Equality. The uniform represents a democratic ideal of
equality. Boys from various cultures and different economic levels wear
the same uniform and cooperate as equals.
- Identification. The uniform identifies a boy as a member
of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that he
belongs to their den, pack, and council. The uniform itself identifies a
good citizen to the entire community.
- Achievement. The uniform displays badges and other awards so the accomplishments of each Cub Scout can be immediately recognized.
- Commitment. Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to
each Cub Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Cub
Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.
For these reasons, among others, all parents should emphasize to
their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform
on all suitable occasions.
Tiger Cub, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scouts
The Cub Scout uniform consists of the following parts:
- Shirt—The official uniform shirt is available with long
or short sleeves and has button-flap pockets and "Boy Scouts of America"
lettered in gold above the right pocket.
- Belt—Official navy-blue web belt with metal buckle and Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout emblem.
- Cap—Official navy-blue cap with orange front panel and
tiger cub emblem for Tiger Cubs, yellow panel and wolf emblem for Wolf
Cub Scouts, blue panel and bear emblem for Bear Cub Scouts. Webelos
Scouts wear an olive cap with a plain panel bearing the Webelos logo.
- Neckerchief—Triangular neckerchief is orange with
navy-blue trim for Tiger Cubs, gold with navy-blue trim for Wolf Cub
Scouts, light blue with navy-blue trim for Bear Cub Scouts, and plaid
for Webelos Scouts. Official BSA neckerchiefs are the only neckerchiefs
boys should wear. Packs should not make their own pack neckerchiefs for
boys.
- Neckerchief slide—Official gold-tone metal slide with the Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos logo. Boys may wear handmade neckerchief slides.
Webelos Scouts
Webelos Scouts may choose to wear either the blue Webelos uniform
based on the Cub Scout uniform or the tan/olive uniform similar to the
one Boy Scouts wear.
For the tan/olive uniform, boys wear the official Boy Scout olive
trousers or shorts and official Boy Scout tan long- or short-sleeved
shirt with blue shoulder loops. Official blue socks (with gold tops) are
worn with the blue uniform, and official olive socks (with red tops)
are worn with the tan/olive uniform.
With either uniform, all Webelos Scouts wear the Webelos neckerchief
(plaid with the Webelos emblem), Webelos neckerchief slide (handmade
slides are also acceptable), Webelos cap, and Webelos belt buckle.
Note that the Webelos belt buckle will fit either the blue or the
olive belt, but the belt loop recognitions for the Cub Scout Academics
and Sports program fit only on the blue web belt.
Badges and Insignia
When a boy first joins Cub Scouting, his uniform will display only
those badges that identify his status: the World Crest, which shows him
to be a member of the worldwide Scouting movement; the national flag;
his council strip; his pack number; and his den number. As he
progresses, the Cub Scout will earn badges, pins, medals, and other
insignia that tell of his accomplishments in Scouting. These items
should be added to the uniform only after they have been earned.
Pack 273 requires the following badges:
2 7 3 (individual numerals for the pack)
Hudson Valley Council (Council patch)
Den # (varies)
Wearing the Uniform
In general, every Cub Scout should wear his Class A uniform to all Cub
Scouting activities, including den and pack meetings, unit outings, and
any activities done with members of the den or pack. When playing
sports, going to camp, or participating in other physical activities, a
pack may opt to have the Cub Scouts wear a Class B shirt. Pack leaders should provide advance notice of any
occasion when the boys should wear anything other than the complete
uniform.
Here are some tips for wearing the uniform:
- DO keep the uniform clean and in good repair. The
official uniform is a sturdy, machine-washable garment that will last
for years with proper care.
- DO be sure to wear the complete uniform. A Cub Scout wearing a uniform with parts missing is not in uniform.
- DO NOT mix uniform parts with non-uniform clothing, such
as wearing a uniform cap with other clothing. The uniform should be treated as a unit—worn in
its entirety, or not at all.
Any time you are uncertain about uniform regulations, ask the den leader for guidance.
Obtaining a Uniform
The official Cub Scout uniform Can be purchased at the following locations:
KVI Uniforms
50 Carpenter Ave.
Middletown, NY 10940
Phone: 845-853-0809
or
Hudson Valley Scout Shop
6 Jeanne Dr.
Newburgh, New York