TROOP 82 UNIFORM POLICY

The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed organization. It is the largest, most recognized, and respected youth organization in the world. It is our obligation and duty, as members, to promote the BSA in how we look, as well as in what we do and in the character-building ideals in which we profess to live by. Troop 82 has adhered to these uniforming standards since its original charter, and will continue to do so in the future.

Class A uniform

The Boy Scout Handbook is very specific as to what constitutes proper uniforming. Details of proper uniforming are displayed inside both covers and on pages 12 & 13 of the handbook. The national standard is the official Boy Scout shirt, pants or shorts, belt and socks. Troop 82 does not require the Scout socks to be considered fully uniformed. The choice of neckwear and cap is determined at the troop level. The official neckwear of Troop 82 is the blue-green neckerchief with red piping and the custom Troop 82 patch. The neckerchief must be worn with a neckerchief slide. The slide can be an official Scout version or handmade, as long as the slide exhibits both imagination and good taste. For some occasions, official Scout bolo ties (OA, Philmont, Camp Wilderness, etc.) may be worn in lieu of the neckerchief.

To be considered in proper uniform a Scout must wear his uniform properly. This means:

• Wearing the official Scout shirt, pants and belt.
• Council/Troop insignia and rank badges properly sewed onto the uniform.
• The shirt is buttoned and tucked in.
• His shirt and pants are clean and unstained.
• His neckerchief is rolled, tucked under the shirt collar and held in place with a slide.

If shorts are worn, official Boy Scout socks are recommended.

The Troop 82 neckerchief identifies us as a group and should be worn in public settings, such as Courts of Honor, District or Council events and public service events (Scout Sunday, parades, etc.) For more informal settings such as PLC meetings an official Scout bolo tie is acceptable.

For formal occasions, the Scouts must wear the merit badge sash in addition to everything above. Occasions where this is necessary are:

• Committee Board of Review.
• Courts of Honor.
• Eagle Scoutmaster Conference.
• Eagle Board of Review.

Unless a Scoutmaster conference is held during an outing, Scouts should wear their class ‘A’ uniform and merit badge sash for the conference. Consider this a dress rehearsal in preparation for a committee board of review.

There are some times when Troop 82 meets where we do not wear a full uniform. Here is a list of some of those activities.

• At monthly campouts where we are camping alone, Troop 82 does not wear a Scout uniform. However, if we are participating in a district or Council Camporee or other event, expect to bring your uniform and neckerchief along.
• When doing service.  For instance when helping another Scout on his Eagle Leadership Service Project.
• During the day at summer camp.  Though, your full uniform is required at morning flag, evening flag, chapel service, campfires, etc.

A good rule of thumb is: If you are not sure what to wear, wear your full uniform.

Class B uniform

Troop 82 also defines a "class B" uniform.  This consists of a red polo shirt with scout insignia, scout pants and belt. The shirt can be ordered through the Council Service Center. This shirt is generally worn during fundraisers. At times, the Troop may also choose to wear this shirt when traveling to summer camp. (The national office of BSA recommends that Scouts wear a uniform when traveling to summer camp or other destinations of a longer distance.)

The wearing of the complete uniform is indicative of one’s commitment to the ideals of Scouting and is demonstrative of one's level of Scout spirit. Any Scout who does not possess this Scout spirit, or does not practice or exhibit it in his daily life, has not truly fulfilled the requirements for advancement in the Boy Scouts. If you cannot live up to these ideals, including proper uniforming, perhaps you should be questioning why you are in Scouting.

Older Scouts, especially those in leadership positions, are expected to set an example for others with respect to proper uniforming. We expect parents to support uniforming in Scouting with the same emphasis as they do in school sports, band and other formal disciplines.