Why Do We Wear Uniforms?
The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. There are many reasons for this. One reason stands out above all the rest. We wear the uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves openly with the principles 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're all alike. We come from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. We have our own religious beliefs and political views. We are each individuals with our own family traditions and loyalties. So 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 spite of our differences. It is a way of making visible our commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to 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 where everyone can see us. We stand together, not alone, in encouraging others to live by those same principles. Boys and adults alike should take pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform as it is intended.
*Click ranks for specific Information on Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos Cub Scouts.
Uniform Sleeves
BADGES OF IDENTIFICATION AND TENURE
COUNCIL EMBLEM
A council shoulder patch (CSP) emblem is worn by all Cub Scouts directly below the shoulder seam on the left sleeve. This emblem is unique to the BSA council hosting your Cub Scout Pack.
U.S. FLAG EMBLEM
A red, white, and blue embroidered American Flag emblem for all members. Worn by all Cub Scouts on the right sleeve. Centered directly below the shoulder seam, it is standard issue on all Scouting uniforms.
UNIT NUMERALS
A white numeral embroidered on red background. Worn by all boys and pack leaders directly below council patch on the left sleeve. When the veteran unit bar is worn, the Unit Numerals are worn just below, and touching it.
DEN NUMERALS
A gold numeral embroidered on navy blue background. Worn by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts centered and touching the bottom of the U.S. flag on the on the right sleeve.
WORLD CREST
The World Crest emblem should be worn by all youth and adult leaders. The 1-1/2" diameter badge is white on a violet background. It contains a basic fleur motif encircled by a rope tied with a reef or square knot symbolizing the unity and brotherhood of the World Organization of Scouting Movement (WOSM) throughout the world. The emblem should be, worn centered horizontally above the left pocket, and placed vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket.
UNIFORM LAYOUT
BADGES OF RANK
TIGER CUB BADGE.
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, orange and black embroidered on orange background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 6 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide.
BOBCAT BADGE
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, gold and black embroidered on light blue background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 12 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide.
WOLF BADGE
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, black and gray embroidered on red background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 9 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide.
BEAR BADGE
A diamond-shaped cloth badge, brown and black on green background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 3 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide.
CUB SCOUT UNIFORMS:
- 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.
- Trousers or shorts—Official blue. (Any blue "dockers" type pants or shorts will do fine) are not manditory.
- Belt—Official navy-blue web belt with metal buckle and Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout emblem.
- Socks—Official socks are available in three lengths: ankle, crew, and knee. Tiger Cubs' socks are navy blue with orange tops. Cub Scouts' socks are navy blue with gold tops. The socks are not manditory.
- 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 that boys should wear. Packs should not make their own pack neckerchiefs.
- Neckerchief slide—Official gold-tone metal slide with the Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout logo. Boys may wear handmade neckerchief slides.