Uniform Question

[Leo Goodluck]

Our Pack is putting together a brochure to pass out to parents giving them a general idea of cub scouts and what's required.

 

Part of the brochure says that "Boys must have, at a minimum, an official Cub Scout shirt, neckerchief with slide, and insignia badges. We also have available, but not required, a pack t-shirt that can be worn in place of the offical uniform at den meetings. Uniforms are required at all Pack Meetings."

 

Here's my question. Not all of our scouts can afford uniforms. The person who put this together suggested that the Pack purchase the uniforms for those who can't afford. Is this a typical way of handling the situation for those who can't afford?

 

Previously we had told parents if they can't afford the uniform to purchase the pack t-shirt. I can see some issues if the Pack starts buy uniforms.

 

Could somebody weigh in on this and give me some suggestions?

[ScoutNut]

Our CO has set aside some $ for our use if a Scout's family needs help purchasing a uniform. I have been with the Pack for 10 years now & we have never yet used the money.

 

An option is to start a uniform closet with "experienced" uniforms. You could ask your local Troops if the boys have any old Cub uniforms or small tan uniforms that they could donate. Advertise for them in the local paper, in the bulletins at the local churches, and put up notes on grocery store bulletin boards. Ask your Pack families to help by checking out local yard/garage sales or flea markets. The Pack could reimburse them for the cost (which should be minimal).

 

When you hand out the uniforms to the Scouts in need ask as a "payment" that they return them when they are outgrown. That will help keep the closet stocked.

 

 

[ScoutNut]

Another thing that your Pack could do to help all of the Scouts is provide them with their scarf, slide, & handbook.

 

We do that for all of our boys. The ones crossing to BS get the BS handbook, slide & red shoulder tabs (the scarf usually comes from the Troop).

 

 

[Bob White]

Leo I have send you a private message.

BW

[anarchist]

LEO G,

 

Uniforms can be found at many thrift stores and yard sales cheap! If you call around to troops/Scout Masters in your area or visit round table and let BOY SCOUTERERS know your plight, they will generally put out a call in their troops for old uniforms...and you may find this a great source of 'retired cub uniforms'. (Asking Packs doesn't work as well as asking Boy scouts)

 

Some times CO's set up funding for the troop to help our 'needy' scout families some time units do...in our troop it is a group of scout parents who have taken the pledge that no scout in need will be left behind.

good luck

[FScouter]

The parent brochure is a good idea. Rather than saying MUST HAVE and REQUIRED, I'd suggest that you describe the complete uniform, cap, shirt, neckerchief, slide, pants, belt, and socks. Explain several ways to get the uniform. The uniform closet is a very good idea. Ebay is a good source. Do a pack fundraiser like a spaghetti dinner to help boys complete their uniform. Make it clear that Cub Scouts wear the uniform.

 

The uniform includes all the parts. A shirt and neckerchief is not a uniform; they are just 2 parts of a uniform. I'd strongly advise that you do NOT give permission to wear only a shirt and neckerchief. Once you do that, parents will never get the rest of the parts. Start good uniforming habits at the beginning and they will carry on through the ranks and into Boy Scouts.

 

Its not right to mandate that a uniform must be worn at pack meetings. Rather, say each boy should wear as complete a uniform as he has. No boy should be turned away for lack of a uniform. If he doesnt have all the parts, find ways to help him get them. A complete uniform should be a goal for each boy, and a goal of the pack.

 

[cubbingcarol]

Our council has a form that parents can fill out to apply for financial assistance with uniforms or camps. Depending on their income a percentage is "paid for" by the council's whatever they call it fund. We had one family that signed up 4 boys and were way below the poverty level and council paid approx. 75% of total registration and uniforms. We had some donations locally. Of course now that we have got the pack up and running we have started our own uniform bank. But knowing the council helped us out makes us more committed to selling popcorn each year.

 

Carol

[Leo Goodluck]

Thanks for everyone's reply. I think I will pursue the thrift store and uniform exchange.

 

I don't want to see us getting into buying new uniforms. We have provided financial assistance for registration and books.