When my boys were in grade school, they would often wear their Cub Scout uniform to school on the day of their weekly den meeting. They loved it, their teachers loved it, the principal loved it. She knew exactly who to call on to lead a patriotic flag ceremony. Others in Cub Scout Pack 85 began following suit. It probably did more than anything else to recruit Cub Scouts in the school.

There’s something about that blue uniform shirt, neckerchief, and a great big Cub Scout smile that is hard to resist. No doubt the cute factor contributes to the success of Cub Scouts at door-to-door popcorn sales. Attitudes toward the uniform sometimes change as Scouts get older, but that’s because they don’t realize how mature and confident it makes them look. 

In a world that focuses so much attention on being “different,” the Scout uniform, in all of its colors and configurations for the different programs, remains one of Scouting’s most fundamental methods for building community and shaping character in young people. It goes back 115 years and more to the very early days of the Scouting Movement. But you have to ask, “Why does Scouting America continue to encourage the tradition of the Scout uniform?” Here’s what I learned.

Equality – The uniform is an equalizer. It brings people of different racial, economic, religious, national, ethnic, political, and geographic backgrounds together and creates a sense of belonging for all. Gazing out at thousands of uniformed Scouts at the National Scout Jamboree in 2013 was a truly inspiring experience. I knew I was part of something bigger than myself. 

Identification – The uniform identifies youth and adult members of Scouting America. When properly worn, the uniform can also build unit spirit and camaraderie. As Scoutmaster, I insisted that Scouts wear the full uniform, including neckerchief, pants, belt, and socks, to daily breakfast and dinner assemblies. There was plenty of grumbling, especially when only one sock could be found in a messy tent, but we stuck to the rule. And when we lined up amidst others who were not in uniform, you could see confidence and pride in the ranks of Troop 178.

Achievement – Patches and insignia on the uniform identify what activities the wearer has been involved in, their leadership position, training, and rank. You can see what council they belong to, their unit number, and whether they are a member of the Order of the Arrow.

Commitment – The uniform is a constant reminder to all Scouts and Scouters of their commitment to the ideals and purpose of Scouting America. When they wear the uniform, they are saying, “I get it.”

Wearing the uniform is never mandatory, especially where it is a financial burden, and there are always disagreements about how and when it should be worn. Not long ago, Scouting America even announced that each unit, with input from youth leadership, can decide whether to wear shirts tucked in or untucked.

In some countries, Scouts are identified by their neckerchief. But here at home, when you see a boy or girl in a Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing or Sea Scouts uniform, you know what you’re seeing, and you can make some assumptions. All of them are good.

Scout On!

Scott Fishel wears several hats in Scouting, including a longtime association with Troop 178 in Morton. You can contact him at [email protected]. Find a Scout unit in your community at beascout.org.