The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. Its uniforms help to create a sense of belonging. They symbolize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Wearing a uniform gives youth and adult members a sense of identification and commitment.
- Personal equality - The uniform represents a democratic idea of equality, bringing people of different backgrounds together in the Scouting tradition.
- Identification - The uniform identifies youth and adult members of the Boy Scouts of America, visible as a force for good in the community. When properly and smartly worn, the uniform can build good unit spirit.
- Achievement - The uniform shows the wearer’s activity, responsibility, and achievement. The accomplishments of every youth and adult member can be recognized by the insignia worn on the uniform.
- Personal commitment - The uniform is a constant reminder to all members of their commitment to the ideals and purpose of the Scouting movement. It is a way of making visible members’ commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and helping others at all times.
The leaders of Scouting—volunteer and professional—should promote the wearing of the correct, complete uniform on all suitable occasions.
Wearing the Uniform
In general, every Cub Scout should wear his uniform to all Cub Scouting activities, including den and pack meetings, unit outings, and any activities done with members of the den or pack. When playing sports, going to camp, or participating in other physical activities, a pack may opt to have the Cub Scouts wear an alternate uniform, such as an activity shirt. Pack leaders should provide advance notice of any occasion when the boys should wear anything other than the complete uniform.
Here are some tips for wearing the uniform:
- DO keep the uniform clean and in good repair. The official uniform is a sturdy, machine-washable garment that will last for years with proper care.
- DO be sure to wear the complete uniform. A Cub Scout wearing a uniform with parts missing is not in uniform.
- DO NOT wear non-BSA badges, awards, or insignia on the Cub Scout uniform or make any alterations to the uniform or insignia.
Any time you are uncertain about uniform regulations, ask the den leader for guidance.
The uniform described on this page is known as the Field Uniform or Class A. The Activity Uniform or Class B is a Scouting-related T-Shirt and scout pants.
Pack 155 has created it's own "Class B" Activity shirts, for more information either ask your den leader, or one of the Adult Leaders at Pack Night.
Why Do We Wear Uniforms?
The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. There are many reasons for this. One reason stands out above all the rest. We wear the uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves openly with the principles to which we are committed-character development, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness.
The fact that youth and adult members of Scouting wear a uniform doesn't mean that we're all alike. We come from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. We have our own religious beliefs and political views. We are each individuals with our own family traditions and loyalties. So the uniform is not intended to hide our individuality. But it is a way we give each other strength and support. It is a bond that ties us together in spite of our differences. It is a way of making visible our commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and to helping other people.
The Scouting movement is built on positive values. As we wear the uniform, we are openly identifying ourselves with those values where everyone can see us. We stand together, not alone, in encouraging others to live by those same principles. Boys and adults alike should take pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform as it is intended.
Uniform Sleeves
Badges of Identification and Tenure
COUNCIL EMBLEM
A council shoulder patch (CSP) emblem is worn by all Cub Scouts directly below the shoulder seam on the left sleeve. This emblem is unique to the BSA council hosting your Cub Scout Pack.
U.S. FLAG EMBLEM
A red, white, and blue embroidered American Flag emblem for all members. Worn by all Cub Scouts on the right sleeve. Centered directly below the shoulder seam, it is standard issue on all Scouting uniforms.
Unit Numerals
A white numeral embroidered on red background. Worn by all boys and pack leaders directly below council patch on the left sleeve. When the veteran unit bar is worn, the Unit Numerals are worn just below, and touching it.
Den Numerals
A gold numeral embroidered on navy blue background. Worn by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts centered and touching the bottom of the U.S. flag on the on the right sleeve.
Webelos Den (Patrol) Emblem
Webelos Dens may have a name and wear a Boy Scout patrol emblem instead of a den numeral, but they are still a Cub Scout Den. This emblem can be worn by Webelos Scouts centered and touching the bottom of the U.S. flag on the on the right sleeve. See our pages regarding the use of the Boy Scout Patrol emblem as a Webelos Den Emblem.
Service Stars
Gold metallic numbered star worn with colored background to indicate years of service in Scouting. Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts wear star(s) with gold back ground, centered 3/8 inch above the on the left pocket. Boys who have been Tiger Cubs may wear the Tiger Cub service star with orange background on their Cub Scout uniform. (Note: For more information on Service Stars, visit Mike Walton's definitive source... Year Pins & How to Wear 'em!)
World Crest
The World Crest emblem should be worn by all youth and adult leaders. The 1-1/2" diameter badge is white on a violet background. It contains a basic fleur motif encircled by a rope tied with a reef or square knot symbolizing the unity and brotherhood of the World Organization of Scouting Movement (WOSM) throughout the world. The emblem should be, worn centered horizontally above the left pocket, and placed vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket.
Uniform Pocket
Badges of Rank
Bobcat Badge: A diamond-shaped cloth badge, gold and black embroidered on light blue background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 12 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide.
Tiger Badge: A diamond-shaped cloth badge, orange and black embroidered on orange background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 6 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide.
Wolf Badge: A diamond-shaped cloth badge, black and gray embroidered on red background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 9 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide.
Bear Badge: A diamond-shaped cloth badge, brown and black on green background with gold trim. Worn on the left pocket, in the 3 o'clock position, as shown in Insignia Guide.
Webelos Badge (diamond): A diamond-shaped cloth badge, gold and light blue embroidered on dark blue background with gold trim. Worn centered on the left pocket as shown in Insignia Guide. Webelos Scouts wear only the current badge of rank (Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, or Webelos badge.) Option: Webelos Scouts who have not earned the Tiger Cub rank may wear all rank badges earned with diamond-shaped Webelos badge.
Webelos Badge (oval): An oval-shaped cloth badge, gold and light blue embroidered on khaki background with khaki trim. Worn centered on the left pocket, with no other rank patches, as shown in Insignia Guide.
Arrow of Light Award: A gold design embroidered on a tan background with a blue border. Worn on the left pocket flap centered over the button. This is the highest award in Cub Scouting and the only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy Scout uniform.
CUB SCOUT UNIFORMS:
Shirt—The official uniform shirt is available with long or short sleeves and has button-flap pockets and "Boy Scouts of America" lettered in gold above the right pocket.
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- Trousers or shorts—Official blue. (Blue jeans or blue "dockers" type pants or shorts will do fine).
- Belt—Official navy-blue web belt with metal buckle and Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout emblem.
- Socks—Official socks are available in three lengths: ankle, crew, and knee. Tiger Cubs' socks are navy blue with orange tops. Cub Scouts' socks are navy blue with gold tops. Socks are not mandatory.
- Cap—Official navy-blue cap with orange front panel and tiger cub emblem for Tiger Cubs; yellow panel and wolf emblem for Wolf Cub Scouts; blue panel and bear emblem for Bear Cub Scouts. Webelos Scouts wear an olive cap with a plain panel bearing the Webelos logo. Caps are not mandatory.
- Neckerchief—Triangular neckerchief is orange with navy-blue trim for Tiger Cubs, gold with navy-blue trim for Wolf Cub Scouts, light blue with navy-blue trim for Bear Cub Scouts, and plaid for Webelos Scouts. Official BSA neckerchiefs are the only neckerchiefs that boys should wear.
- Neckerchief slide—Official gold-tone metal slide with the Tiger Cub, Cub Scout, or Webelos Scout logo. Boys may wear handmade neckerchief slides.