Uniform instruction - Part I - Varsity

[Oak Tree]

Ok, rather than pick holes in a volunteers uniform, Ill present another option and discuss what I consider some shortcomings in the Insignia Guide, be they errors, omissions, or just oddities.

 

For reference, Ive got the May 2007 version. I'll just do one section at a time. Feel free to agree, point out more errors, or explain why my confusion is misplaced. But no fair complaining that I'm picking nits. I'm admitting right up front that's what I'm doing, and since it is the official Insignia Guide, I've got to think that it's fair game.

 

First topic - Varsity Scouting

 

First off, Ill include an outright error. On page 18, under Boy Scout Program Identification, it lists the Varsity strip as orange on tan. This might be what youd think, given that the Varsity color is orange, but on page 32 it is correctly listed as red on tan. Even if it were orange, I think the guide would call it blaze, anyway.

 

The guide does not state whether or not leaders should wear this strip. Perhaps its obvious, but the answer should be included here and the answer is yes, based on the official adult uniform inspection sheet. http://www.scouting.org/forms/34048.pdf (why isnt this entire sheet included in the Insignia Guide?)

 

The fact that the Varsity strip is listed twice is an oddity in itself. If its going to be listed in the Varsity section, it really doesnt belong in the Boy Scout section. There appears to be a random set of decisions at work throughout the book to decide which badges to include in which different places. The Varsity letter and Varsity pins are in the Boy Scout section. The Varsity letter is listed in the Varsity section, but the pins are not. Lots of awards are mentioned as a repeat in the Venturing section, but are not included in the Varsity section. I'd contend that the Varsity items should only be in the Varsity section, and that a statement that Varsity Scouts are also eligible for all awards in the Boy Scout section would be appropriate.

[Beavah]

:) :)

 

Yah, Oak Tree, good luck with this exercise, eh?

 

In case yeh haven't noticed, almost all of da BSA program materials could use a good continuity editor. Or in some cases just a good editor.

 

We're a national organization, but it's really a small publishin' operation, run by folks who aren't necessarily "immersed" in the program (ex. editing and writing done by outside consultants). New materials get da most attention, continuin' supplementary materials like the Insignia Guide just get quick modifications shoved in between print runs. No time for much else.

 

It's OK to identify faults, I suppose. Just remember a Scout is Kind. And understanding. And just because the Insignia Guide warms the heart of the Uniform Police at Christmastime doesn't mean it's somethin' that gets much attention in Irving.

 

Beavah

 

[eolesen]

Considering how limited of a program Varsity is in the overall BSA universe, I wouldn't worry too much about ignorance from National over it...

[Oak Tree]

Every now and then I just have to pick a windmill to tilt at. I'll try to be as kind as possible. The worst that happens is that my comments vanish into the ether, but maybe there's a small chance that some feedback actually gets read by someone. And best case, I guess, would be that I'd encourage the Insignia Guide team to get some volunteers to proofread some drafts.

 

One more Varsity item - the Varsity Scout Letter should also indicate Scouter.

 

And since I agree with eolesen that Varsity is fairly neglected, I'll spin off a thread for another section.

[epalmer84]

And not a note on the Young American Award. The BSA site shows a gold medal, but every photo of awardees shows a gold medal on a ribbon.

 

Ed