As in any organization, Troop 238 has a set of guidelines to help us be consistent in what we do and how we do it. The guidelines are available to all adults and youth registered with the troop and typically given to new members when they join.
Uniform Guidelines
Members of Troop 238 wear a distinctive uniform, which although entirely “official” is subtly different than the uniform worn by most other Scout Troops. This is in keeping with our traditional scouting philosophy and our belief that Scouts should look like “Scouts” rather than members of the military, or of a sports team or other organization. The most important distinctions are our hats, our neckerchiefs, our stockings and our staves.
The classic silhouette as depicted in the famous Mackenzie scout statue (and also in many of the Norman Rockwell paintings) is the image that Troop 238 wishes to portray. Members of Troop 238 care about the smallest detail of their uniforms. We like to see heads turn when we march by. We like to be the only troop in FULL uniform, and we like to feel SHARP. We’re proud that we are Scouts and we’re proud of our troop.
Our uniform, although traditional in appearance, is designed, as it was traditionally intended, to function as a one part of an integrated camping and outdoor activity system consisting of clothing, equipment, tools and know how, and it is important all elements of the uniform be obtained and worn properly.
1.Hats:
Class A: Campaign or “Smokey the Bear” hat. Official BSA Campaign hats are available through the Scout shop or on the internet. The official version is of a very high quality, includes an official leather hat band, and its cost reflects same. If the official hat is purchased it will be the most expensive part of the uniform. Also acceptable are second hand campaign hats available on eBay, and new surplus hats, available through several internet resources. The surplus hats are of a lesser quality, but otherwise acceptable, provided they are of the correct green color. Hat Keep the brim hard and straight by pressing with a hot iron over a damp cloth. Keep your hat in a press or on a flat surface when not in use. Nothing captures the image of a Scout more than the broad-brimmed hat. Although many options have been tried over the years (such as the W.W.II overseas hat, the red beret and the baseball cap), the “Smoky-the-Bear” or “Campaign” hat is the only uniform item which has remained constant since Scouting came to the United States in the early 1900s. In addition to its obvious functionality, it is still the broad-brimmed hat which makes Troop 238 stand out from other troops in camp or at a parade.
Class B: Any “baseball” type cap, having a front brim. Traditional solid colors such as green, brown, black, maroon, etc., or containing Scouting designs are preferable. The Troop has an official Class B cap which should be obtained from the Scoutmaster.
2. Neckerchief:
Traditional 32″ X 32″ plain square neckerchief, in the troop color. The neckerchief is worn OVER the collar, so that the entire collar is concealed. The collar should be turned under the neck opening. The neckerchief is secured using a slide consisting of a three stranded leather “turk’s head” made by the scout, and tied at the end as a reminder for each scout to “do a good turn daily.” The Neckerchief is rolled rather than folded. The point at the back should be about six inches from the top.
3. Shirts:
Official long sleeved “Centennial” shirt made of Supplex Nylon. Tuck in your shirt at the waist and keep it free from bulges and wrinkles. Turn in the collar so that the neckerchief will lay neatly and snugly. Sleeves are typically rolled up and secured. The sleeves of your T-shirt or undershirt must be short enough so as not to be visible by protruding outside the sleeve of the uniform shirt. Do not have over-crowded pockets. You should have a pencil, notepad and your advancement progress card inside the left pocket. Insignia Should be sewn on flat with no gaps or buckling and no loose threads. Check your Scout Handbook for the proper location of the badges and patches.
Under shirt:Any clean, sturdy and properly fitting T-Shirt. Must be one solid color unless containing approved Scouting designs. Traditional solid colors such as green, brown, black, maroon, etc. are preferable. The Troop has an official undershirt which should be obtained from the Scoutmaster.
4. Belt:
The official “Centennial” web Scout belt, with gunmetal buckle, should be trimmed to the proper length — just long enough so that only the metal tip extends outside the buckle. The belt should be worn with belt through all the belt loops of the shorts. The button line of your shirt, your belt buckle, and the fly of your pants should all be in a straight line. This is called the “gig line.”
5. Pants:
Official “Centennial” convertable pants, made of Supplex Nylon. Uniformly worn as “shorts” with trowser legs stored in pack, except when weather dictates that long pants be worn.
6. Socks:
We wear traditional long knee socks. Unfortunately, these socks are no longer available from official BSA suppliers, and ours must be obtained from Bass Pro Shop or “Outdoor World.” They are called “Redhead Mountain Bear Socks” and are available in several sizes. They are worn up to just below the knee.
7. Shoes:
Footwear (shoes or boots) must be of a dark color (e.g. brown or black) — not white or a bright color, luminescent, or flamboyant. They must be in good repair and clean with the laces neatly tied. Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support are preferred, particularly for outdoor activities.
Equipment Guidelines
Troop 238’s outdoor program is designed around the philosophy of Scouting’s founder Robert Baden-Powell’s that “Scouting is a Game with a Purpose.” While there is certainly an unlimited universe of camping gadgets, equipment and paraphernalia, and more coming out every day, there are only a certain number of specific items which we believe are necessary in order to “play the game.” Our basic kit of essential scouting equipment is designed, as it was traditionally intended, to function as an integrated camping and outdoor activity system consisting of clothing, equipment, tools and know how, and it is important that all elements of essential scouting equipment be obtained. Most of the required items can be purchased second hand for very reasonable prices on eBay or other internet resources, and Scouts are encouraged to purchase their own equipment. Second hand, service worn and historical Scout equipment is actually preferable and we believe, will enhance the traditional ambiance and “feel” which our traditional program creates. Military or “camouflage” pattern equipment is prohibited. This is the Boy Scouts, not the Army.
1. Back- Pack: This is the Scout’s suitcase. It is the centerpiece of his kit. For comfort and reliability, it is recommended that each Scout obtain a properly fitting, adjustable, external frame backpack with padded shoulder straps and a padded hip strap. There are packs without frames, and packs with internal frames, however we believe that the external frame pack best suits the type of terrain that we typically hike through and camp in. Please note that many sporting goods salespeople will try and convince you to obtain an internal frame backpack. They are more expensive, and although very suitable for ultralight camping or mountainous terrain, are not really the best type of pack for what we do. PLEASE try and get the EXTERNAL frame pack. A backpack is one piece of equipment that cannot be obtained a “size larger” than necessary. All Scouts are required to carry their own equipment, and a backpack which is too large will make it extremely uncomfortable, and in some cases impossible, for Scouts to carry their gear.
2. Sleeping bag or bedroll: A good quality lightweight (3 season) sleeping bag will be sufficient. In South Florida, often a single blanket may be all that is necessary.
3. Poncho: A good quality full size poncho is a necessity. The size should be sufficient to cover the Scout and his pack, down to below the knees. Avoid the cheap plastic type, and try to find one with reinforced grommets or tie down straps that is sturdy enough to be used as a ground cloth and a temporary shelter.
4. Canteen: A canteen that holds at least one quart, preferably two, with a cloth cover and shoulder strap. The covering should be of traditional olive drab color. Many of the Scouts prefer the military surplus style canteens that use a diamond shaped plastic bladder enclosed in a soft cloth cover. These are available from many on-line military surplus outlets. Get the green cover. For long hikes and events, extra water may be carried in the backpack in plastic bottles, however each Scout must have a serviceable and durable “shoulder strap” canteen on his person in order to participate in most outdoor activities. Please do not use the military style belt canteens. Also, although the modern backpack type hydration systems are very useful for some types of outings, they do not fit with our program, and should not be used on Troop 238 activities.
5. Mess-Kit: Each Scout needs his own individual “mess-kit.” This could be as simple as an aluminum pie pan and a metal cup, or more likely, a personal nesting mess kit available through a variety of sources. The mess kit is stored in the pack, and therefore a cover is not necessary. The good quality “official” scout mess kit is no longer available from the BSA supply division, but they are available second hand on eBay for only a few dollars and it is recommended that a second hand mess kit and canteen be purchased on eBay. They can be found in sporting goods stores, and department stores, but BE CAREFUL – These are department store versions are not very durable, have plastic components, and can melt easily or fall apart in a campfire causing servere burns. Please do not use these cheaper messkits! Get an old official one on eBay, or contact the Scoutmaster for a recommendation of where to get a new heavy duty messkit on-line.
6. Utensils: There are all kinds of fancy eating utensil sets. All you really need is one metal spoon. Enough said.
7. Pocket Knife: A good quality, sharp, FOLDING pocket knife is essential. Scouts will have to learn and demonstrate the proper care and use of the knife prior to being authorized to carry one, however a good pocket knife is worth its weight in gold in the wilderness. The official Scout pocketknife is a good choice, but there are many versions, and many other choices. Please stay away from the gimicky knives with too many gadgets. One good sharpenable blade, a can opener and an awl are really all you need. Sheath knives are prohibited.
8. Compass: A required item for traditional Scouting and for personal safety is a reliable compass. Any decent quality baseplate compass will be acceptable. It should have a transparent baseplate and be liquid filled. Adjustable declination is a preferable feature. It should be able to be attached to a lanyard. Once again, keep away from the gimmicks. A perfectly good compass can be purchased new for well under $20.00. Please note: New Scouts always want the military “lensatic” compasses. These are completely useless for what we do with them. The compasses must have a transparent rectangular baseplate.
9. Whistle: Another required item for traditional Scouting and for personal safety is a durable and LOUD whistle. There are a variety of good whistles available from a variety of sources, but make sure you get a good one that will last and will not crush or break. There are many good “official” Scout whistles available, new and second hand, some dating back to 1911. Along with your whistle, you will need a lanyard to keep it on. The lanyard is worn around the neck, with the whistle in the right pocket, usually along with the compass, and is considered part of the uniform.
NOTE: The compass and whistle are attached to a lanyard, made by the Scout, consisting of a 6 foot length of white 1/4 inch cord, on each end of which is attached (by whipping) a lanyard hook. The lanyard is tied, just below the level of the neckerchief woggle, in a “figure eight” knot.
10. Flashlight: A good reliable flashlight is needed, but the SMALLER the better. The aluminum 2AA cell lights or SMALL LED lights are a good choice. There are many others on the market that may be even better. Stay away from the big clunkers.
11. Guardrope: Each Scout is required to carry, attached to his belt, a 15 foot long guard rope with a metal ring on one end and a snap swivel on the other. This is considered part of the uniform. Each Scout will make this item as part of the program.
12. Haversack: For our purposes, a “haversack” is a small, durable canvas or poly drawstring bag, small enough to fit into your pack, and big enough to hold all of your food items and your share of your patrol food items.
13. Dittybag: Another drawstring bag to hold your personal toiletry items, etc. In fact, try t get a few of these, there good for all kinds of things.
14. Official Boyscout Handbook: Current version.
15. Notepad: Must be able to fit inside left pocket of uniform shirt. Must be carried, along with a pen or pencil, as part of uniform.
16. Scout Staff: Each Scout is required to carry a wooden Scout Staff, 1 1/4 inches in diameter, and 2 meters long, with a rubber tip.
PATROL EQUIPMENT: Each patrol will arrange for the provision of certain patrol equipment, which may include tents or other shelter, a hand axe and other tools, cook stoves and fuel, patrol cooking equipment, a patrol lantern, etc. Patrol equipment is provided by the Troop, issued to each scout, as needed, by the quartermaster, and collected at the end of each event. Scouts are responsible for equipment issued to them.