RuddBaron

One thing I do NOT like to see is Scouts (and especially Scouters) wearing jeans, camos (sorry to start that one up again), etc. with a Scout shirt. Why? Because, at least around here, it screams "I can't afford to buy a uniform." Why is that bad? B-P envisioned Scouting to be a way for kids of all classes to have a shared, common experience. Even though some may, as adults, live a life of high society and mega-dollar corporations while most won't, they will all have the common experience and bond that comes from having been Scouts. So, if a troop allows jeans, they simply are removing the outward symbol of this common bond. Corner-cutting should not be so common. The troop I grew up in maintained a uniform "lucky bag" for those who couldn't afford the whole ensemble. Scoutmasters can help out, they can do fundraisers, etc. It should not be "Those pants are too expensive, so I'll wear jeans," but rather "I believe in what the pants represent, so I will sacrifice to get them." As for those who are wearing alternative pants for special purposes like equitation, service projects, etc., that's a different matter all together.

So...if there is interest in a BSA tartan, perhaps a petition can be submitted. This can also be done on a local level, e.g., a troop tartan or a Council tartan. The only problem there is that one can only afford so many kilts....

(The Webelos neckerchief is "BSA Plaid," though I'd have to look at it closely to see if it is actually a tartan.)

While on the subject of things Scottish, I have "discovered" that the garter flashes worn with the hose (knee socks) that are worn while wearing the kilt work very well and look nice with BSA knee socks. I understand green ones used to be part of the old uniform. I suggest red to match the stripe. Again, not official, but very practical and with historical precedent.

There is no BSA tartan that I know of, but one can easily be made. The Scottish Tartans Society in Scotland maintains the list of tartans. All you have to do is submit a design to them and order a bolt of the material. There is a tartan for most branches of the US Armed Forces, as well as for many states. I personally wear my family tartan (I believe this is what the Scottish Scouts do), the hunting version of which is very much like the McLaren.

I have seen a BSA pipe band wearing the kilt with the uniform. Not official that I know of, but certainly very traditional. I have also seen some Scouters wear the kilt at Jamborees when attending Scottish-related sub-events. One could even make the case to wear the kilt for a Wood Badge ceremony, given the obvious Scottish connections. For appropriate occasions, this certainly goes over very well.

Why change the uniform again?

1. BSA is not paramilitary, but it is military prep, at least in part. This is one reason B-P founded Scouting, and West, Beard, Boyce, and Seton founded BSA. All uniforms in Scoutings history that I have seen have elements of military uniforms. The uniform needs to makes Scouts look like Scouts.

2. The campaign hat. Although perhaps a bit warm in the heat, it does provide a lot of shade. The chin strap worn around the back of the head keeps it on in all but the strongest breezes. As for keeping its shape, why bother? The original US ones had soft brims. As for the expense, cost would likely drop if they sold more. Also, a troop might try to get campaign hats from a surplus store at a volume discount, and then add the hatband and strap. Most of all...it screams SCOUT.

3. Knee socks. Where did they go? When wearing shorts they protect the legs.

4. Pants. Comfortable and (at least the old ones) with voluminous pockets. I have worn them (or the shorts) on every Scout outing and found them quite practical (including backpacking).

5. The shirt. Again, no problems here. The patches are conducive to a uniform worn in the field and with a backpack. Again, we are a uniformed organization, and the uniform is one way we teach and express the values of Scouting that we are trying to teach the boys.

Re the beret...as far as Boy Scouts of America goes, the beret is more British/Scottish than French.