Jump to content

OA Flaps: why?


Fat Old Guy

Recommended Posts

I've read something that said that we should attempt to keep our uniforms as uncluttered as possible but yet BSA keeps adding patches to the uniform.

 

Why is the OA flap needed at all? Membership in OA can be shown by the nifty little arrow on a ribbon. What lodge a person is in can be deduced, in most cases, by their CSP.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Disclaimer: This response was not meant to stir great controversy or to send people spiraling off into fits of rage and argumentation. Treat this with the same consideration you would if a fly was in your soup. Swallow it politely and go about your business.

 

Here are ten good reasons:

 

1. The prettier the patch the greater the trading value, the higher the praise, the greater the glory. A little ribbon hung neatly over a button tells people nothing of the person underneath.

 

2. Some people read a uniform like others read a book. To take it away would deplete the story by one or two chapters. Those lost chapters may be small to some of us but to others, they are the book.

 

3. The little ribbons were made as a decoration to enhance the patch. If you only use the decoration, then people might get the wrong idea about what you are trying to do.

 

4. Many people like to announce that they are in the O.A. If you took their patch away, then they would have nothing to announce, especially since they most likely are inactive.

 

5. The O.A. patch is a symbol of great sacrifice. Staying one night in the wilds, means you are fearless and intrepid, probably an explorer. The patch proves it.

 

6. What would the patch collectors do at Jamborees if you took away their pretties? They might resort to other avenues of expression less than desirable.

 

7. The BSA would have to look at other sources of revenue. This act of taking away the OA flap might generate a new flap over, where is the dough?

 

8. Some patch collectors may make a collection of a ribbon. You would visit them and they would take out a little box and show you their ribbon and exclaim with pride that it took over thirty minutes to complete it. You might have to learn a new skill of muffling a roar of laughter, not a sight we would like to consider.

 

9. You would essentially lose years of Scouting history without patches. Patches are like footprints in the sand of time, showing us what we stepped in.

 

10. What is the real worth of a patch? Please consult your Scout Collectors guide for current values.

 

FB

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"1. The prettier the patch the greater the trading value, the higher the praise, the greater the glory. A little ribbon hung neatly over a button tells people nothing of the person underneath."

 

A pretty patch tells people nothing of the person underneath.

 

"7. The BSA would have to look at other sources of revenue. This act of taking away the OA flap might generate a new flap over, where is the dough?"

 

Probably the most valid point of all.

 

"10. What is the real worth of a patch?"

 

Since they don't make good bandages or fire starters, they have little real worth.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fuzzy Bear, that was great!

 

I think the reason is #9

Scouting History.

Lodge Flaps are supposed to tell about the Lodge, it's history, the local, area, etc.

Just like the CSP are.

A great example are the CSPs from some Southern Councils which had the Confederate Flag in the design (not PC).:>)

History.

 

Also Why? $$$$$$$$$

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...