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.
- Trousers or shorts—Official blue.
- 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 Cub
socks are navy blue with orange tops; Cub Scout socks are navy blue with
gold (yellow) tops.
- 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.
For guidance on the proper placement of all badges and insignia, see the BSA's Uniform and Insignia Guide (No. 33066, available at your local council service center) or download the uniform inspection sheet from the forms page or attached below.
Wearing the Uniform
In
general, every Cub Scout should wear his 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 an alternate uniform, such as an
activity 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 wear non-BSA badges, awards, or insignia on the Cub Scout uniform or make any alterations to the uniform or insignia.
- DO NOT mix
uniform parts with non-uniform clothing, such as wearing a uniform cap
with other clothing or wearing the uniform shirt with blue jeans. 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 is available at hundreds of locations across
the nation - including your local council, nationally-operated Scout
Shops, and other licensed retailers - or can be ordered directly from
the national Supply Division. See our Pack Member guide for list of local locations where uniforms may be purchased.
Before
buying a new uniform, be sure to check with the pack leaders and our Pack Member guide. We provide common emblems such as pack and
den numerals.Additionally, our Pack has a t-shirt based uniform to be worn at particular events.