The Official Cub Scout Uniform

Why We Wear a Uniform
 
The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. There are many reasons for this. 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, as well as physical and mental fitness.
 
The fact that youth and adult members of Scouting wear a uniform does not mean that we are all alike. We all come from different social backgrounds. We have our own beliefs and views. Each of us is an individual with our own family traditions and loyalties. The uniform is not intended to hide our individuality. The uniform is one way we give each other strength and support. The unfiorm serves a bond that ties us together in respect of our difference, not in spite of them.
 
The Scouting movement is built on positive values. As we wear the uniform, we are openly identifying ourselves with those values where everyone can see us. We stand together, not alone, in encouraging others to live by those same principles. Youth members and adult leaders alike demonstrate their pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform as it is intended.

How to properly wear the Class - A Uniform.

 
Leaders: Set the Standard for all Cub Scouts by Looking Their Best
It is the leader's responsibility as a registered adult of the Boy Scouts of America to encourage youth to obtain and wear the official uniform. Look at a uniformed Pack and you will see a Unit with high spirit, a Unit that gets things done, and a Unit that attracts other youth.
 
Uniformed leaders are the key to good uniform wear in the Pack. Cub Scouts respect leadership and will follow their example. Let our Scouts know how you feel about the official uniform and they will do the rest.
 
Adult Leaders and Scouts alike wear the uniform because they are a means of identifying openly with the fundamental principles of Scouting — character development, citizenship training, as well as physical and mental fitness. Distinctive clothing for adult members of Scouting shows our community that adult leaders have made a personal commitment to the aims and purposes of Scouting.
 
When the adult Scout leaders take pride and care in their personal appearance while wearing their Scout leader uniform, they set the tone for the Scouts around them. If your uniform appears neat and with the proper insignia placed in the proper area, the Scouts will put forth their best efforts at emulating you. For this reason, a leader's uniform must always appear sharp.
 
Types of Uniforms
Officially, there are two levels of uniform worn by Cub Scouts. Some units may designate a third and quasi-official uniform. Your local Den and Pack Leaders determine which uniform is appropriate for each event. When in doubt, ask you Den leader to clarify what uniform is appropriate for the planned activity.
 
The Activity Uniform (Official)
 
The Field Uniform (Official)
 
The Work Uniform (Quasi-official)
The Activity Uniform includes the official uniform pants or shorts, worn with an official uniform belt, the official uniform shirt (long or short sleeved, and the appropriate official scout hat accorded for wear for based on the scout's level of advancement. This uniform is sometimes referred to as the "dress" uniform or the "Class A" uniform and is worn to awards or official ceremonies that Scouts attend. Cub Scouts should wear this uniform to the Pack Meetings when advancement and achievments are presented.
The Field Uniform is slightly less dressy uniform that replaces the official uniform shirt with an approved T-shirt containing an official Scout emblem or logo. This uniform is commonly referred to the "Class B" or "non-dress" uniform. Your Den leader may authorize the Den members to wear this uniform to Den meetings.
The third form of dress which really is not an official uniform is loosely referred to as the "Work Uniform." This is basically work clothing, such as jeans, worn with a T-shirt containing an official Scout emblem or logo. This uniform is designated for wear by the Den leader or the Pack leaders when Cub Scouts perform service projects, or engage in other activities that may involve getting dirty, sweaty, etc.
 
 
 
 
Uniform Policy
Your local Den and Pack Leaders determine which uniform is appropriate for each event. When in doubt, ask your Den leader to clarify what uniform is appropriate for the planned activity.
 
The official uniforms are intended for use in connection with activities of the Scouting movement. They should be worn to all events as directed. The uniform may also be worn while participating in a local Council approved money-earning project. It may be worn when selling tickets to such events as Scouting shows which are approved by the Council.
 
The uniform may NOT be worn by either Cub Scouts or adult leaders when:
  • Soliciting funds for or engaging in any non-Scouting selling campaign.
  • Involved in any distinctly political endeavor except for general "get out and vote" and related activities. Though the principles of Scouting encourage an active participation in all levels of government, offical Scout policy does not allow the official uniform to be exploited to support a candidate, political movement, civil demonstrations, etc.
  • Appearing on the stage professionally without special approval from the National Executive Board.
  • Participating in demonstrations or protests not authorized by the Boy Scouts of America.
 
Where to Buy a Uniform
Official Uniforms may be purchased at a variety of places including some of the following:
  • Local/Regional Council Scout Shops
  • Some national retail chains carry official Scout uniforms (check their online stores too!)
  • Thrift stores and second-hand stores such as the Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc., may provide a great source for obtaining a uniform at some savings. These are great sources for picking up an extra uniform items for use with the various levels of wear.
  • The Internet also offers many avenues to obtain official uniforms, such as auction sites like eBay or Yahoo! Auctions
  • You may also browse the BSA's Supply Division web site. This site allows you to prepare a shopping list to take with you to any local or regional Scout Shop. You may fax the form to a local, regional, or the National Supply Division to have your order ready to pick up or for them to ship it to you.
  • You may order a printed catalog from the National Supply Division closest to your zip code.
  • The National Order Line is a toll-free call 1-800-323-0736.
When picking up uniform parts via second-hand sources, make sure the uniform you buy is the current uniform approved for use. Of course, if you have an "old style" uniform that you used before a change became effective, you may continue to wear that uniform. This usually happens with veteran Scouts that have been in the program for many years.
 
The Cub Scout Uniform
Shirt -
For all pack meetings, unless told otherwise, your Cub should wear the official blue shirt with all of the patches in their proper places. You may download/print out this Official Placement Guide to give you a good idea on the proper placement of the various insignia and badges. Remember that proper placement is important, but do not obsess over getting exactly on the mark with each patch. Remember, we only require that you "Do Your Best!" The official shirt comes in long sleeves and short sleeves, choose the shirt best suited for you Cub. Scouting never requires that all members wear the same sleeve length.
 
For all den meetings, unless told otherwise, wear either the official shirt or an approved T-shirt. We will always let you know if we plan to have a "uniform inspection" as part of a den meeting. Our inspections are to ensure proper placement of patches, help encourage neatness in appearance, and to provide you and your Cub with tips on uniform care. We also encourage open dialog if you have any tips to offer the rest of us. Uniform inspections encourage the Cub to have pride in the way he wears the uniform and pride in what that uniform means.
 
 
 
Pants or Shorts -
For all Den meetings, unless told otherwise, your Cub may wear jeans, shorts, or any lower garments that look neat while wearing the uniform shirt of the day. Your Cub needs to wear his official uniform pants/shorts when we schedule a uniform inspections.
 
For all pack meetings, unless told otherwise, your Cub should wear the official blue shorts or pants. If your Cub prefers to wear pants through the hot months, or prefers to wear shorts through the cooler months, both are options available to him.
 
Belt -
The official belt for Cub Scouts is the same for all levels, what changes is the belt buckle. There is an official buckle for Cubs and Webelos. Your Cub should wear the belt that shows his proper advancement. In some areas Scouts make their ownbelts which becomes a part of their official uniform wear for local events, but should wear the official belt to Council activities.
 
 
 
 
 
Cap or Hat -
We may wear a local hat to den and pack meetings, but we should wear the official uniform hat when participating with any council level activities. Council sponsored day camps or overnight camps may allow us to wear our local hat to demonstrate pride in our local units.
 
 
Neckerchief -
We may wear a local neckerchief to den and pack meetings, but we should wear the official uniform neckerchief when participating with any council level activities. Council sponsored day camps or overnight camps may allow us to wear our local neckerchiefs to demonstrate pride in our local units. As you Scout moves onwards into the Boy Scouts, he will find a vigorous "trade market" for various types of official and non-official scouting neckerchiefs. There are many places that host shows for the purpose of trading in various parts of the Scout uniform.
 
 
Socks -
Your Cub may wear athletic or dress socks appropriate for his choice of footwear. We do not require the wearing of the official socks unless your scout elects to wear the official shorts to a ceremony. For den meetings, the official socks are not required.
 
 
Shoes / Footwear -
There are no specified "official" shoes for your Cub to wear. His shoes should be neat, clean, and should look good with the uniform. Please keep your Cub's safety in mind when selecting footwear. Many of our Den meetings will have games that may involve running, activities walking through wooded areas, or working on crafts. For that reason we ask that your Cub wear closed toe shoes suitable for athletic type activities. When we have planned outdoor activities hiking or camping, your son may wear boots, or something more rugged than athletic shoes. (Hint: Never send your Cub with brand new footwear for hikes, walks, extended physical activites, campouts, and similare events. Have him break the shoes in at home so that we avoid blisters.) Flip flops, sandals, are appropriate in some cases, but when in doubt err on the side of your son's safety.
 
 
Awards
All participation patches and advancement are provided by the Pack as they are earned and presented at Pack award ceremonies. All official awards, recognitions, etc. are to be worn properly as prescribed by the BSA Insignia Guide. This website contains the appropriate guidelines for patch placement. If you have any doubts about the proper placement of any insignia, err on the side of caution and obtain clarification from your Den or Pack leaders.
 
What good is a uniform if that uniform has no way of displaying your accomplishments. It is not bragging when you have earned the right to wear that award or badge. The criteria for Cub Scouts working towards their next advancement is to do their best to accomplish the task at hand. As a parent, you know the capability of your child, thus the program depends a lot on your input. Naturally, all us want to push the Cub to reach a little further in order to grow. If you feel that your Cub has done his best, then he has accomplished the task. Since the program is about growing, "rubber stamping" just to keep up with the number of patches the shirt of another Cub will fail to accomplish the goal.
Hints for Affixing Emblems, Badges, Awards, Patches, etc., to the Official Uniform
Hint: Use a stapler to affix the badge before you begin sewing. Sliding an index card into the pocket helps keep it tight while using the stalper. If you do not want to use a stapler, place one stitch through the top-center of the patch and use that to affix it to the uniform. Then align the bottom-center properly and use one stitch to tack it onto the shirt. Place other stitches to help stabilize the patch while you sew around the outside of the patch.
 
Hint: Use a thread color the same as the outer piping on the patch. Run your stitches tightly against the point where the piping touches the background of the patch using a "whip" stitch. If you use a machine (tell me how you do it!) use thread the same color as the patch background and run the stitches as close to the inner edge of the piping as possible.
 
Hint: Using an iron-on-adhesive between the patch and the shirt may help stabilize the patch while you sew. You may also use this for those "last minute" fixer upper moments.
 
 
Descriptions of Cub Scout Advancement (Rank) Badges and the Proper Placement:
 
LEFT POCKET
 
The left pocket on Scout uniforms is reserved for displaying the advancement level of the Scout. The only "standard issue" patch on the left side of the front of the shirt is the World Crest emblem (described below). All other patches on this part of the shirt require the Scout to earn them.
Tiger - A diamond-shaped cloth badge, orange and black embroidered on orange background with gold trim. Worn in the 6 o'clock position, on the left pocket. Be sure to read more about the proper placement on the uniform below.
 
Bobcat - A diamond-shaped cloth badge, gold and black embroidered on light blue background with gold trim. Worn in the 12 o'clock position, on the left pocket. Be sure to read more about the proper placement on the uniform below.
 
Wolf - A diamond-shaped cloth badge, black and gray embroidered on red background with gold trim. Worn in the 9 o'clock position, on the left pocket. Be sure to read more about the proper placement on the uniform below.
 
Bear - A diamond-shaped cloth badge, brown and black on green background with gold trim. Worn in the 3 o'clock position, on the left pocket. Be sure to read more about the proper placement on the uniform below.
 
Gold Arrow Points - Use a ruler and line up the top and bottom corners of the badge (Wolf or Bear) for which the Gold Arrow is awarded. Center the vertical center line of the Gold Arrow and affix it along the line through the advancement (Wolf or Bear) badge. The inner most upwards point of the Gold Arrow should show a slight "bit" of blue between it and the pocket edge. The Cub may earn one Gold Arrow Point for the Wolf Badge and one Gold Arrow Point for the Bear Badge. The Gold Arrow Point is awarded for completing 10 achievments. After the Cub receives the Gold Arrow Point, the completion of each set of 10 Achievments is recognized with a Silver Arrow Point.
 
Silver Arrow Points - These are worn in double rows centered below the Gold Arrow. The inner most edge upwards point of the Silver arrow should barely make contact with the downward point on the Gold Arrow. There is no official guidance on which row to start first. Just remember that the second Silver Arrow is worn beside the first Silver Arrow with the inner most upwards points touch the bottom point on the Gold Arrow. You may sew as many Silver Arrows on your Cub's shirt as he earns them. The fun starts when he has to untuck his shirt to show off all of his arrows!
Webelos Option 1 - A diamond-shaped cloth badge, gold and light blue embroidered on dark blue background with gold trim. Worn centered on the left pocket. There are options set by the local organizations that may allow the Webelow to wear a different type of Webelo patch so that the Webelo only displays his current status as a Webelo.
 
Webelos Option 2 - An oval-shaped cloth badge, gold and light blue embroidered on khaki background with khaki trim. Worn centered on the left pocket, with no other rank patches. There are options set by the local organizations that may allow the Webelo to wear a different type of Webelo patch so that the Cub may display his previous advancement badges.
 
 
Religious Emblems - Religious emblems earned by Cub Scouts or Webelos Scouts are worn centered above the left uniform shirt pocket. Medals are worn only on formal occasions such as official uniform inspections, blue and gold banquets, troop courts of honor, etc. The religious emblem square knot, silver knot on purple background, is worn over the left pocket of the Cub Scout uniform shirt by a Cub Scout who has earned his religious emblem. To learn more about the specific requirements for these recognitions and who to contact in your religious organization regarding them, visit the BSA Religious Emblems pages.
 
Miscellaneous Activity Medals - Medals earned by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts in derbies or other contests are worn centered above the left shirt pocket. These should be worn only on special occasions such as those mentioned above. Only five medals may be worn at a time, pinned in a single row immediately above the seam of the left pocket.
 
Attendance Pin and Bar - A gold-colored pin that may be worn to recognize good attendance at den and pack meetings. Year bars are available to attach to the first year bar and pin. Worn centered above the left pocket by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts. The original pin comes with the 1-year bar, the other available bars include all years through and including the 10-year bar. (Requirements for this recognition are determined by the pack committee. This recognition is for the boys only.)
 
Arrow of Light - A gold design embroidered on a tan background with a blue border. Worn on the left pocket flap centered over the button. This is the highest award in Cub Scouting and the only Cub Scout badge that may be worn on the Boy Scout uniform. It also represents one of the few badges earned as youth that may be worn on an adult leader's uniform.
Note: Small metal pin replicas of each Cub rank badges are available for civilian wear and/or presentation to a parent. Presentation of these pins encourages more parent participation with their Cubs. The pins also serve to recognize the role the parents play in motivating their Cub to advance. These pins are for wear on civilian clothing and are NOT authorized for wear on an official uniform.
World Crest - This emblem is placed above the left uniform pocket. Determine the horizontal center line through the patch and use one of the tips to help you mark that as you affix the patch. Use a ruler to line up the bottom peak of the left uniform pocket with the center of the button, and extend an imaginary line up to the shoulder seam. Along that imaginary line, determine the center point between the top edge of the pocket and the shoulder seam. In other words, affix the emblem centered horizontally above the left pocket, and placed vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket.
 
The World Crest emblem should be worn by all youth and adult leaders. The 1-1/2" diameter badge is white on a violet background. It contains a basic fleur motif encircled by a rope tied with a reef or square knot symbolizing the unity and brotherhood of the World Organization of Scouting Movement (WOSM) throughout the world.
 
For an excellent historical account of the crest, visit Lew Orans' "The World Scout Emblem".
 
 
 
 
 
Embroidered Square Knots and Pin Devices - Embroidered 'Square Knots' are representative of pin-on medals or ribbon suspended medals and are designed for the convenience of the Cub (and the parent!) as well as others authorized to wear the knots.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Square Knots are always oriented with the loop of the embroidered knot that comes in front of the standing part (known as the 'loop' or 'bight') to the wearer's right. Another clue to correct orientation is that knots are worn with the distinguishing color (not white) towards the wearer's right. If you are still unsure about correct orientation, check out the knot image links below.
 
Square knots are worn centered above the left uniform pocket, in rows of three. There is no particular order in which they should be worn, but it is suggested that the knot deemed most important by the wearer be worn on his own right. For the authoritative Web-treatise on Square Knots, visit Mike Walton's highly recommended Square Knots page and his Devices on Square Knots page.
 
 
 
The following embroidered square knots are available for wear by Cub Scouts who have earned special recognitions:
Religious Emblems Earned as a Youth - Cub Scouts that satisfy all of the requirements of their respective churches award program may wear the silver knot on purple background. Worn on the field uniform to represent attainment of the 'dress' medal.
 
Devices for the Youth Religious Square Knots - This miniature device is worn with the youth religious emblem square knot emblem(s) earned as a youth. Wear Cub Scout device with the first-level emblem (God and Me, Maccabee, etc.) earned as a Tiger or Cub Scout; Webelos Scout device for second-level (God and Family, Parvuli Dei, Faith in God, Light of the World, Aleph, etc.) earned as a Webelos Scout; Boy Scout Device emblem earned as a Boy Scout; and/or Venturer device emblem earned as an Venturer or older Boy Scout or Varsity Scout. Only one knot is worn, but any combination of devices may be worn on the same knot.
 
Medal of Merit Knot - Awarded to youth members who have performed some outstanding act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others. Worn on the field uniform to represent the 'dress' medal.
 
Heroism Award Knot - Awarded to youth members demonstrating heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at minimum risk to self. Worn on the field uniform to represent the 'dress' medal.
 
Honor Medal Knot - Awarded to youth members who demonstrate unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to his own. In cases of exceptional skill or resourcefulness and extreme risk of life, the medal is awarded with crossed palms. Worn on the field uniform to represent the 'dress' medal. -
 
Boy Scouts of America Medals for Valor and Meritorious Action - Originated in 1911, the BSA Medals of Valor are Scouting's premiere recognitions for a member's Lifesaving and Meritorious Action. They are presented by the BSA National Court of Honor (NCOH) based on the type of action, and the degree of danger involved. The council advancement committee or subcommittee may be constituted as a committee on lifesaving and meritorious action awards.
 
Awards for Lifesaving - Recognition may be given to a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouts of America, Varsity Scout, Explorer, or leader-where the evidence presented to the National Court of Honor, in accordance with prescribed regulations, shows that he or she saved or attempted to save life under circumstances that indicate heroism and risk to self. The court will give consideration to resourcefulness and to demonstrated skill in rescue methods. In no case shall recognition be given where it appears that the risk involved was merely in the performance of duty, or the meeting of an obligation because of responsibility to supervise and give leadership to the persons whose lives were saved.
 
It shall be wholly within the discretion of the National Court of Honor to determine from evidence presented which, if any, lifesaving award shall be made. Awards are issued in the name of the Boy Scouts of America. The awards are as follows:
Honor Medal - Awarded to a youth member or adult leader who demonstrates unusual heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at considerable risk to his own. In cases of exceptional skill or resourcefulness and extreme risk of life, the medal is awarded with crossed palms.
 
Heroism Award - Awarded to a youth member or adult leader demonstrating heroism in saving or attempting to save a life at minimum risk to self.
Awards for Meritorious Action - Recognition may be given to a youth member or adult leader of the Boy Scouts of America where the evidence presented to the National Court of Honor, in accordance with prescribed regulations, shows that a significant or outstanding act of service was performed. The action taken need not involve attempts of rescue or risk to self but must put into practice Scouting skills and/or ideals. Recognition shall not be given where it appears that the action involved was merely in the performance of duty or the meeting of an obligation. The awards are:
Medal of Merit - Awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed some outstanding act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others.
 
National Certificate of Merit - The National Certificate of Merit may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition.
 
 
 
 
Service Stars / Year Pins - Gold metallic numbered star (some older stars may not have a number) worn with colored background to indicate years of service in a particular Scouting program. The color of the backing determines which program the star represents
 
 
Star(s) are worn centered and 3/8- inch above the left pocket. Cubs who participated in the Tiger Cubs before 2000, may wear the Tiger Cub service star with orange background on their Cub Scout uniform. The stars and their backgrounds remain an official part of the Scout's uniform forever. You simply move the star and the applicable background onto the uniform for the next program. If your uniform included Square Knot awards, the Year Pin is worn 3/8-inch above the Square Knot awards.
 
The most important distinction with the service pins is the color of the background. Just to confuse things some, over the years some of the colors have represented different types of service than the currrent official use. It gets more confusing because veteran scouts are entitled to wear the color that they first received. This is done out of pride for service to the youth of our nation. Below are some of the colors along with the current use and any prior uses. You should also note that adult leaders that participated in Scouting in their youth are entitled, and most likely do, wear the color/star combination to indicate their participation. The number of stars on the uniform of some veteran Scouts will have the highest ranking military generals wondering if they are supposed to salute the Scout.
Orange - May be worn by any youth that first participated as in Tiger Cub program through 2000. In 2001 the Tiger Cub Program migrated as an official part of the CSA program, so their Tiger Cub year will fall under the Cub Scout Youth participant with the yellow background.
 
Yellow - Indicates participation as a Cub Scout YOUTH. This includes Tiger through Webelos. For those that participated in the Tiger Cub program before it integrated into the CSA (1999 and before) may wear their 1-year tiger pin on an orange background.
 
Green - Indicates participation as a Boy Scout YOUTH.
 
Brown - Indicates participation as a Varsity Scout YOUTH.
 
Red - Indicates participation as a Exploring/Career Awareness Exploring or Venturing/Sea Scouting YOUTH.
 
Light Blue - Indicates participation for ALL ADULT service, regardless of program (either as a volunteer or professional).
 
As one more piece of proof that the Scouting programs are not "paramilitary" in nature is that there is some logic to the colors. The colors correspond to the program associated with the type of service (or program) in which the Scout participated:
  • Yellow - Used for those that participated as a youth in Cub Scouts. Yellow matches the color of the piping on the Cub Scout uniform.
  • Green - Green has been the color associated with Boy Scouts since the days of Baden Powell.
  • Red/Dark Red -In the original days of the Explorer Scout programs, participants wore a darker green uniform than the green Boy Scouts uniform. The Explorer uniform used dark crimson piping leading to the use of the red background to indicate participation in the Exploring/Venturing programs.
  • Light Blue - Light blue is traditionally associated with service with the local Council and this is because the blue color used on Council flags is a lighter blue than used on Pack flags.
    •
Just because the colors have some logic to them, has no bearing on the rules governing which stars to wear with which color, and how to calculate the number on the star. Even the Official Insignia Guide issued by the BSA fails to cover every eventuality. Here is a good "rule of thumb" guide on how to wear these stars.
 
Scouts may wear the highest number representing the total number of years representing participation in that program. Do NOT count any time period towards the years on another star. In other words, no double dipping!
 
The "highest year in each program" (Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing or the old Exploring program, and adult service). Each program has a color backing corresponding to that program and the youth or adult wears the HIGHEST TENURED YEARPIN in that program.
 
One of the axioms of Scouting uniforming and insignia policies is that "Scouts and Scouters wear insignia and uniforming representing their current status in the movement and the status in the program in which they currently participate.
 
For instance, a Cub Scout who earned a one-year service star, wears a one year service star with a yellow backing. When that Cub Scout earns a two-year service star, he replaces the one-year pin with the two year pin. He does not wear both stars. The same principle holds true for three, four and five-year pins. Each is replaced with the current pin representing "the current status of the Scout." In other words, one pin per colored background.
 
A Boy Scout who was a Cub Scout for five years wears a five year Cub Scout year pin on his Boy Scout uniform. When he earns a year pin as a Boy Scout, he wears a one-year pin with the green backing for Boy Scouting. When that Boy Scout earns a two-year service star, he replaces the one-year pin with the two year pin. He does not wear both stars. The same principle holds true for three, four and five-year pins. Each is replaced with the current pin representing "the current status of the Scout." In other words, one pin per colored background.
 
In this case, he now wears two stars: one on the yellow Cub background and one on the green Boy Scout background.
 
Apply this same priniciple for all of the Scouting programs including, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, and Adult service as avolunteer or professional.
 
The Service Star program is administered at the local unit level with guidelines from the local or regional council. There are no records concerning how many service stars you've received kept at the National nor local Council levels. HOWEVER, registration data IS kept at both locations for the various Veteran Awards starting with the ten-year Veteran's card and pin awarded by the local Council and going upwards from there.
 
 
RIGHT POCKET
 
The pocket on the right side of the uniform is traditionally the location of most temporary insignia. Temporary insignia are not required, but encouraged, during uniform inspections.
Progress Towards Rank / Immediate Recognition Patch- This is a diamond shaped blue, white, and yellow Cub Scout diamond with the words, "Progress Toward Ranks." Worn on the button of the right shirt pocket. A yellow bead is presented for each three Wolf achievements earned until all four beads are earned and the boy is eligible to receive the Wolf badge. Red beads are presented for each three Bear achievements earned. Cub Scouts may continue to wear this emblem after ranks are earned until they become Webelos Scouts.
 
These bead collecting devices are used as way of recognizing the steps along the way to advancement. Once attached to the button and the flap buttoned over the top of it, the entire tab should hang as straight down as possible and look neat in appearance.
 
Official Scouting Program Strip - This is the strip that comes already affixed to most official uniform shirts. This strip identifies the Scouting program in which the wearer participates.
 
National Pack Summertime Award Pin - A gold sunburst pin given to Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts in packs earning the National Summertime Pack Award. Boys must participate in all three summer pack activities to be eligible for the award. Can be earned more than once, but only one can be worn at a time. Worn centered on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. (This pin is for the youth only and not for adults.)
 
If awarded, the National Summertime Award is pinned centered horizontally above the button at the center point of the top of the button and the top of the pocket flap.
 
Recruiter Strip - Cloth strip presented to boys for recruiting another boy into the program. Worn by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts centered, below, and touching either the right pocket, or centered, below, and touching the Tiger Cub strip if applicable.
 
Tiger Cub Strip - Cloth strip worn by boys to indicate prior membership in Tiger Cubs BSA. Worn centered, below, and touching the right pocket and above the recruiter strip. (Note: Since this program merged with Cub Scouts of American in 2001, this ribbon should become rare.)
 
Cub Scout World Conservation Award - Giant panda on violet Scout trefoil, violet trim, gold background. Two-inch embroidered emblem, worn as temporary patch, centered on right pocket.
 
Other Temporary Insignia - Any insignia authorized by the local council for a particular purpose, such as Scoutoramas, Cub Scout day camp, roundup programs, etc. worn by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts centered on the right pocket of the uniform shirt. Only one temporary patch in addition to the immediate recognition or compass point emblem may be worn at a time. Additional temporary patches may be placed on a red vest that may be worn except during inspections.
 
 
RIGHT SLEEVE
 
The right sleeve of the Cub Scout uniform is used to display the American flag, the den number or Webelo designation, and a Quality of Unit strip, if awarded.
 
American Flag Patch - This red, white, and blue embroidered flag is attached to the right sleeve on the Cub's uniform. The proper placement is so that the corners of the level patch barely touch the shoulder seam on the shirt. The center vertical line of the patch should coincide with the center crease on the sleeve when worn.
 
 
Den Numeral or Webelo Patrol Emblem - The den numeral is blue patch with the word "Den" and the den's number embroidered in gold. The Den 10 patch is centered below, and barely touching, the US Flag patch.
 
Quality Unit Awards - When appropriate to affix to your Cub's uniform, this patch is placed so that the vertical center line of the patch lines up with the US Flag and Den 10 patch. The top edge of this patch is located 4" below the top edge of the US Flag patch. When placed this way, once your Cub advances into Webelos, the Webelos Patrol patch will replace the Den Number patch. The space between the bottom of the US Flag and the top of the Quality Unit Award allows for a perfect fit.
 
 
LEFT SLEEVE
 
The left sleeve of the Cub Scout uniform is used to display the local Council and Charter Number (Pack or Troop Number). If the chartered organization qualifies for an anniversary strip, it is worn just below the Charter Number. Shoulder braids may drape over this shoulder to designate various leadership positions within Scout programs.
 
Council Shoulder Patch - A council shoulder patch (CSP) emblem is worn by all Cub Scouts directly below the shoulder seam on the left sleeve. The vertical center line of the patch should line up with the vertical center line of the uniform shirt when worn. The top edge of the Council patch should barely touch the shoulder seam on the shirt. Each council's patch is unique. Periodically a council may change their patch for various reasons. This causes these CSP emblems to become a highly sought after item for collectors. New Cubs must wear the patch issued by their council at the time they join. Unless the local council requires all scouts to change to the new patch, usually you may continue to wear the patch you first received.
 
 
Anniversary Emblem - These emblems represent the number of years that a unit has maintained an official charter with the BSA and CSA. The emblem is issued as a silver (25 years), gold (50 years), or maroon (75 years) embroidered bar worn by boys and adult leaders in packs to represent the number of years a unit has been chartered. When appropriate, this patch is affixed to the left sleeve with the top edge barely touching the lower edge of the Council patch. The emblem should be centered below the Council patch.
 
 
Pack/Unit Numerals - The pack's number is issued with each number on a separate patch with a white numeral embroidered on red background. Since we have three numbers in our Pack Number, affix the middle number lining its vertical center line with the center line of the Council Patch or Anniversary Emblem. The center numeral should barely touch the patch above it. Line the first and last number so that they square with the center number.
 
 
 
 
Shoulder Braids - Shoulder braids designate leadership positions within the unit. The braids include:
Denner Braid - A gold double-strand shoulder cord worn on the left shoulder with cord suspended under arm. Worn only during term of office and removed when the term is completed. The tab may be worn without the cord to indicate previous service as a denner. Note: Webelos denners with the tan/olive uniform wear the cord, without the tab, under the left epaulet.
 
Assistant Denner Braid - A gold single-strand shoulder cord worn on the left shoulder with cord suspended under arm. It is also removed when the term of office is completed. Note: Webelos assistant denners with the tan/olive uniform wear the cord, without the tab, under the left epaulet.
 
Den Chief Braid - A den chief is a member of the Boy Scouts of America and has chosen to share his Scouting experience with a den of Cub Scouts. A den chief plays a vital role in helping to bridge the gap between the younger Cubs and the other leaders. He is old enough that the other boys look upon him as a Scout with experience, but they can still relate to him because he is a kid not much older than the Cubs.
 
Worn by Bobcat, Wolf, and Bear Den Chief's, this blue and gold single-strand shoulder cord is worn suspended from the left shoulder. It is removed when the term of office is completed.
 
Webelos Den Chief Braid - Worn by Webelos Den Chief's, this blue, gold and red single-strand shoulder cord is worn suspended from the left shoulder. It is removed when the term of office is completed.
 
Den Chief Award Braid - Granted to Boy Scout Den Chief's that have met the high standards of Den Chief service. This red, white, and blue single-strand shoulder cord is worn suspended from the left shoulder. Unlike the other braids which the Boy Scout removes from his uniform at the conclusion of his duties as a Den Chief, this award may remain a permanent part of the Scout's uniform.
 
 
Shoulder Loops
 
 
You will see people throughout Scouting wearing different color shoulder loops on their tan uniform shirts. The color represents the program they are representing at any particular time. You may see the same person wearing one color at one type of activity and another color for another activity. This shows that the person serves in more than one position or program. Here is what the colors mean:
Blue - Youth & Leaders in the Cub Scout Program
 
Red - Youth & Leaders in Boy Scout Program
 
Green - Youth & Leaders in ScoutingProgram
 
Orange - Youth & Leaders in Varsity Scout Program
 
Silver - Youth & Leaders serving in a District or Council capacity
 
Gold - Youth & Leaders serving in a Regional or National capacity