Is it time for a cheaper, more up to date, uniform?

[brianbuf]

A leader from another troop and I spent the entire week at scout camp this summer and he complained how expensive the uniform and all the patches have become, to a point some of his kids can not afford it.

This started a discussion of how out of date the uniform seems to be. When was the shirt last updated? Sports teams and fast food places have updated their uniforms without compromising their "values or message" of what they stand for.

could scouting do the same?

I posted a few ideas on this and other subjects on my website I did for a woodbadge ticket. Please click on the www icon below to see the link. Be interested in your thoughts, especially when we realize that scouting is about the boys first, leaders second.

[Chief J]

On a personal note, I feel the price of new uniforms are a bit pricey, but I believe that using that blaming the price is an excuse for the individual. In my neck of the woods (SWPA), there is no shortage of available good quality used uniforms, between thrift stores and ebay, uniforms can be purchased for pennies on the dollar of a new one. Also, in our unit, when we do fundraising such as popcorn or hoagies, we place the profits in a "Scout Account", the scout may then use this money to purchase uniforms, pay for camping trips, etc.

So to cut to the chase, Yes I would like to see new uniforms cost less, however, the price should not be an excuse to not be in uniform.

Chief J

[wagionvigil]

To help with rank advancement Our council offers free rank advancement for meeting certain things when rechartering. this even covers the cost of the Eagle Kit. One troop I know had 4 eagles last year that is a big money savings.
Also with the switchback pants getting shorts and Trousers and belt as one may help.

[FrankJ]

I have to say I am not a big fan of the uniform cost, but I do like the new pants.

[jr56]

I too, think that the cost is a little excessive.

[cballman]

gonna sound like a bad apple but the people I here complaining the most is the same people who complain about spending 100 to 200 on a pair of shoes for the same child. the uniform could be a bit cheaper but then again I have worn the same one for the last seven years. I also have another one that was found at the goodwill store for less than 5.00 so if the cost is keeping kids out of scouting then go the tested route. Now on the same note the parents who keep bringing up the cost of scouting are also the same ones whose child might play 2-4 different sports and not every complain about the cost of balls, bats, cleats,uniforms or the cost of playing out of town so there are ways to keep the cost down. I had a scout leader who told me one time dont come to me with a complaint without a workable solution to the complaint. so before we complain to all about different things lets figure out how we can work the problem also.

[Mrw]

Considereing that the shirt can be bought a little big so the boy can grow into it, the uniform shirt really is not that expensive.

My sons are 17 and 20. They gat the shirts they are wearing now as Webelos with growing room. They both want new ones as they are just a touch snug, but all our troop's boys are like this. The tiny little ones with the big shirts grow into kids whose unifroms fit nicely in a year or two.

Pants are another story, but the new ones could be worn for things other than scouts without looking like they are supposed to be a uniform. More use means they are much more reasonably priced.

[brianbuf]

whats your thoughts on updating the uniform, maybe losing the kneckerchief? If BP started scouting in 2006, what type of uniform would he put into place that would instill the uniqueness of scouting yet still be in touch with the styles and time of this era?

[ThunderingWind]

A less expensive (not cheaper) uniform would be nice.

I am afraid the 100% USA policy is part of the issue.

I am NOT advocating forced child labor in third world countries. However, there has to be less expensive alternatives.

[ICanCanoeCanU]

I say keep the kneckerchief and the current uniform. No need to change. For troops with a money issue, you can always require the shirt, kneckerchief and the pants can be of choice by the troop. Our SPL decided the boys should all wear khaki colored pants. The troop as a whole looks uniformed and the boys like their pants better. Now the cost of shirt isn't bad and can last most of the scouting years. Usually one during webelos and one more as they get a bit older.

[wagionvigil]

According to BA Policy you cannot choose to wear different pants or shorts. If you wear the uniform it Must be complets. In the same vein you are not required to even have a Uniform. This was discussed this past winter in these forums. Even though you buy the uniforms the right and the way you wear them is up to the BSA not the Unit.

[ICanCanoeCanU]

I wondered how long it would take for this catch - and I understand what you are saying. I do believe you. I've been involved with our troop for about 10 years and have never seen the troop wear the pants. Right or wrong - I just haven't seen it.

I would wonder how many other troops out there are like my troop or do all troops wear the complete uniform? To every meeting? All boys matching in with the shirt and pants? I've been to quite a few other troop meetings and not once have I seen any troop wearing the scout pants.

[pipestone1991]

To answer your question, 1996 was the last year the uniform was changed.

[riverwalk]

Neckerchiefs??? Please rally around this and help me. I've been promoting this return for many years. I enjoy seeing anyone brave enough to wear it, instead of dressing down. Thank goodness we keep the Cubs in them.

My methods have helped a few locals reconsider the neckerchief. As far as other changes, I know they'll come. I had to adjust to the loss of the old green ones, and will have to learn any new ones. And I imagine we'll see a transition to Uniforms like the other Scout associations, IMHO. But let's try to follow BP's lead.

[cballman]

the neckercheifs were made a part of the uniform for a reason. just look at some of the First Aid req. the neckercheif can be used for for a lot of things so if you dont like the store bought ones then think about a troop one that is tailor made for your troop.

[ICanCanoeCanU]

I agree Charlie - and our troop does wear the kneckerchief

[CapXK]

Our troop wears full uniform - shirt, pants/shorts, belt, socks, neckerchief - to all meetings and outings. Once we arrive at camp the uniform shirt and neckerchief are stored and we wear our troop t-shirt (red). We get compliments at every summer camp and district event for our uniforms. We don't see many other units that go whole hog. The neckerchiefs are the most distinctive scouting symbol - we need to keep them. I'd like to see a return to the old collar-less shirt that allowed the neckerchief to be more prominently displayed.

For what it's worth - we have always stressed uniforms, monthly camping,
and old-fashioned Scouting activities. Our troop has grown from 12 to 40 boys over the last 4 years. We are getting Cubs from several Packs because of our reputation. The kids have great spirit and have even been known to burst into song on outings. I think that our devotion to the fundamentals has helped our Troop grow.

[riverwalk]

Cap, I'm in the same region and hope to see your Troop sometime. Sounds like your methods are what I grew up with, haha. Anyway, what one can do in lieu of the collar-less shirt, is turn the collar under. I may wear the neckerchief with collar out or under, but almost always start a meeting or activity with one.

[pipestone1991]

My troop requires you have two troop shirts, a book, and a uniform....... we have used shirts for a cheaper price, and you can buy a shirt for $25-35, and a book for $8. I'm sure a kid can do odd jobs to come up with the money. Every scout pays dues of $4 a month and in turn the troop pays for the Eagle kits.

[ASM-142]

Even if the shirt is free, a troop can not require them to be worn.