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Cub and Webelo Scout Uniforms
What's the first thing a boy wants when he becomes a Cub Scout? The uniform, of course. The distinctive blue and gold uniform is undoubtedly one of the major incentives for young boys to become Cub Scouts. It is graphic evidence that they belong, that they are members of the world's largest boys' organization - "The Boy Scouts of America." The uniform also does these things for a boy:
- It reminds him to live up to the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and motto - Do Your Best.
- It encourages neat, correct appearance as well as proper behavior.
- It provides the only place for proper display of his badges and awards.
- It reminds him of the steps along the Scouting trail and encourages him to continue into Boy Scouting.
Purpose of Uniforms in the BSA
Leaders and Youth members wear a BSA uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves openly with the principles and aims to which we are committed - character development, citizenship training and physical and mental fitness. The fact that youth and adult members of Scouting wear a uniform doesn’t mean that we are all alike. We come from different backgrounds, with different religious beliefs and political views. We are each individuals, with our own family traditions and values. The uniform is not intended to hide our individuality, but it is a way we give each other strength and support. It is a bond that ties us together in making visible our commitments to a belief in God, to loyalty to our country, and to helping other people.
The Scouting movement is built on positive values. As we wear the uniform, we are openly identifying ourselves with those values. We stand together, not alone, in encouraging others to live by those same values. Boys and Adults alike should take pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform as intended.
Benefits for Boys
- A uniform gives boys a sense of belonging.
- Boys need to belong to a group.
- Boys dress the same and feel unity.
- Boys dress the same and are not categorized or judged by who is or isn't wearing designer labels and brand-name clothes.
- A uniform gives boys a sense of pride
- Uniforms can strengthen unit spirit.
- Uniforms are a reminder of the commitment to the purpose and aims of the BSA.
- Uniforms promote advancement by providing the proper place for wearing badges and awards.
- Uniforms can attract new members.
- A uniform encourages proper behavior.
- Uniforms can remind boys to live up to the Cub Scout Promise, Law of the Pack, and Cub Scout motto.
- As boys learn to respect the uniform and what it represents, their behavior improves.
Benefits for Leaders
- A uniform gives leaders a sense of belonging.
- A uniform gives leaders a sense of pride.
- A uniform affects the attitudes of boys.
- The leader's attitude toward complete uniforming influences the attitude of the boys toward wearing their uniforms.
- When a leader's uniform shows that he or she has earned awards, boys are inspired to earn awards, too.
- Leaders in uniform, with insignia placed correctly, set a good example for boys.
- A uniform improves tenure.
- Leaders who regularly wear their uniform tend to stay in Scouting longer
- Uniformed leaders tend to participate more in activities and training than leaders who are not in uniform.
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