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Sometimes I wonder who is making money on the uniform decisions - the new hats for cubs are downright silly! Too much focus on uniform details in the scouting program is like missing the forest for the trees. Uniform pants are extravagant and not nearly durable enough. Besides the obvious issues in cost, there is a definate dorky factor that becomes more of an issue in boy scouts as the boys get older. The button-up shirts can be purchased big for maximum use; not reasonably done with pants. The shirts can also be put on and taken off over the activity shirt rather quickly and easily as appropriate for meeting activities and ceremonies. Again, this is not so easily done with pants. Since the program is about the boys, SOME effort should be made to accomodate what works for them (and at a reasonable cost.) I do think that if the habit of wearing 'scout' pants was established early on in the cub scout program, there would be less resistance to wearing a complete uniform later on when the boys are older. I just don't see that this will ever happen with the existing scout "regulation" uniform design. I guess it comes down to what is more important. Scouts is not the military; is the 'regulation' uniform detail really more important than an attempt to conform to a standard (in most cases, Class A shirts and blue jeans) and involvment in the program?

Anyone who chooses to participate in the scouting program (for the right reasons) really shouldn't be judged for their choices in styles. Whether it be hair, tats, piercings, jewelry, clothing, etc; as long as it is safe and not vulgar or offensive it should not be more important than their charactor, contributions, or willingness to learn. Respect doesn't always lead to conformance either, sometimes it just fosters tolerance which is just as important. I think the bottom line here is that what is going on inside is way more important than the outside of a person.

What a deal! Keep me in mind for one.

Thanks hops, in this case, the scout WAS wearing the uniform at the time. He was put on probation for not showing proper scout spirit. His failure there was in the way he wore the uniform in the year preceeding his conference... specifically he wears it about 50% of the time and usually needed to be reminded to tuck it in. Our SM has repeatedly told the boys (and the committee) that if a boy doesn't wear the uniform, they really don't belong in the troop and should go down the street to the Boys and Girls Club. He has also said that if they don't follow his direction regarding wearing the uniform they are willfully disrespecting his authority. Personally, I think some of the boys "forget" to wear their uniform as sort of a silent rebellion. Obviously, we have some issues to resolve, but I don't believe they can all be fixed at once. I'd kind of like to address this specific issue since it seems to be having the biggest negative impact on the boys. And I am really hoping to fully understand the policies to boost my own confidence before confronting him. He can be very intimidating and tends to yell (very loudly) at anyone who doesn't agree with him and "support" his decisions.

Greetings! I am new to this forum and really appreciate the candid discussions about so many issues and our Troop can definately relate to this one since we have opposing views within the boys and leaders on this issue. Our chartering organization does not require a uniform. The PLC decided (years ago) that the uniform would be worn to the troop meeting for inspection once a month and the activity shirt would be worn at other troop meetings. The boys have supported this idea, although there are always a few who wear the uniform to every meeting. Enter a new SM. (An Eagle scout and life-long, active member of the scouting program.) He has clearly stated that the uniform was required at every meeting. He has told the boys that if they do not wear the uniform to every meeting, they do not belong in scouts. He has put boys on probation (delaying their advancement) citing that their failure to wear the uniform at every meeting indicates they do not have the appropriate scout spirit to be recommended for advancement. Our advancement coordinator (his girlfriend) told one boy why had earned the rank of Star, that he "she would allow him to advance, but he will never make Eagle if he doesn't shape up." His crime was a wearing a wrinkled shirt. The SM is actually creating a very negative attitude among the boys about the wear of the uniform. Does he have the authority to dictate uniform policy? Does the advancement chair have the authority to deny or threaten to deny advancement? (Our small troop of 18 boys a year ago, has shrunk down to 7 active participants since he has been SM and they rarely all come at the same time but that is a separate issue.)