Perhaps one of the most well-known features of a scout is their uniforms. Because of this, a uniform is one of the ways that communities identify a good citizen. This uniform represents their inclusion in the Scouting program, which helps them relate to Scouts all over the world - no matter where they call home. It is also a way for Scouts to reflect their achievements in Scouting.
In scouting, there are 2 uniforms commonly referred to as a Class-A/Field Uniform and a Class-B/Activity Uniform. The full Class-A uniform you can purchase for around $130. The Class-B is a Troop T-Shirt that is included in your yearly dues.
The field uniform is worn by all members of Scouting America and consists of a tan uniform shirt, olive green pants/shorts, and a green belt and troop neckerchief. This uniform is our most commonly used uniform because we wear it to all of our meetings September through May, service projects, traveling to and from campouts, and any other activity where the scouts want to be known as members of Scouting America. This uniform is made of machine-washable material that works well for both indoor as well as outdoor events.
You can find all of the uniform pieces at the Occoneechee Scout Shop located at 3132 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh, NC. Phone: (919) 850-0301. The stores hours are 9 am-5 pm Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm Saturday, and closed on Sundays. Or gently used at local thrift shops, Ebay etc. Any previous style BSA Uniform is acceptable. Any olive green pants or shorts are acceptable and can be found at Walmart, Eddie Bauer, Ebay and other online outlets.
There are many other items available for purchase at the Scout Shop, however, it is recommended to only buy the items listed below at first. Do not buy a neckerchief, slide, forest green shoulder loops or troop numbers as those will be provided by the troop. Future badges that you might earn for advancement will be provided to you by the Troop Treasurer. The cost of these patches are covered by your dues.
If you can’t visit the Raleigh Scout Shop, you can shop online using the above product numbers at https://www.scoutshop.org/.
Scouts BSA Boys Uniform Shirt, Khaki Short Sleeve: SKU# 653824, $44.99. This is a lightweight tan short-sleeve shirt. The shirts come with the American flag and the BSA logo. You will need to purchase the Occoneechee Council patch, the World Crest Scout Emblem and the Scouting America World Crest Ring (about $16). A Scouting America patch is provided with the cost of the uniform shirt but it will still need to be sewed on if you choose to. The Scout Shop will sew on patches for an additional fee.
Scout Youth Switchback Uniform Pants: SKU# 653861, $54.99.
These are lightweight forest green pants with zip-off legs so they can become shorts! These are tough pants required to protect the legs when hiking and camping. Or any olive green shorts/pants with belt loops.
Scouts BSA Uniform Web Belt with Buckle: SKU# 606884, $19.99. This is a forest green, adjustable web belt, bearing the Scouts BSA logo.
Scouts BSA Uniform Coolmax crew socks: SKU# 610337, $10.49. These are very durable forest green socks that go with the uniform.
Throughout your time in scouting, you will earn many badges, most of which are a Poly Cotton Blend with Laminate backing. We recommend that you sew these badges onto your uniform. There are many adult leaders able to teach you how to sew on your patches. Needle and thread is the best way to go.
So where do all of your patches actually go? Below are some diagrams that show where the basic patches you need are sewn on. The first picture shows what your sleeves should look like.
This picture shows you where to sew-on the patches on the front of your uniform:
Eventually, you will purchase a Merit Badge Sash once you start earning merit badges. The image below demonstrates the placement of badges on your sash. The sash is always worn over your right shoulder never covering your rank patch on your left pocket
For more information on badge placement visit Scouts BSA’s guide to awards and insignia, click here!