Boy Scouting, as a part of the BSA program, is a uniform-wearing organization. The Parents’ Committee of Troop 416 has determined each Boy Scout and Adult Leader will wear the appropriate uniform for his/her rank or position—“nose to toes.”
Uniforms may be purchased at the Scout Shop (McDermott and 75). They will help you get everything you need and will give you the insignia placement form as a guide. We also have a Troop Uniform Closet containing “experienced” uniform components, should you wish to check that first. Please plan to donate to the uniform closet as your Scout outgrows uniform components.
You will need the following:
Scouts: Scouts wear the Boy Scout short-sleeved, tan shirt and “Switchback” shorts (BSA shorts are also appropriate, but Troop 416 is recommending the purchase of “Switchbacks” when new pants are needed) with BSA knee socks and clean shoes (dress shoes or clean hiking boots are also appropriate). They wear the red neckerchief with gold piping and embroidery. They still wear the same insignia (Circle Ten Council Patch, Troop Numbers (416), World Crest Emblem) and belt, but with a Boy Scout buckle. The Philmont belt is also acceptable. They may wear the Neckerchief Slide of their choice, so long as it is Scoutmaster approved (the dark nickel slide is the default slide used by Troop 416) and red shoulder loops. The Boy Scout Handbook (if not already received) completes the shopping list. Long BSA “Switchbacks” or pants may be worn during cold weather. If long pants are worn, BSA socks, rather than the knee socks, may be worn. Depending on the nature of some portions of events, non-BSA attire may be allowed or encouraged. Uniforms are always worn during travel, for meals, and during camp ceremonies. Please see the Court of Honor section of this manual for the sidebar concerning merit badge sashes.
Adult Leaders: Same as Scouts, except no neckerchief/slide. Also, long Switchbacks or BSA Scout pants are acceptable at any time, as are skirts or culottes for women. Wood Badge beads may be worn.
Parent’s Committee Members: uniforms are optional, but if worn would follow the adult requirements.
Scouts should be encouraged to sew on their own insignia, badges, and ranks.
You may also wish to purchase (if you have not already received) the Boy Scout Requirements Handbook (updated annually and available each February), so you will learn what it takes for your Scout to earn Merit Badges. Alternatively, many of the requirements for Merit Badges, as well as information concerning advancement, is located at http://usscouts.org/usscouts/meritbadges.asp
There is no need for you to purchase patches, pins, rank insignia, or badges. Your dues cover most of the advancements, recognition, and awards your Boy Scout will earn, with the exception of rank insignia which is underwritten by Friends of Scouting—the BSA foundation.
SIDEBAR CONCERNING ORDER OF THE ARROW SASHES
These sashes are to be worn at Order of the Arrow events only.
Any questions you may have concerning proper wearing of the uniform and/or insignia placement may be directed to the Troop Uniform Coordinator via uniform@troop416.us
Uniform and Gear Closet
The Troop 416 Uniform and Gear Closet contains gently used uniform components and gear. This “closet” is set up to pass along uniform components (they are all in great shape because the uniforms wear like iron), camping gear, and active wear. If desired, rather than buy uniform components, active wear or gear, please check with the Troop Uniform Coordinator, first, to see if we have anything that could be used by you, or your Scout.
Similarly, when you or your Scout is ready for a new size, or new gear please donate your “seasoned” uniform component(s), active wear, or gear to the closet, so another Scout may use it.
With the growth rate of adolescent boys, we are hoping this closet will help ease some of the costs of keeping our Scouts in complete uniforms and camping gear.
Don’t forget sources such as garage sales and Goodwill Stores for economically priced active wear and gear.
