Pants crusade?

No, I'm not prepared to engage in a crusade for new Scout pants. I don't care that much. But I think it was a fair point that we shouldn't complain without doing something about it. So I took a look at the Supply Division's website at www.scoutstuff.org to see how one might make comments.

First, they have a customer survey. Among the questions is a list asking for the most important change they should make in the pants, if they make them. You could only choose one, so I chose changing the fabric. There was a similar question about shirts. There was no way to make a text comment as part of the survey.

Then I looked at the uniform FAQ. The first two questions were about pants and shorts, so I guess they realize this is a hot topic. To the question of when BSA will change the pants again, this is the answer:

"The bottoms that we introduced in 1999 are very functional and have been a great improvement from the previous edition. We are striving for continuous improvement, researching and testing new styles, different fabrics, and many other opportunities to fulfill our mission." (In other words, "top men" are working on the problem.)

There was a block where you could propose other questions for the FAQ, and I asked them to be more specific about how the current pants are functional, in that they aren't very comfortable and aren't well-suited for outdoor activities.

Now, I feel that this level of participation in the official information-gathering process of BSA gives me license to bellyache about the pants all I want (as long as I continue to wear them). I would urge others to go and do likewise.

You seem so lonely here...maybe a rousing song will help -

Do you hear the scouters sing?

Singing a song of angry men (and women)?

It is the music of a people

Who will not wear bad pants again!

When the beating of your heart

Echoes the rubbing of our thighs

There is a life about to start

When our new pants arrive!

Will you join in our crusade?

Who will be strong and stand with me?

Somewhere beyond the BSA

Are there some pants you long to see?

Then join in the fight

That will give you the right to be olive free!!

Do you hear the scouters sing?

Singing a song of angry men (and women)?

It is the music of a people

Who will not wear bad pants again!

When the beating of your heart

Echoes the rubbing of our thighs

There is a life about to start

When our new pants arrive!

Will you give all that you can pay

But not more than $45.95 per pants

Some will split and some will fray

Will you stand up and take your chance?

The bug juice of the scouters

Will water the latrines of our camps!

Do you hear the scouters sing?

Singing a song of angry men (and women)?

It is the music of a people

Who will not wear bad pants again!

When the beating of your heart

Echoes the rubbing of our thighs

There is a life about to start

When our new pants arrive!

Does this mean that Javer is head of the uniform police?

Eamonn.

I don't know. You would have to ask the ScoutMaster of the house.

You just made my day.

Now my suggestion would be to not only change the fabric but the proportions on these things. My hubby wears a larger waist size (50) and not to be crude, but the crotch is almost to his knees. He has a short enough inseam to make this an issue for us. For these dorky pants to fit him I need to do a full resizing of the crotch area and lift it about 5 inches to actually sit where it should. This is horrible--not to mention the price that I had to pay for these pants that are made of some kind of polyester knit junk.

I know that in Girl Scouts we used to be able to buy the patterns and sew the uniforms ourselves, which would actually help some of these scouts afford to be in a full class A. As it stands it takes $40 to buy a shirt, $40 to buy pants, $6 for a belt, $10 for a hat. Then you get into the patches and you have spent well over $100. This is outrageous if you ask me.

The Uniform is a Method.

Pants cost $50.00.

they look bad,

they fit badly,

are made of low grade material,

and last a short period of time.

The shirt costs $50.00

looks bad,

is for inside use,

easily ripped,

This method may be a way to increase revenues.

This method may be a way to increase awareness of the economic level one needs to be in the program.

This method may be a way to limit the growth of the program.

This method may be a way to limit the retention rate.

This method may be the foundation for a bad ad campaign.

This method may be a way to limit the actual use of the method itself.

Just thinking,

FB

Ridge,

Are you aware that ou can have scout uniform pieces custom tailored thru National Supply? Obviously they will cost more than pieces off the rack, but you can get a custom fit in a variety of fabrics.

Pants cost $50.00.

Fact: $37.50 for Youth $45.80 adults

they look bad,

Fact: Only if you don't take care of your clothing.

they fit badly,

Fact: Only if you are built bad.

are made of low grade material,

Fact: Titanium does not flex well

and last a short period of time.

My uniform pants are 5 years old and are worn at least once a week. My civilian dress pants cost the same and last about 9 months.

The shirt costs $50.00

Fact: $30.40 Youth $34.95 Adult

looks bad,

Fact: only if you are built bad

is for inside use,

Fact: So is my TV, does that make it bad?

is easily ripped,

Fact: What Cotton or nylon clothing isn't?

Let's stop offering myths and fabrications. I have seen eight year olds whine less over putting on their Sunday dress clothes than adults here do over having to wear a scout uniform.

You agreed to be in the program, Hundreds of thousands of over leaders manage to dress themselves properly without complaint. Gather some personal fortitude and go put your pants on.

(This message has been edited by Bob White)

"I have seen eight year olds whine less over putting on their Sunday dress clothes than adults here do over having to wear a scout uniform."

ROFL...

Thanks BW. Reminds me of the problem I have getting the kids ready each morning.

Wingnut,

Opinion has everything to do with this site and always has.

I wouldn't get too excited about the Troops running over the hill shouting, "Facts, Facts". We have heard it all before and it has made little impression on anyone. All the Facts will get to sounding very hollow pretty quickly and people will discontinue sharing their opinions. That is sad because we have had a good run of peace for a while.

FB

You do have to admit we complain about uniforms more than most folks.

Did you ever hear a Scotsman request something a bit longer and maybe in a solid rather than plaid?

Or a sumo wrestler ask does this thing make my butt look fat?

I would wager a pint that even a Scotsmen has an opinion.

Wingnut,

By the way, I wear the full uniform and encourage everyone to do so.

I simply have a personal opinion.

This site allows people to express their personal opinion, which I feel is very good. When we have those that believe that their personal opinion is the only truth, then there is not much need for the rabble to speak out. When we have the champion of truth stomping on everyone's fallacies, then people will shut down. I find that to be the worst kind of truth.

My opinion again,

FB

In regard to the whining remark, does change occur from passivness? Would Britain have given the colonies their independence if they didn't whine about some measley taxes. I know the pants issue is not some crusade for freedom, but nothing will change if no one complains.

My brother and I are both counselors at our summer camp, requring us to make use of our scout pants everyday. My brother and I are also doing rigorous activities everyday at camp leading hikes and work crews, so we do not get the luxury of 5 year old pants. Jeans are nice they're durable, but I think it's ridiculous that an organization that promotes outdoor activities cannot provide outdoor durable clothing at an affordable price.