Re: Uniforming / Knots (not sash related)
Branden Morris (morris@NET1PLUS.COM)
Fri, 17 Jul 1998 12:56:32 -0400
At 10:42 AM 7/17/98, G. John Marmet wrote:
>In an effort to speak to a uniforming question, without having my source
>directly in front of me, I would sort of quote (which is to say I remember
>that this is what the book says) an old Scoutmaster's handbook (from the 50's)
>in which it said that the only patch a Scoutmaster needs is his badge of
>office, and that while the knots exist and you may wear them, a simple,
>uncluttered uniform is to be preferred over a highly decorated one.
>
>So, if I remember this stuff right, the answer to question 2a (considered in
>poor taste by whom) is: by all those old folks who remember the old official
>handbook.
>
>And the answer to question 2b (why) is that an uncluttered unifomr is to be
>preferred over a highly decorated one.
That's interesting... if an "uncluttered" uniform is preferred, then why do
we create and award knots for service and training opportunities?
There seems to be a fine line to walk here. Of course, I would hope that
all adults are in the program because they are here for the young men we
serve. We recognize that youth advancement comes first, and as adults we
shouldn't seek the same awards (we can't, usually) nor the same level of
recognition (not to overshadow them) as the youth do.
However, adults need to be recognized/congratulated for the work they do,
too. Who doesn't enjoy a pat on the back, and to be told that their
contributions are noticed, appreciated, and valued?
Additionally, the knot emblems can help point us in the direction of a
resource. Hopefully, someone who's earned the training and service
award/key knots is an experienced Scouter, and if I'm new in a crowd, he
may be someone I can ask for help if I don't know a lot of people. Just
like a council strip or a badge of office, the knot insignia helps identify
a person; and while they don't speak volumes, they can tell you a little
bit about the person, and what they've done, and what they can help you
with.
The trick is to wear what you're entitled to wear (and no more), and wear
it properly and neatly. Then it looks like you know what you're doing,
you're setting a good example, yadda yadda yadda, and all is well :)
YiS,
Branden Morris
--
Branden Morris
mailto:morris@net1plus.com
http://www.net1plus.com/users/morris/branden.html
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
