From: Anthony Mako (ajmako@NLS.NET)
Date: Thu Jan 13 2000 - 00:18:29 CST
Folks,
I have two points to make concerning the latest uniforming thread.
First, concerning the "usefulness" of the current BSA uniform. While the
present design is functional in that it can be worn as clothing, it does
have some good points. It's certainly not as dorky looking as the uniform I
wore as a Scout. Properly worn, the uniform does in fact look impressive. If
we adults take the time and effort to be proud of the uniform we wear, and
the way we wear it, our Scout's will eventually develop that same pride.
Second, the cost of a complete BSA uniform is not that prohibitive. There
are several ways to relieve the cost for those who cannot afford a complete
uniform. For instance, units can set aside a percentage of the fundraiser
profits earned by a Scout for use in purchasing uniform items and other
equipment. Many units already have "Scout accounts" the Scouts can use to
pay for other high cost items such as summer camp, what's wrong with using
those funds for uniforms too? Parents can be encouraged to purchase uniform
items over a period of time rather than all at once. Uniforms also make
great gifts for birthdays and Christmas. One final possibility, especially
in economically disadvantaged areas, is to create a Uniform Bank. Used
uniforms can often be found at Goodwill and Salvation Army stores, and
Scouts can be urged to donate old unforms that no longer fit.
Protesting about the cost of the uniform will not solve the problem. Nor
will agreeing with parents who complain about how much the shirt costs and
then go out and buy a pair of $125 shoes for their son. The more we complain
about the uniform, the more our Scouts learn that the uniform isn't
important. Then we won't have a leg to stand on when they stop wearing it.
YIS
AJ Mako, Scoutmaster, Troop 381 http://www.scouts381.org/
ajmako@nls.net
Great Trail Council, Old Portage District
