The Scouts must wear uniforms to meetings and special events.
The Boy Scouts of America is a values-based youth organization providing a chance for boys and young men to build character, learn skills, develop physical fitness and become responsible citizens. Boys are welcome to join the Scouts when they reach first grade, and continue membership until age 17. From first grade to fifth grade, boys are considered Cub Scouts.
Color
The main difference between the Boy Scouts uniform and the Cub Scouts uniform is color. The Cub Scouts wear navy blue pants or shorts with a shirt of the same color. Baseball caps accompany the uniform and might be orange, yellow or light blue, according to rank. The Boy Scouts uniform features olive green pants and a tan shirt with an olive green baseball cap.
Accessories
In addition to the shirt and pants for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, uniforms include accessories. The Scouts wear belts, socks and a neckerchief. Metal belt buckles feature a Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts emblem. A Scout's age and the number of years he has been a member will determine his neckerchief color. Neckerchiefs feature metal slides with a different Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts logo, according to age and experience. The slide is the only part of the uniform that can be handmade and vary from troop to troop.
Badges
A big part of the Scouts is earning badges, pins, patches and metals. The Scouts earn these by accomplishing tasks and gaining achievement. When a boy first joins the Cub Scouts, his uniform features only a few badges including the World Crest, the national flag, the council strip and his pack and den numbers. Though each boy's uniform is different, the Boy Scouts typically have more decorations than the Cub Scouts because they have been scouting longer and have accomplished more.
Uniform Care
The Scouts must wear uniforms to meetings and special events. The Cub Scouts are given instructions for care for the uniform, but they require adult assistance in cleaning it and keeping it in good repair. As Cubs grow into Boy Scouts, they must assume greater responsibility for the care of their uniform. The Scouts must wear the complete uniform and must not mix uniform parts with nonuniform clothing. Non-Scout badges and awards are also not allowed on the uniform.
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