Boy Scout kilts

[Royal Scots]

This is my first post. I liked what has been said about the kilt and the scouting movement. I have also worn my kilt on many scouting occasions. I have had a bit of resistance in the past from some scouting nazi's. I have found that there are quite a few people that are ignorant to scouting policies. You guys have struck it on the head with the venturing program. I'm a unit commissioner and wear my kilt when ever I can. Besides, my wife doesn't complain tht I spent $700 on a kilt that I only wear twice a year.

[Nick]

I'm aghast at the comments about our kilt wearing members who participate in Scouting getting told that they are somehow being a "disgrace to the regiment" by showing up in a kilt. What gives?

I worked on staff at the local Scout camp for ten years, and I've noticed that many of the Scout leaders who hold this attitude are ex-military, and have transferred the expected discipline and regulations of their military days to their troop. Not as a broad generalisation, but many of them, anyway. My troop didn't follow strict protocol, though we certainly had rules, and I don't think that harmed my experience.

I've posted this before, but this is a picture of me before going to a Council ceremony. The Council Exec approved.

[Detroitpete]

If you are interested, the Clan MacLaren Society of North America accepts ALL Scouts who have completed their "wood badge" as non-voting clan members.

See information about Clan MacLaren and the Scouting connection at www.clanmaclarenna.org

I personally think a MacLaren Modern tartan would look GREAT for Scouts ;-)

[tomcherv]

If you are interested, the Clan MacLaren Society of North America accepts ALL Scouts who have completed their "wood badge" as non-voting clan members.

See information about Clan MacLaren and the Scouting connection at www.clanmaclarenna.org

I personally think a MacLaren Modern tartan would look GREAT for Scouts ;-)

That's why I have a MacLaren Modern. And yes - I'm ex-military too, but I'm reasonable. (I was an officer - Lieutenant and then Captain - so I was never really in charge ;-) )

Actually - (Shhhh. Don't tell anyone) I first became interested in Wood Badge because I could join the Clan MacLaren Society of North America and have a reason to wear their tartan. After hanging out here for a while, I know better now.

AND

Wood Badge was an awesome course and one I highly encourage any Scout Volunteer to attend.

[Royal Scots]

Like the picture Nick. I plan on wearing my kilt to roundtable and see what kind of mess that gets me. I've been a woddbadger for only short seven years now and I know that alot of woodbadgers don't understand the concept of the McLaren tartan and the history. It would be nice if there were a memo concerning the use of kilts in the Boy Scouts, however, I don't mind if some of the old codgers get their goat gotten. Most don't own a proper uniform anyway. They show up jeans, slacks, shorts (that are not scout issue), patches put on in the wrong place, and don't follow the rest of the scouting rules. I believe that the kilt at least has more of a place in scouting and should more accepted than what they are at the very least doing.

[McNulty]

I've been involved in Scouting for the past 25 years, most recently as a Unit Commissioner and enjoyed every moment. The ideas(s) for "Proper Uniforming" have always been a topic of discussion during a gathering of Scouters. There is a time and place for all things, and like my kilts, I've got a uniform to suit the occasion. When the regs call for a "Class A" then I wear one, BUT when it just says that I should be uniformed I kinda go from there. Rules are meant to be BENT not BROKEN. During my unit visits I'll wear my MacClaren w/ dark green shirt but if there is a special situation requiring my wearing a certain uniform, then so be it.
Being a Wood Badge Scouter (EC 461 W) with three Woggles I have to/need to set an example for the other Scouts/Scouters and will dress accordingly. However I wear the kilt whenever I can (usually a BW or the MacClaren). No problem at Round Table or Training sessions and especially at gatherings such as Camp-o-rees, summercamp or campouts. I do not want to make the organization that means so much to so many look bad by being improperly dressed. I'll get comments at unit meetings like "What, no kilt tonight?" and the next time show up in one if appropriate. There are times to be "strack" and times to wear the kilt. There, I've shot my bolt.
Nulty

[skruse]

I very much appreciate the discussion. I came up through the scouting program, including Eagle + 2 palms + Vigil OA. Kilts only add to the intrigue of the positive potential scouting offers - for both young men and women.

We now have to train a whole generation of adult leaders who did not come up through scouting, do not have collective wisdom and must learn anew.

[Matty Ross]

I really enjoyed this tread. I have been involved with the BSA for over 25 years and have been to Wood Badge twice. In Fact I was just recently invited to serve on Wood Badge staff. I am rather new to Kilt wearing, however I expect it will be an integral part of my Scouting future. I therefore applaud any Scout or Scouter who wears a Kilt.
See you on the Trail
Matty Ross

[Mark Keeney]

I'm aghast at the comments about our kilt wearing members who participate in Scouting getting told that they are somehow being a "disgrace to the regiment" by showing up in a kilt. What gives? I've said on many occasions that a kilt is probably one of the most conservative and traditional things that a guy could wear...what's the deal?

Best

AA

The problem is not the kilt. The problem is that there is a uniform that includes pants/shorts, and one of the methods of scouting is the uniform.

Personally I wear the complete uniform when Class A is called for. I have purchased the Scouts UK uniform in its entirety complete with non earned patches in the proper places to wear with my kilt. I wear this and I get questions about the scouting program of the UK. I wear kilts with scouting t-shirts when appropriate.

[george7]

Since there is so much interest in kilt wearing amongst the scouting community, perhaps the higher ups should consider a modified uniform for allowing kilts. Most branches of the US Military have some sect members who wear kilts for certain occasions.