A new Boy Scout in Kilt

[longhuntr74]

Thanks guys for the support I never meant things to have gotten ugly, we all know when we decide to wear an kilt that we face some social issues with people who do not like seeing things not to their norm. I take care when I am around the youth not to put in any situations that might bring harm to them and to me. I am a very active scout leader and I do not try to buck the system or have the boys do also. I just wanted to share that some boys have studied my kilts, questioned why I wear them, and then they went out on their own and purchase them. They found the reasons I gave were true and are happy with their decsion.

MM

As someone who's been a registered scout or scouter in the BSA for 27 years consecutively, I wanted to applaud you myself (by the way....I'm 35).

As far as the sentiments of wearing the Uniform and wearing it correctly...I recognize the importance of it and generally agree that we should set the example for the boys by wearing it frequently and properly. I know that there are many troops that do not require scout pants or shorts....and some that are very strict in the uniform standards. The wear of the uniform is, indeed, one of the methods of scouting. I, personally, typically wear official pants or shorts with the uniform, but have been known to wear green similar pants on occasion in lieu of offical pants. I think the most important thing, when it comes to representing the organization and enforcing standards, is to look neat, clean, and presentable.

As far as the situation you describe...I think anyone saying that to wear a kilt with a troop t-shirt is a violation of BSA policies is stretching things a bit far. You are doing what scout leaders are supposed to be doing...that is making scouts fun, being a positive role model, and giving them memories that will last a lifetime! Many boys don't have a good male (or female...to be un-gender biased) role model in their lives and participation in scouting can be a life changing experience for them. Keep up the good work and keep your program fun and exciting!!!

[EagleJCS]

Ladies & Gentlemen, I didn't intend for my posts to be taken as being contrary or argumentative. I was simply stating what the BSA national policy is (based on available publications) and offering the additional instruction I have received from my local professional staff. Scouting is my second family, and I wanted to make sure that those that aren't members of the 'family' got the whole picture - both sides of the story, if you will.

I applaud the courage the young man showed in wearing the kilt to a Scout meeting. Young people are extremely harsh on their peers that are seen to be non-conformist (even in a 'non-conformist' group).

The point of wearing similar clothing (a uniform) is for everyone to be on an equal footing. That's why a lot of public schools have taken to wearing school uniforms, or having strict guidelines on appropriate attire. If things that are not part of the uniform are worn, that puts those that can't afford them - or don't want to wear them, even if they can afford them - on a "lower rung", at least perceptually. It also puts the wearer in a different group (the 'elite', in their eyes), which defeats the purpose of uniformity and could eventually affect the group's cohesiveness and ability to function.

Please understand, I'm not deriding wearing the kilt - I enjoy wearing mine. I'm not even deriding wearing it to a troop meeting. I would consider wearing mine to a troop meeting, but only in an appropriate context: discussing the merit badges Citizenship in the World, Cultural Awareness, Genealogy, Music (demonstrating the bagpipe), Public Speaking (talking about the kilt and the associated apparel), or even Textile. I don't think I'd wear any Scout-related apparel with it to the troop meeting, though (meaning no troop t-shirt either).

[Pleater]

The American Boy Scout movment do seem to be stricter in their attitude to uniform than in some other places.

They also seem to have lost the original connection to kilts which still seems to exist in Britain and Europe.

I was told that last summer (2008) there was a Boy Scout camp in Normandy with the theme of Scotland and that at least one troop was able to attend with everyone, boys and leaders, wearing a kilt.

One of my neighbours was involved with local boy scouts - the 3rd Parkstone, I think, and it was a moment to treasure when I was able to pass on to him a Scouting fleur de lis, with the two stars pierced through the brass, which I found when emptying my dad's house after he had died. Had I just handed over the lost crown of England he could not have been more confounded.

I hope that it is still in use, stuck on some pole or flagstaff - I will perhaps go and see, one of these days.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[CoreyMacLeod]

As I mentioned the boys and I do not wear our kilts to the proper uniform meetings only to the casual ones. I understand that many units have everyone in uniform 100% of the time, our troop does not. If asked I would would defer the uniform guidelines that do not list kilts as an appropriate uniform piece. By the way, the boys all choose different Tartans, while I usually wear my Alpha's

MM

MM, you just go on and do what you do. Don't worry with everyone else. YOU are putting in the time and effort. My Boy Scout leaders were some of the only positive male role models I had when I was a kid. THAT'S what I went for, not for any uniform. Matter of fact, when that troop eventually folded and I went to one that was "BY THE BOOK" I found it to be very bland and uninteresting. I learned nothing and quickly left.

[CoreyMacLeod]

Seriously? It's not about the color of your pants. "You're not your farking Khakis."

Do a good turn daily

On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, and to obey the Scout law. To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.



Nowhere does it it say that a scout is to be in a uniform, or must wear green pants or shorts, or NOT wear a kilt, or wear a certain shirt. Geez. Clothing matters not, as long as it is clean and does not contain offensive language or images.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Gee Corey, I can appreciate where you are coming from but, since its inception in the United States in 1910, Scouting has been, and continues to be, a uniformed organization. That is what sets it apart from the myriad of other groups-- such as the YMCA and local church organizations-- and what has encouraged its survival for nearly a century in the USA.

It would seem to me, looking at the twelve points of the Scout's Law, that one way a scout shows his loyalty to other scouts is thorough his obedience to the rules and regulations of scouting. And in my book (or should that be "handbook"?) that includes the wearing of the uniform in the manner prescribed by National Headquarters.

[PGH]

Nowhere does it it say that a scout is to be in a uniform, or must wear green pants or shorts, or NOT wear a kilt, or wear a certain shirt. Geez. Clothing matters not, as long as it is clean and does not contain offensive language or images.

The uniform is one of the eight methods of Scouting. It is a separate method from the Oath and Law in Method 1 - The Ideals.

[Cherub]

I am sorry for all the confusion, in our Troop ,the first Monday of a month, we all wear full Boy Scout uniforms. The other two meeting nights the boys wear Troop T-SHIRTS and whatever they want on the bottom. I am not aware if one wears a scouting T-SHIRT that one has to wear Official Scout shorts or pants. I am quite dismayed over all this bickering of me leading the boys down the path of rebellion, especially on a Kilt site where most of us have been misjudged on the reasons we wear a kilt.

MM

I have to agree with what others have said good on you for being a volunteer Leader, When i was in Cubs My father was a Leader and at the time my brother was a beaver and my mother was a beaver leader. We were a 415th family the 415th at the time had 2 beaver troops, 3 cub packs, 2 scout troops and I think one higher level group. The Family dinner nights for the whole 415th filled up the local high school gym.

but This is over 30 years ago and i don't think anyone was wearing a kilt at the time.

[HarborSpringsPiper]

I don't know anything about this photo other than its title, "Keith Martin, Boy Scouts of America". Seemed like it deserved a showing here.




Found a companion pic entitled, "Boy Scouts of America, 1936"

[Frank McGrath]

I worked under a "Scoutmaster" that gave the boys demerits for not showing up in class a's at every troop meeting. Some of the kids' parents could afford full uniform and some could not. I know that it was all I could do to get my 2 boys to wear the shirt. I ended up taking them out of this troop because of the scoutmaster. He had made enemies everywhere the troop went. It was hard to take the boys to camp every summer because we had been thrown out of 3 different councils camps. I tried to lead a coup to take over the troop, but he had loaded the unit with his friends ad none had boys in the troop.
If the kid is doing well and learning how to be a better person thru Scouting, I wouldn't care what he wore to the meeting.

But that is just my opinion. Rant over.
Oh, by the way, I just donated some old uniforms to a local troop. I know someone will get some use from them.