Camo

[riverwalk]

OK, this could be in other forums, but I'll start here. And I know we've covered this, but I lost track of where?

One Unit wants to do a game at campout, that would include camo wearing. I know it isn't allowed in BSA for uniforming situations, but what about "costume" scenarios?

[FrankJ]

Scouts are not suppose to dress in imitation of the military. Some people interpret this to mean no camo in any form. Why khaki does not carry the same stigma is beyond me. The recommended footwear at northern tier is the Vietnam era jungle boot. Same question in my mind.

If the scouts are dressing to imitate military uniform, I would probably say not a good idea. Otherwise have fun.

[riverwalk]

Thanks. Yeah, it's some game that is apparently similar to capture the flag. I don't think I'll be at that outing, so I will try and learn more from the others. It was a question to our Troop's email group, that made me ask this larger group.

[hops_scout]

What people don't understand is that CAMO does NOT equal military. In fact, most camo patterns that scouts would wear are not used by the military! The Realtree or other various hunting camouflages are not used by any military. The "Woodland" camo that is popular used to be used by all of the branches of the US Armed Forces. It is now used sparingly by any of them. The Marines have MARPAT, the Army has the ACU, the Air Force has a new blue Tiger Stripe uniform, and the Navy is wearing more navy blue instead of camouflage.

[wagionvigil]

BSA actually has an anti camo Policy somewhere. DOn't ask for the link as I cannot give it to you at this time

[Hubert]

I agree with Hops_Scout. Just because one wears Camo, does not mean its associated with the military. The military now use digital camo, so they are now more high tech. I think that woodland camo should be allowed for games and such, but not the military issued camo.

However, policy is what it is, and we have no say in it sadly enough.

Well, this is an edit to my origional post. I looked on the Guide to Safe Scouting and found no restrictions on Camo. I may have looked over it, however, I did not see it. It may also be in a different area and not in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

[wagionvigil]

wagionvigil
Site Admin


Joined: 11 Aug 2004
Posts: 2696
Location: Westmoreland-Fayette Council BSA
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2005 9:41 am Post subject: Update on the Camo Issue.

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In the latest scouting magazine is a letter about the camo issue. BSA states its policy that it is against the National Charter. Until a council gets some guts and actually suspend the leadership of these troops it will go on and on. These guys will say what they gonna do fire me? Well my answer would be yes you are gone. WIll it hurt the Boys? Only in the short terem until they join real troops. Would I be willing to lose boys to stop this? Yes!

Updated 2/4/07 by wagionvigil
No 'camouflage' uniforms. Scouting Magazine. Boy Scouts of America (October 2005).
_________________


NE Area 4 Venturing Chairman
"If You Ain't a Bear you're a Meal

[wagionvigil]

Ok I have posted the official response and I am also locking this thread. We are not going to get into this discussion again. It is what it is so you must live by the rules.

[RWSmith]

BSA Rules and Regulations -- Article X, Section 4. INSIGNIA, UNIFORMS and BADGES

Clause 4. Prohibition of Alteration or Imitation

(a) No alteration of, or additions to, the official uniforms, as described in the official publications, or the rules and regulations covering the wearing of the uniform and the proper combinations thereof on official occasions, may be authorized by any Scouting official or local Council or any local executive board or committee, except the National Executive Board after consideration by the Program Group Committee.

(b). Imitation of United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force uniforms is prohibited, in accordance with the provisions of Act of Congress, approved June 3, 1916.