Re: Multiple Uniforming Questions(Longish)

To the List:
I have been following the discussion on uniforms with much interest. I
must say that before I completed Wood Badge Course C-36-94, I was ambivialent
about uniforming. I did not have the pants or the shorts, but I did take pride
in the shirt and cap. I groused about having to spend the money on shorts and
windbreaker that I thought were of dubious quality and usefulness. I still
don't like the shorts, but on a c-c-c-old Minnesota, October weekend night with
a pair of RED Hind (tm) tights underneath to help ward off the cold, they
worked out fine.( Picture that 265lb. Canary that sits wherever he wants, in a
Scout uniform, add a beard ... stop laughing...I heard that!) The point is, the
extra training and the explainations included in WB materials did inspire me to
class up my act. I now own the "Official" pants and wear them to all Scout
functions. I am saving my "mad money" for the campaign hat and shirt-jac. I am,
as part of my Ticket, the District Training Chair and do "set the example".
Gladly so! The Troops in the area do not require pants as part of the uniform
and I am trying to, at least, provide information and an example to the SM's.
Conserning neck-wear, I have various bolo's, my WB Training Kneckerchief,
and the Leaders Green Tie. Depending on what event, training opportunity, or
meeting I am going to, I will wear the appropriate one. I was going to comment
on "Parents pins" on mothers Scouters uniforms and explain that as the proud
father of a Star and Life Scout, I am wearing the two rows of small pins
verticaly in the Green Tie.( I needed a tie tack and got carried aaway) In the
Digest for, the 11th or 12th there was a note from someone who said "fathers
wouldn't wear pins on the uniform". Well,I do. And will continue to. I will
also wear handmade bolos, when appropriate. Embellishment is not, necessarily,
a bad thing, if done with taste. Yes, yes, yes I know the rules, and the
Guidelines and with that I must state the I am a volunteer...I do this for
love, of my sons, the scouts, the values in the BSA program. I do it for my own
reasons. I will not denigrate the Program in any way, I will be on my best
behavior at all times and live the Oath and Law. I will also try to have some
fun and not take myself too seriously.(I am a member of the Antelope Patrol
who's favorite, second weekend, camp gadget was a small generator and twinkle
lights around the dining fly for the meals; thereby inspiring the "NO
GENERATORS" rule for upcoming WB courses.)
Scouting is: Fun with a Purpose. We cannot get bogged down in nit-picking
when there are, in every community, large numbers of boys we can help, and
guide thru the tough spots in growing up and allow(help) them to learn
something about themselves and the world around them.
I do understand the reasons for, and the rationale behind, the uniforming
standards. I accept them as my own, and the responsibility for myself, as well.
If you see me at a function and want to tell me I am out of uniform or not
wearing it correctly, I will agree with you and ask what we can do together to
help, and further the aims of, the Scouts.
Sorry about the "Soapbox Derby" for my first extended post but, that's the
way I am. (Help, He's talking and he can't shut-up!) To those on the list I
have written to and listened to and learned from (that's all of you, folks)
Thanks for the great info. It is spreading around South Central Minnesota and
doing great work. In Scouting...Ric...

Sioux Trails Dist, Twin Valley Council Wahpekute OA Lodge #53
South Central Minnesota Brotherhood Member '94
C-36-94 ANTELOPE >>>>====WWW=====>
Scouting is not a way of life... Chapter Adv.
Scouting IS life.......

Ric_Koval@MS1.Mankato.MSUS.EDU

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