merit badge sash

[diamondbackAPL]

does anyone know when the merit badge sash must be worn, other than for a COH?

[commish3]

The BSA does not dictate when it must be worn only how it must be worn.

[diamondbackAPL]

I just looked up our troop rules, and it said to wear it at a COH, or OA activity.

[Lynda J]

Kevin was told that he should not wear his OA and badge sash at the same. That he should wear one or the other.

We recommend that our boys wear the sash at any event where the public will be seeing them.

[diamondbackAPL]

Lynda, he could just wear the OA sash across his chest and hang the merit badge sash from his belt.

[ASM-142]

Lynda, he could just wear the OA sash across his chest and hang the merit badge sash from his belt.

The OA sash should only be worn for AO functions (or when representing the OA).

The MB sash should not be worn hanging over a belt.

[Buffalo Bill]

I am not uniform police, nor do I play one on TV.

One or the other, but not both, is the real answer. The MB sash is best used for CoHs and BoRs. The OA sash at OA functions and when representing the OA at other regular Scouting functions. The OA flap patch serves to signify membership while in uniform at regular Troop functions.

Having said that, have I seen "violations"? Of course. Did they look bad or detract from the program? Nope. Here's my hopefully tactful approach. I inform the Scout that the uniform guidelines state such-and-such and I'm sure he was simply unaware of that. Then I ask that he makes sure that he checks his uniform and asks me if he has any doubts prior to a conference or BoR.

In fact I had a gross violation in my own Troop just this past Monday. Two of my younger Scouts (gasp) wore their brand spanking over-the-weekend new OA sashes to our Court of Honor. Did I say anything to them? Not on your life! In fact our Chapter Chief and our Lodge Chief, both fellow 509ers, recognized them during the CoH as our newest Troop OA members--gave them the opportunity to talk about the Order and what is expected of them.

We're all learning as we go along. Proper uniforming isn't learned overnight. We can be part of that learning process. Whether we are a positive part of that process or a negative part, depends one one thing--attitude. Act like a uniform Nazi and you will be seen as such. Best thing to remember--run it through the 12 before you act.

[Billiken]

In fact I had a gross violation in my own Troop just this past Monday. Two of my younger Scouts (gasp) wore their brand spanking over-the-weekend new OA sashes to our Court of Honor. Did I say anything to them? Not on your life! In fact our Chapter Chief and our Lodge Chief, both fellow 509ers, recognized them during the CoH as our newest Troop OA members--gave them the opportunity to talk about the Order and what is expected of them.

BB -- An excellent way of handling the situation.

[Elangomat]

I doubt too many people have read the OA handbook for fun like I have (it gets a little boring being an elangomat sometimes during the night...) but it says that the sash may only be worn during OA functions, when acting as a Rep, or when an Elangomat ( ). During these times it is... prohibited... to wear it without a class A (exception: being an Elangomat ). Just to let ya all know... Oh yeah, nothing in that is a quote from the handbook.

[scoutdiver]

w/ our troop we only need to wear the sash for COH + BOR

[chief36]

Don't believe that there is any other required occations, however any special events, such as banquets or other like events the sash should be worn

[Mad Dog]

Our troop requests that complete uniform wih sash be worn at Scout Master conferences, BOR and COH. However, no boy has ever been penalized for not having his sash.

[jr56]

I agree, Scoutmaster Conferences, BOR, and COH are the times to wear the merit badge sash. OA events for the OA sash.

[ThunderingWind]

In the Troop I just left (have not picked a new one yet in the new coucil), many boys wore the little arrow hanger from theright pocket button and did nit wear the full pocket lodge/chapter flap.

Right or wrong, I am not sure.

In my personal opinion, I like the little arrow and not full pocket flap. The lodge/chapter flap reminds me of pride wars )my lodge/chapter is better than yours). The unit numbers are enough separation for me.

[wagionvigil]

Doesn't the lodge have a Flap that is NOT a Chapter Flap?

[ThunderingWind]

Doesn't the lodge have a Flap that is NOT a Chapter Flap?

I don't rightly know. I am not a member of OA and the troop I just left in Missouri was not big on it but getting better (old SM did not like for it some reason).

Please educate me. Lodges are council wide, chapters are subsection of the Lodge if the council is huge (geographically), correct?

Anyway, I was stating my iew of the uniform and the flap. The flap looks a bit bulky on the shirt pocket. And I think there are some people that are too "competitive" when it comes to my Troop/your Troop, my Lodge/your Lodge....so if I had a choice, I would not have the flap and only have Pack/Troop/Crew numbers on the sleeve.

[wagionvigil]

The FLAP identifysyou as a lodge member !

[outfoxed86]

Doesn't the lodge have a Flap that is NOT a Chapter Flap?

I don't rightly know. I am not a member of OA and the troop I just left in Missouri was not big on it but getting better (old SM did not like for it some reason).

Please educate me. Lodges are council wide, chapters are subsection of the Lodge if the council is huge (geographically), correct?

Anyway, I was stating my iew of the uniform and the flap. The flap looks a bit bulky on the shirt pocket. And I think there are some people that are too "competitive" when it comes to my Troop/your Troop, my Lodge/your Lodge....so if I had a choice, I would not have the flap and only have Pack/Troop/Crew numbers on the sleeve.

edbloom
Chapters are to a Lodge as districts are to the council. Our council Has 4 districts and 4 chapters in our lodge. Your pocket flap tells everyone you are a member of the OA. The Oa sash is only to be worn at OA functions or when you are acting in a role for the OA. (such as doing a troop election)
I realize some lodge flaps are a little big,But you should wear it with pride to let everyone know your an Honored Camper. The OA sash and Merit badge sash shold never be worn together and neither should be worn on the belt. The little Arrow you refer to is the National Ribbon and should not be worn with out the pocket flap.
I hope I helped in some way
Wayne

[scoutmasterbob]

I have been a OA member for most of my scouting life, and personally I am proud to wear my pocket flap on my uniform.

I have always been taught to think of the OA as an "Honor Society" for Scouting. The OA is something to aspire to be elected to join.

EL-KU-TA 520

[WVBeaver05]

The little Arrow you refer to is the National Ribbon and should not be worn with out the pocket flap.

Are you certain of that? I was relatively certain that I read that the ribbon could be worn without the flap. (But I don't have time to look for the reference right now.)