The uniform is a method of Scouting:
“Cub Scout uniforms serve a dual purpose, demonstrating that a Scout is part of a team and showing individual achievement (Scouts wear the badges they’ve earned). Wearing the uniform to meetings and activities also encourages a neat appearance, and good behavior.”For the field uniform, our pack only uses the shirt/top and neckerchief with slide; other uniform purchases are optional. A Scout is thrifty — ask us about our uniform exchange. We also use a pack t-shirt (details will be provided in-person).
We may occasionally offer group ordering for everyone's convenience.
Otherwise, you can buy a field uniform shirt with pre-sewn patches by ordering online from the Crossroads of America Council Scout shop or by calling 317-813-7070. To shop in-person, visit Crossroads Outfitters at Camp Belzer.
Uniforms come standard with an American flag, so you'll need to add:
World Crest Scout Emblem (purple) to represent World Scouting
Council Should Patch ("CSP") for Crossroads of America Council
Cub Scout Unit Numerals (396)
See below for details on each rank/grade.
Blue Cub Scout uniform shirt with unit numerals, council shoulder patch and world crest emblem
Lion neckerchief & slide
Blue Cub Scout uniform shirt with unit numerals, council shoulder patch and world crest emblem
Tiger neckerchief & slide
Blue Cub Scout uniform field with unit numerals, council shoulder patch and world crest emblem
Wolf neckerchief & slide
Blue Cub Scout uniform shirt with unit numerals, council shoulder patch and world crest emblem
Bear neckerchief & slide
New Webelos, or Webelos that need to change sizes during the year, should acquire a tan uniform (see below); Current Webelos should continue wearing their Blue Cub Scout uniform shirt
Webelos neckerchief & slide
Tan Scouts BSA uniform shirt with unit numerals, council shoulder patch and world crest emblem, plus Cub Scout shoulder loops
Neckerchief at den's discretion, don't buy initially
Tan Scouts BSA uniform shirt with unit numerals, council shoulder patch and world crest emblem, plus Cub Scout shoulder loops
Include a position emblem as needed
Add the Trained emblem after you've completed any position-specific training
Adult neckerchiefs are optional (don't wear youth neckerchiefs)
The interpreter strip is worn above the right pocket.
"Temporary patches" or "fun patches" are worn on the right pocket (usually via button loop or patch holder). Patches are commonly given out for council or district events (summer camp, district camporees, district Pinewood Derby, Scout Fun Nights, etc.)
The recruiter strip is worn below the pocket.
Cub Scout badges of rank for Lion, Tiger, Wolf, and Bear are worn on the left pocket (sewn or with a diamond holder).
Place Cub Scout badges of rank based on the order they are earned. The first badge of rank earned is placed in patch position 1; the second is placed in position 2; the third is placed in position 3; and the fourth is placed in position 4.
The Webelos badge of rank is worn centered on the left pocket. It replaces any previous ranks.
The Arrow of Light badge of rank is worn underneath the left pocket. It will remain there during the Scouts BSA program to show status as a graduate of Cub Scouts.
(Adults who earned Arrow of Light may wear the Arrow of Light Award knot.)
Cub Scouts earn items for completing Adventures. (By completing six required Adventures and at least two elective Adventures, Cub Scouts will earn their badge of rank for the year.)
The Lion, Tiger, Wolf, and Bear ranks (K–3rd) award belt loops, while Webelos and Arrow of Light ranks (4th and 5th) award pins.
See "Other useful items" below for ways to display belt loops and pins.
Some youth and adults are awarded knots/medals that are worn above the left pocket. For Cub Scouts, this is mostly limited to awards for heroism or the religious emblem award. Adults may have earned the Eagle Scout Award, a training award, etc.
For more details, refer to the Guide to Awards and Insignia.
For pack meetings or public outings, the field uniform is encouraged. For den meetings, follow the advice of your den leader.
The “Be Prepared” answer: wear the pack t-shirt under the field uniform, and remove the field uniform as needed.
The “Do Your Best” answer: wear something clean.
By the way, if someone tells you to wear a "Class A uniform," they mean the field uniform shirt. If they say "Class B uniform" or "activity uniform," they mean a pack t-shirt (or other Scouting t-shirt).
A backpack is a great way to show off the loops and pins you get from completing Adventures.
Traditionally, a Cub Scout belt is used to display Adventure belt loops earned by Lions, Tigers, Wolves, and Bears. Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts can also display pins on Adventures Colors (worn on right sleeve of uniform) or an official hat. DIY displays are also an option.
Buying the official handbook is a decision made by each den. Regardless, your child may enjoy reading and looking through one, and it contains useful information for adults as well.
More official items are available at scoutshop.org, and a limited assortment can also be found on Amazon.