I am a Scout parent whose son has worn the proper Scout uniform for over five years. Over the past several months, most of the other 25 Scouts have chosen to wear whatever they want at Troop meetings and now Court of Honors. At our recent Court of Honor, over half had their shirts unbuttoned and out. If you or I had been in charge, we may have sent the boys home. I even suggested having the non-uniform Scouts sit with their parents on the other side of the room, and allow uniformed Scouts to sit together on the opposite side of the room. Their Scout pants have now become anything up to and including boxer shorts. As a Scout during the 1960's, we were proud to wear the uniform and wear it correctly. I am embarrassed to have my son in this Troop, and if he were not finishing his Eagle this summer, I would ask him to transfer. I understand the Troop Committee has discussed this issue with the Scoutmaster over and over. The Scoutmaster has spoken to the senior Scouts and they are also frustrated since they are getting nowhere with the Troop. The Scoutmaster has provided the Committee with a number of reasons including some Scouts cannot afford the uniform, some come after sporting events, and even some Scouts will quit if pushed into a uniform. He recently asked the Committee for ideas.
For families with financial issues, a Troop "Uniform Exchange" or even eBay may be the solution. For pre-Troop events, Scouts can pack their uniform and change before the meeting. For Scouts who won't wear it, suggest they take up another hobby. If you have faced this issue in your Troop, and had positive results to change it, please forward your constructive suggestions so we may pass this on to our Scoutmaster. If you have criticism and jokes, please forward those on to others who might appreciate them. This Troop has existed for close to 85 years and needs your help.