Uniforms
What's in a uniform?
Scout Handbook
All Scouts are required to have a handbook. Rank requirements are the same for boys and girls but there are specific books for boys or girls. There are minor differences in the handbooks, primarily the gender pronouns and scouts pictured tend to represent the gender for the book.
Handbook Cover
An optional item is the handbook cover. Handbooks are part of the uniform and should be brought to all activities and outings, as such they see a tremendous amount of wear and tear. Handbook covers not only protect the handbook but give scouts room to carry essentials like a pen/pencil and some cord to practice those knots.
Neckerchief
The neckerchief is supplied by the troop. The neckerchief is the same for boys and girls until they reach the First Class rank. *When a scout reaches First Class their neckerchief is black with purple edging.
Neckerchief Slide
Neckerchiefs can be tied with a friendship knot or slide. The metal slide is available at the Scout Store. Scouts can create a slide of their own design or make one through completing their Leatherworking or Wood Carving Merit Badge.
Merit Badge Sash
The Merit Badge Sash is not needed right away, but should be purchased after a scout earns their first merit badge. This sash will be used until the scout becomes an adult.
*A merit badge sash should be worn to formal occasions such as the Court of Honor.
BSA Shirt
Shirts are available at the Scout Store, online, or check the troop's experienced uniforms. When purchasing a shirt you will also need the troop numbers: 346, American flag on the right sleeve, council patch & tan numbers on the left sleeve, green epaulets on both shoulders, and the world crest and ring on the chest.
Green Bottoms
Official BSA bottoms are available at the Scout Store, online, or check the troop's experienced uniforms supply. Bottoms do not have to be official BSA, just army green. Shorts, capris and skorts are also acceptable as long as they are mid thigh or longer.
Hiking Boots
A good pair of hiking boots is a must for all scouts. Check out the guide linked below for recommendations on fit.
Green Belt
Belts are available at the Scout Store, online, or check the troop's experienced uniforms.
Patch Placement
Below is a diagram for badge placement on the scout shirt. New scouts will start with the American flag on the right sleeve, council patch & tan numbers on the left sleeve, green epaulets on both shoulders, and the world crest and ring on the chest. A scout's first addition to their uniform will be a patrol patch supplied by the troop on their right sleeve.
Experienced Parent Uniform Tip
Patches need to be updated from time to time. Rank in particular should be updated each time your scout advances. Be aware that while badge magic is easy it will leave adhesive marks around the patches and make it difficult to change patches. In particular if you need to leave a space blank.
There are options available:
The scout store will sew on your patches if you bring them your shirt and patch for a small fee per item sewn.
CarrieAnn will arrange a time, working with your scout, to update their uniform using a sewing machine.
Scoutmasters will arrange a time, working with your scout, to update their uniform using needle and thread.
Uniform reviews and updates should be expected every six months. Generally after an election, so any role changes can be updated on the uniform. This includes removing a role if your scout isn't in a leadership role this cycle.
