Why we wear a UNIFORM

Cub & WebelosScout Uniforming

https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/cub-scout-uniform/

What'sthe 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 themajor incentives for young boys tobecome Cub Scouts. It is graphic evidence that they belong, that they aremembers 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 thatindividual uniform parts may not be worn with civilian clothing, and thatvarious other types of Cub Scout garments are available, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, red patch vests, etc. These are for casual wear and are not consideredpart of the official uniform.

The uniform is animportant part of the Scouting program, especially for the youngest boys juststarting their boy scout trail. It identifies the boys and adults with TigerCubs and gives them a sense of belonging to the den, the pack, and the BoyScouts of America. Scouts enjoy wearing their Tiger Cub uniform. They shouldwear it to all den meetings, pack meetings, and special pack activities.

The current uniformfor the Tiger Cub, introduced in August 2004, is the official blue Cub Scoutshirt with blue/orange neckerchief and neckerchief slide. This replaces theTiger Cub orange T-shirt with the Tiger Cub emblem on the front. The officialTiger Cub cap and blue web belt with a Tiger Cub buckle are optional. There arealso blue socks with orange band to complete the uniform. Adult partners don'thave to wear a uniform, but it is highly recommended that they wear a Tiger Cuborange T- shirt or sweatshirt.

The uniform for Wolfand Bear Cub Scouts is the official blue Cub Scout shirt, Wolf or Bearneckerchief, and slide. The official Wolf or Bear cap and blue web belt with aCub Scout buckle are optional.

Webelos  will wear the tan uniform. The tan shirt can be used in BoyScouts, when doing Arrow of Light activities with a Boy Scout troop the Webeloswill fit in, further distinction as the 'senior' group in the Pack, many boysare outgrowing their blue uniforms.

Each Webelos denshould learn to work as a patrol. To help with that patrol identity, each denmay choose a patrol name, get patrol patches to replace the den numbers, createa patrol flag, and yell.

The new tan/greenWebelos hat matches the tan uniform instead of the blue one.

The Purpose ofUniforms in the BSA

Adapted from CSLeader Book

See chapter 12 formore information

Leaders andYouth members wear a BSA uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselvesopenly with the principles and aims to which we are committed - characterdevelopment, citizenship training and physical and mental fitness.  The factthat youth and adult members of Scouting wear a uniform doesn’t mean that we areall alike.  We come from different backgrounds, with different religious beliefsand political views.  We are each individuals, with our own family traditionsand values.  The uniform is not intended to hide our individuality, but it is away we give each other strength and support.  It is a bond that ties us togetherin making visible our commitments to a belief in God, to loyalty to our country,and to helping other people.

TheScouting movement is built on positive values,  As we wear the uniform, we areopenly identifying ourselves with those values.  We stand together, not alone,in encouraging others to live by those same values.  Boys and Adults alikeshould take pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform asintended.

Benefits for Boys –

ü A uniform gives boys a sense ofbelonging.

· Boys need to belong to agroup.

· Boys dress the same and feelunity.

· Boys dress the same and arc notcategorized or judged by who is or isn't wearing designer labels and brand-nameclothes.

ü A uniform gives boys a sense ofpride

· Uniforms can strengthen unitspirit.

· Uniforms are a reminder of thecommitment to the purpose and aims of the BSA.

· Uniforms promote advancement byproviding the proper place for wearing badges and awards.

· Uniforms can attract newmembers.

ü A uniform encourages properbehavior.

· Uniforms can remind boys to live up tothe Cub Scout Promise. Law of, the Pack, and Cub Scout motto.

· As boys learn to respect the uniformand what it repre­sents. their behavior improves.

Benefits forLeaders

ü A uniform gives leaders a sense ofbelonging.

ü A uniform gives leaders a sense ofpride.

ü A uniform affects the attitudes ofboys.

· The leader's attitude toward completeuniforming influences the attitude of the boys toward wearing theiruniforms.

· When a leader's uniform shows that heor she has earned awards, boys are inspired to earn awards,too.

· Leaders in uniform, with insigniaplaced correctly, set a good example for boys

ü A uniform improvestenure.

· Leaders who regularly wear theiruniform tend to stay in Scouting longer

· Uniformed leaders tend to participatemore in activities and training than leaders who are not inuniform.

TheOfficial Uniform Inspection Guides may be downloaded directly from National’sSite – www.scouting.org\forms