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The question often comes up: "Do we have to wear a uniform?"
The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. There are many reasons for this. But one reason stands out above all the rest. We wear the uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves openly with the principles to which we are committed- character development, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness.
We stand together, not alone in encouraging others to live by these same principles. Boys and adults alike should take pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform as it is intended.
“But I feel like a NERD when I wear my uniform”: Many Scouts tell us that their friends think they are a freaky for wearing the uniform. This comes from ignorance on the friends' part of what Scouting is all about. It also comes from the Scout not being proud of what they do and who they are. We can look at the local football team for an example of how to change this. Boys usually don't care what their friends think if they are on the football team, because they are proud of being on that team. We need to instill in the boys that sense of pride in their unit. The more active the unit is, the more adventures the Scouts go on. Then the more pride they will have in who they are. When their friends ask them why they are wearing the uniform, they can proudly list all the adventures they have been on as Scouts.
As for adults wearing uniforms, all I can say is what Baden-Powell said: “It is largely a matter of example. Think of it, when you are fitting on your uniform or putting that final saucy cock to your hat. You are the model to your boys and your smartness will reflect itself in them.” Instead of using uniforming as a club that might prevent a boy from participating in Scouting, when you are with the Scouts, even for the simplest of things, put on your uniform. It raises the moral tone of the boys and it heightens their estimation of their uniform when they see it is not beneath a grown man to wear it. It also heightens their estimation of themselves when they find themselves taken seriously by men and women who also count it of importance to be in the same brotherhood with them. As Scouters we must constantly remind ourselves that it isn’t so much what we say to the Scouts that they will emulate, but what we do. The Scouts are told by other leaders, by their handbooks and by each other to look to us as role models. And they will, they will do what do and wear what we wear.
The Uniform as symbol to others: When you are in uniform, you are representing the Boy Scouts of America, all Scouts that have come before you, and all Scouts who will come after you. Always look neat and clean, never shabby or sloppy. Scouts are judged by the way that the uniform is worn, so wear it correctly and with a sense of pride. If you do not have a credible appearance and proud stature.
The Uniform as a symbol of your efforts: Your uniform shows what you have accomplished. The badges (both youth and adult) are hard to earn and show all who can read them what you have accomplished. Even those who cannot read them know you must have accomplished a great deal to earn so many!
The Uniform as the Great Equalizer: In this age of $100 designer jeans, it is good to remember that Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, points out to us that "The uniform also makes for Brotherhood, since when universally adopted it covers up all differences of class and country."
How to Get Your Scouts to Wear Their Uniform: Tell them what it means to wear the uniform, and what it represents. Involve the Scouts in setting the unit uniform policy. Once the policy is set for your unit, don't discuss it anymore. Don't ignore the fact that Scouts are not in uniform at an event where they should be in uniform. It is remarkable, how if you require it, and send them home if they are out of uniform, that they will comply and eventually show pride in wearing a symbol of their accomplishments!
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