Last Updated Sep 14, 2024

The Scout Uniform

The Uniform is an important part of delivering the complete Scouting experience to your child. We recognize that the demands for time and money, both as parent and child, are high these days, and so we've put together these guidelines for Pack 793 to try to balance cost and maintenance against the value a uniform brings.

The complete uniform varies slightly by rank, but generally consists of a hat, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, shirt, belt, pants, and socks. Rank-specific variations can be seen in pictures below.

Uniform Components:

Hat - We recognize that some kids don't like wearing hats, and so while not required, we ask that when wearing the uniform, if your scout likes wearing a hat, let the hat be a scout hat
Neckerchief - The Neckerchief identifies the grade/den of a scout, and so when in complete uniform we ask that your scout wear a neckerchief
Neckerchief slide - Necessary to keep the neckerchief on your scout. There will be opportunities to make slides during the year, however we recommend picking up at least one of the standard slides as they tend to get lost
Shirt - The shirt is the foundation of the scout uniform, and from first grade onward will be a permanent record of all your scout has accomplished
Belt - The belt is where cub scouts wear their awards, and the BSA Cub Scout belt is adjustable and will likely last your scout all through cub scouts
Pants - BSA sells scouting-specific pants, some with zip-off legs to become shorts. Your scouts are welcome to wear these, or any other dark blue pants, including jeans.
Socks - When in shorts and in complete uniform, cub scout socks look sharp. We recommend having at least one pair.

When should Scouts wear their Uniforms?:

Throughout the year there will be two types of events: Outings and Meetings and they may involve a single Den or the whole Pack. General uniform guidance is:

Den and Pack Meetings will typically take place at Holy Rosary, and on week nights. Uniforms are encouraged for Den and Pack meetings, but we realize in some cases scouts may be joining directly from sports or other after-school activities, and so uniforms are not required.

Outings take place in the community, and can include Hiking, Camping, Scouting for Food, Popcorn Sales, attending Baseball games, low-tide beach explorations, and other visible events where your scout will be representing scouting. Uniforms are required for Outings. Depending on the duration of the event, for example overnight camping, the uniform may only be worn for part of the outing, but for others like Popcorn Sales or Scouting for Food, they'll be worn the entire time.

The Blue & Gold Banquet is an annual Pack Meeting and potluck dinner celebrating Scouting's birthday; uniforms are required.

Benefits of the Complete Uniform (from BSA):

Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the beginning. Decades of experience show uniforms have many benefits, including these:

Equality – The uniform represents a democratic ideal of equality. Scouts from various cultures and different economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as equals.
Identification – the uniform identifies the wearer as a member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that they belong 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 their 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 and Leaders should emphasize to their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all suitable occasions.

Patch Placement Reference

This information can also be found in your scout handbook, typically on the last page.

Uniform Shoulder Insignia

The shoulders of a Scout's uniform include their council patch and American flag (if you purchase from the Trading Post in the Rainier Valley, these will be pre-sewn), their Den Number on the right sleeve, and Pack Number (793) on the Left Shoulder.

Uniform Pocket Insignia

Your Scout's left pocket includes their Rank insignia (earned at the end of each year) and activity segments on the right pocket that show off all their accomplishments!

Cub Scout Uniforms by Rank

Shameless borrowed from https://www.scoutshop.org/cub-scout-collection

In 2024, BSA modified the Cub Scout program, and the uniform photos below reflect those changes. Most material for scouts who started before 2024, is the replacement of the Bobcat badge at the top of the rank diamond with the Lion patch, which had previousl

Lion

Kindergarten

Tiger

First Grade

Wolf

Second Grade

Bear

Third Grade

Webelos

Fourth Grade

Arrow of Light

Fifth Grade