The Kilted Crew

[James MacMillan]

Tradition is a fine thing. It adds unity to things that otherwise would not have any. That is one of the reasons that the Scouting program encourages the wearing of uniforms.

The MacLaren tartan has a fine tradition in Scouting history. If I were you, I educate your charges in it's history and I would also encourage the use of that tartan.

from Sunny Southern California.

[Amoskeag]

I suggest you speak to your unit commissioner and/or your district exec. I usually use them as my sources (unless they disagree with me) I'm a Scoutmaster and I wear McLaren as a "de facto" tartan as I choose not to be Wood Badge. A friend in MD just ordered two UKs to wear at camp. He spoke to the camp director about it and he had no problem other than youth protection rules prevented "regimentalism".

Tradition is a fine thing. It adds unity to things that otherwise would not have any. That is one of the reasons that the Scouting program encourages the wearing of uniforms.

The MacLaren tartan has a fine tradition in Scouting history. If I were you, I educate your charges in it's history and I would also encourage the use of that tartan.

Here! Here!
Jay is absolutely right on this one. A former Scoutmaster, in his "infinite wisdom" let the boys choose their own uniform code or in this case lack thereof. To this day he can't figure out why he had so many problems with the boys. I'm still having a hard time getting the boys to wear green p*nts. Sorry for the digression, I'm done now
I used SWK Thrifties simply for the economy and ease of care. Now I'm actually considering a UK(or of that ilk), which is almost heresy to an old stick in the mud like me.
Either way we gotta see Crew pictures!
Bob

[Standard]

Tradition is a fine thing. It adds unity to things that otherwise would not have any. That is one of the reasons that the Scouting program encourages the wearing of uniforms.

The MacLaren tartan has a fine tradition in Scouting history. If I were you, I educate your charges in it's history and I would also encourage the use of that tartan.

from Sunny Southern California.

I would admonish you to teach your crew that the kilt, if you adopt it as such, is their uniform and not to be taken lightly, or treated as a costume. The kilt as a uniform piece in the US would of course be out of the norm, and as such open to ridicule from others, although this should not be the case, we all know how history treats that which is other than the norm. If, however your entire crew treats the kilt, and the traditions behind it, with the respect due the 'normal' Venturing uniform I would think that attitude would go a long way toward the acceptance of your particular choice.

As for another comment concerning speaking with your District Representative, I would definately do that, if for none other than out of the respect for his (or her) position and to give them a 'heads-up' on your choice. I see nothing in the BSA uniform guidlines which would prevent the wearing of the kilt by all members of your crew, however as a longtime scouter myself I would definately advise letting your higher-ups know about it first before you all show up at a Council event in your kilts.

Hope all works well for you.