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The Cub Scout Uniform

Home The Cub Scout Uniform

Why a 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.

Uniform Pieces and Placement of Patches

The Cub Scout uniform for Tigers, Wolves, and Bears consists of the long-sleeve or short-sleeve blue shirt, hat, neckerchief and slide. The shirt should last through the fourth grade, so size appropriately. The uniform pants or shorts and belt are optional. Each year, the Cub will need a new hat. They will only need to buy their first neckerchief as they will be given a new neckerchief for their new rank at the annual crossing over ceremony. The blue shirt with neckerchief is called the Class A uniform. The Class B uniform is a yellow-orange shirt that may be worn to den meetings or outdoor activities or those that could soil the shirt. Cubs are required to wear their Class A uniforms to Pack Meetings and public events such as parades or other outings.

In Pack 56, the Webelos wear the same blue uniform of the other ranks, but with the Webelos neckerchief, slide, cap and belt buckle, as well as the Webelos color ribbons.

The Lion Cubs wear a Lion t-shirt and hat as their uniform.

Patches

When purchasing uniforms, you will also need to acquire specific patches that will be sewn on. The shirts should come with the American flag on the right sleeve and “Boy Scouts of America” above the right pocket. For the left sleeve, you will need the Mayflower Council patch and the Pack numbers “5” and “6”. On the front, above the left pocket, you will need the World Crest patch.

Rank patches earned by the Cubs will be provided by the Pack at Pack Meetings and other ceremonies. The Cubs may also earn faith-specific religious awards, which allow them to wear the religious emblem centered over the left pocket. A Scout who brings another child to join Scouting may earn the Recruiter strip under the right pocket. The Outdoor Activity Award badge is placed directly on the flap over the right shirt pocket. The Summertime Award pin is placed directly on the outdoor activity award patch. A complete guide to the placement of Cub Scout Uniform Patches (PDF) may be found at the BSA site.

There are many other patches that may be earned or awarded for participations. These are not to be permanently sewn to the uniform. They are more appropriately displayed on the optional red vest. One temporary emblem may be hung from the right pocket button. Examples include event patches, CyberChip, the NOVA award, and the fitness award.

Uniforms and patches may be purchased online or at the Scout Shop at New England Basecamp. The camp is located at 411 Unquity Road, Milton, MA 02186 at the foot of the Blue Hills. They are open 8am to 4pm Monday through Saturday.

Adventure Loops and Pins

Wolves, Tigers, and Bears earn adventure loops for the achievements and electives they complete in their den or on their own. These are worn on the Scout belt. Older loops can be removed in order to make room for newly-earned loops when necessary. Webelos earn adventure pins for the achievements toward their Webelos and Arrow of Light badges. These are affixed to the webelos color ribbons on their right shoulder.