Re: Rank Advancement & MB's (Temporary Patches)
Richard Axtman (troop1@POBOXES.COM)
Thu, 1 Apr 1999 09:34:52 -0500
Irene wrote:
>
> 3. When a scout earns a patch, say for a hike, where do they
> wear it ? I know you can wear temporary patches on the
> uniform, but what do you do when you take it off ?
The type of patch you are referring to are known as a "Temporary
Pocket Patch" in BSA. These are awarded for special events
(such as Camporees, Jamborees, Campouts, Scout Shows, Hiking,
etc.). They are worn on the right shirt pocket of the Scout
uniform. BSA states that only one temporary pocket patch
should be worn at a time on the right uniform pocket.
I think these are best displayed using a clear plastic patch
holder that hangs off of the uniform pocket button. These are
available at your local Council or Scout Shop and come in
different shapes (round, square, rectangular, and oval).
I say this because the patches are often changed every couple
of months, so it saves you from sewing them on the uniform,
only to remove them later. By having them in plastic holders
you can change them easily whenever you want to and they help
keep the patch in perfect condition. They're not exposed to
the washer and dryer that shrinks, distorts and destroys
their collector's item value. A mint condition patch is
always worth more that one that has been sewn on a uniform
and washed to death. When new patches are awarded the old
ones are moved into your patch collection. Here's some ways
to display your patch collection:
1) AWARD VEST - BSA sells these made of red cloth in
different sizes (for youth and adults) or you can make your
own vest out of red wool. It's very simple to make out of
one piece of cloth that you sew together at the top of the
shoulder seams. You can make a vest pattern by using a shirt
that fits the person who's going to wear the vest and some
brown paper grocery bags that are taped together. Lay the
open shirt on the paper and trace it to form a pattern.
2) CAMPFIRE PATCH BLANKET - which is nothing more than a standard
blanket in your choice of size and color. If you're going to make
a campfire PATCH blanket I recommend you use cloth that is flame
resistant or flame retardant. You do not want to use cloth that
easily catches on fire or melts.
3) PATCH PONCHO - Sometime a small blanket is used and a slit is
cut in the center of it and edging tape is sewn around the
opening to keep it from fraying. Then it can slipped over the
head and worn as a poncho around camp on cold days or nights.
4) SHADOW BOX FRAME - the patches can be framed or put in a
shadow box. BSA sells shadow boxes for awards or you can make
your own once again.
5) AWARD HIDE - Sometimes the patches are also displayed on a
hide shaped piece of leather (or fake leather) and hung on the
wall. BSA sells these or you can make your own.
6) PATCH NOTEBOOK - you can buy clear plastic sleeves with
pockets that fit in a a three ring notebook. BSA sells these
or you can also check at your local sports card shop. Sports
card shops have them in different sizes and numbers of pockets.
7) AWARD JACKET - you can sewn them on any jacket.
8) BACK PACK - you can sewn them on a backpack or day pack.
As you can see there are many ways to display your patches
and to protect these future collector's items.
Serving You and Scouting,
Richard Axtman
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 1, Littleton, MA
Nashua Valley Council, Lancaster, MA
Personal E-mail: mailto:troop1@poboxes.com
and
Founder and President of "Scouts NewEngland" (SNE)
A Scouting Website, and News & Discussion Group for
and by all Scouts and Scouters of Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Visit the SNE Website: http://members.tripod.com/~SNE
