The Importance of ‘Uniforming’
The Scout Uniform is an important part of delivering the complete Scouting experience to your son. When parents ask me if I think the uniform is an important part of the Scouting program, I tell them I’m a believer!
I’ve seen that pride, that sense of belonging to a glorious and historic organization, countless times over the years. The Boy Scout uniform is one of the most recognizable articles of clothing in history! Your classic tan collared shirt, leaf-green shorts, neckerchief, and patch-covered, diagonally-worn sash are some of the most identifiable components of a Scout uniform.
The Scout uniform supports the first Aim of Scouting, that of character development. The uniform is a symbol of the boy's commitment to Scouting - his acceptance of the BSA's ideals and willingness to live by them. The boy knows that when he is in that uniform he is expected to act in accordance to the values of the BSA and the values he has made an oath to live by. This purpose of uniforming is as much a part of the method as uniting him with his troop or patrol. Boy Scouting is an action program, and wearing the uniform is an action that shows each Scout's commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting.
Not sure if a complete uniform is a necessary for your son’s success in Scouting? Here are some thoughts from the Boy Scouts of America on the benefits of a complete uniform:
Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the beginning. Decades of experience show uniforms 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 Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that he belongs to their patrol, troop, 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 Scout can be immediately recognized.
Commitment – Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.
Your Scout should be proud to wear his uniform neatly and completely. That includes wearing the proper Scout socks, belt, shorts and properly placed patches and badges. Nothing says more about a Scout than the way he presents in his uniform. A sloppily uniformed Scout speaks to a lack of effort and seriousness in how he approaches Scouting and advancement. His shirt not being tucked in…not wearing scout socks…wearing patches in the improper location—these examples speak volumes to the other Scouts and leaders as to how serious your son is about learning to be a leader and becoming a man. The uniform is a symbol of pride in Scouting’s values. “Scouting is an honor and there is a code of conduct you expect from a Scout when he is wearing the uniform.”
Troop 70 prides itself on having a unique version of the Scout uniform and has many customs that have come about over the 90 years of the Troop—its part of what makes Troop 70 special! Adherence to our correct uniform requirements is also part of the Troop’s Honor Patrol program, where each year the Patrol that scores the highest on attendance and uniforming points is awarded the Honor Patrol - Ricky Roehrig Award, including the presentation of a custom belt buckle to each patrol member.
For more information of the proper placement and wearing of badges and insignia on your Troop 70 Scout uniform, please visit our website at: https://www.troop70.org/uniforms. Let’s take this time to update your son’s uniform and correctly attach the patches so that he is updated in time for Summer Camp!
If you can’t afford a uniform or need assistance in getting a uniform, please reach out to one of the Troop leaders. The Troop has several uniforms of different sizes which have been donated to the Troop and are available for a “new life” in Scouting!
For more information on the history of the Boy Scout uniform check out this article: The Importance and History of the Scouting Uniform.
