Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the beginning. Decades of experience show uniforms have many benefits, including these:
- Equality – The uniform represents a democratic ideal of equality. Boys from various cultures and different economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as equals.
- Identification – the uniform identifies a boy as a member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that he belongs to their den, pack, and council. The uniform itself identifies a good citizen to the entire community.
- Achievement – The uniform displays badges and other awards so the accomplishments of each Cub Scout can be ímmediately recognized.
- Commitment – Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Cub Scout of his commitment to the ideals and purposes of Cub Scouting: duty to God, loyalty to country, and helpfulness to others.
For these reasons, among others, all parents and Leaders should emphasize to their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all suitable occasions.
What is required?
Lions: For the initial rank of Lion, only the Lion hat, t-shirt, neckerchief, and slide are required. We also want Lion Partners to have the adult t-shirt or polo shirt. These are worn with jeans and sneakers for Lion Den Meetings, Pack Meetings, Outings, and other events.
Optional items for Lion Scouts include: uniform pants (zip-off pant/short combo available), Cub Scout belt (highly encouraged, as award loops are best displayed on the belt), and uniform socks.
Tigers, Wolves, Bears, and WEBELOS I: The full Cub Scout Uniform is required. This includes the uniform shirt (can last for several years), uniform shorts/pants, uniform belt (really useful for displaying award loops anyway), the hat and neckerchief appropriate to the Scout’s rank, and a neckerchief slide (rank-specific or general Cub Scout is acceptable). Optional items include socks and, for WEBELOS, the WEBELOS Colors for displaying Adventure Pins.
WEBELOS II: Once a 4th or 5th grader earns his WEBELOS badge and begins working on Arrow of Light, the uniform changes a bit. The Scout is now allowed to wear tan/olive shirt/pants/belt of Scouts BSA. The elements required for a full uniform remain the same.
How Much Do Uniforms Cost?
Pricing varies depending on what you buy, but here’s an approximation:
Hats: $14.99
Neckerchief: $9.99 Neckerchief Slide: $5.99
Uniform shirt: $25.00 (can last several years) Lions (adult and youth): $9.00
Uniform pants: $25.00 (for Switchback short/pant; other options available)
Belt: $9.99
What Does Pack 4 Provide?
Pack 4 provides a Class B Uniform t-shirt to each Scout that we wear for some Pack Outings, Campouts, and less-formal group events. Parents can order Class B shirts for themselves as well, at our cost (usually around $20 each). The Pack is sometimes able to provide manuals or religious emblem workbooks, depending on the success of fundraising efforts.
Where Can I Purchase Scout Items?
The Scouts BSA has an online store where all items can be ordered: http://www.scoutshop.org
We recommend you visit or call the Montgomery Scout Shop to purchase uniforms and other items, though. The staff at the local shop are knowledgeable, your Scout can try on items, and you’ll get a much better picture of what is available.
The Montgomery Scout Shop is located in the Tukabatchee Council Service Center.
Cub Scout Pack 4 