Uniforms
Uniform Overview
Cub Scouting is a uniformed organization. Wearing uniforms has been a method of the Scouting movement from the beginning. Decades of experience show uniforming to have many benefits, including these:
Equality - The uniform represents a democratic ideal of equality. Youth from various cultures and different economic levels wear the same uniform and cooperate as equals.
Identification - The uniform identifies a youth as a member of the Cub Scouts. Badges on the uniform tell other members that they belong 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 immediately recognized.
Commitment - Wearing a uniform is a constant reminder to each Cub Scout of their 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 should emphasize to their Scouts the importance of wearing the correct and complete uniform on all suitable occasions.
The Cub Scout uniform identifies the organization with our community. We want our Cub Scouts in Pack 843 to wear the uniform properly and proudly.
Class A and Class B Uniform
The Class A uniform (sometimes called "field uniform") consists of: scout shirt, neckerchief (provided by Pack), belt, and rank-specific hat. The Class A uniform is worn to Den and Pack meetings, public events, and Pack events like the Pinewood Derby. The Class A uniform is the default uniform and should be worn at all scouting events unless otherwise indicated.
When wearing the Class A uniform the scout needs to wear it in its entirety including pants or shorts that have belt loops; NO ATHLETIC APPAREL!
The scout should present the uniform well and have it neatly tucked in at all times
Closed-toed sneakers, hiking boots, or dress shoes should be worn; NO OPEN TOED SHOES.
The Class B or "activity uniform" is simply any T-shirt with the Scouting logo, including the Pack T-shirt. Class B uniforms are worn for more active activities like day camp, a campout, or Pack hikes.
Each scout is given a Class B t-shirt when the join the Pack.
Class A Uniform Shirt Patch Placement
The Scout uniform has deisgnated locations to place patches on the uniform. Not all patches earned or received are placed on the uniform shirt.
Reference this guide to ensure that you are place the patch in the proper location on the Scout uniform.
If you are buying a new uniform shirt, we recommend allowing the Scout Shop (for a small fee) to sew your scout's patches on the uniform to ensure they are placed correctly.
Buying Your Class A Uniform
A new Scout will need to purchase a uniform. The uniform evolves as the Scout advances rank. Lion Scouts will where the blue Lions t-shirt and hat. All Tigers through Bears wear the official Cub Scout blue shirt, while Webelos wear the Scouts BSA tan shirt. Webelos transition to the tan uniform that they can wear in a Scouts BSA troop.
The components for each uniform are outlined below:
Tigers, Wolf & Bear Uniform Checklist
In Pack 843, all items above the waist are required. If parents choose not to buy official Cub Scout pants/shorts, other pants or shorts similar in color, material, and style (dark blue) to the official Cub Scout uniform pants may be worn. Please use common sense. Wild colors, zebra stripes, imprinted pants, sports team logoed gear, camouflage, boxer shorts, and any other material that clashes with the Official Cub Scout shirt should NOT be worn. Shirts should be worm tucked unto the pants they are wearing.
The staff in the Simon Kenton Council Scout Shop can help you pick out the right items using the shopping list. Simon Kenton Council Scout Shop located at:
Simon Kenton Scout Shop
807 Kinnear Rd
Columbus, OH 43212
614-481-4270
Please note your Scout's Den number before going to Scout Shop as you will need to get the correct Den number for your scout. The Den number will remain with your Scout as they progress through Cub Scouts ranks each year.
Den assignments for 2023-24 school year:
Kindergarten - Lions - Den 3
1st grade - Tigers - Den 2
2nd grade - Wolf - Den 1
3rd grade - Bear - Den 6
4th grade - Webelos - Den 5
5th grade - Arrow of Light - Den 4
Neckerchief
Pack 843 provides each registered scout with a neckerchief when they join and advance to the next rank.
Neckerchiefs are provided for Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos (Webelos & AOL). When Scouts complete their rank they will recieve their next neckerchief as part of the ceremony.
Lions (K) - Yellow
Tigers (1st) - Orange
Wolf (2nd) - Red
Bear (3rd) - Blue
Webelos & AOL (4th & 5th) - Plaid
Scouts may keep their neckerchiefs as a momento of their time in Cub Scouts. If a scout does not wish to keep the neckerchief, they are encouraged to turn it into the Pack so that it can be issued to another scout.
The Pack does not provide neckerchief slides. Slides can be made or purchased. If you would like to make a slide, search YouTube for "turks head" or "woggle".
The Pack does not provide replacements for lost neckerchiefs.
Uniform Changes as Your Scout Advances
As a Scout advances through the ranks, there are changes in their uniform. The page linked below provides an outline of those changes.
Uniform Inspection
The Pack holds regular uniform inspections to ensure all Scout uniforms have proper insignia placement and Scout know how to properly present themselves in their uniform. The following inspection sheets are used and serve as a guide on how Scouts should always wear their uniform.
Uniform Exchange
Part of the Scout Law states a Scout is thrifty. In a effort to be thrifty, scouts and families are encouraged to share and swap uniform shirts and parts (neckerchief slides, hats, belts, etc) that have useful life remaining. The Pack will help facilitate this with Uniform Exhanges at Pack meetings throughout the year. Families are welcome to donate any uniform part at any Pack meeting to be added to the Pack exchange bin.