BSA and the use of Kilts as Part of the Uniform?

[Sammac]

Welcome from Michigan

[Riverkilt]

Lots of pics on threads of guys in kilts with Scout uniforms or just at Scouting events. Go for it.

Welcome from the canyonlands of Arizona

Ron

[Spartan]

Look folks, I wish it were different but a kilt is not correct in the B.S.A.. You can't vote in a Scout Troop. Wishing doesn't make it so.
From the Official uniform guidelines
"No alteration of, or additions to, the official uniforms, as described in the official publications, or the rules and regulations covering the wearing of the uniform and the proper combinations thereof on official occasions, may be authorized by any Scouting official or local council or any local executive board or committee, except the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America after consideration by the Program Group Committee"

A key here is the definition of "official occasions." I would understand that to include at least Courts of Honor and the like.

As a former Boy Scout Leader I remember having trouble getting boys into proper uniform pants at all. I know one of our local leaders who is regularly kilted when working with his Troop. Maybe some of our kilted BSA Leaders on the forum could share their experience.

Now that I'm not registered with the BSA I'm thinking that maybe I should get a McLaren tartan kilt in honor of my service with the BSA. Having completed Wood Badge, I am qualified to be an honorary member of the Clan MacLaren Society.

[MuffinMan]

While I do wear kilts on outings, I don't mix the uniform in town, after all you are supposed be an example and wearing the proper uniform is what we need to do. In Venture as you know there is no uniform police just the group's vote. There are alot of kilted ventures, its one of the perks.

MM

[Kiltedfirepiper]

I remember going to a jamboree as a kid in scouts, and one of the troops wore kilts.....I always wished I could be part of that troop.....when ever they marched around their bagpiper would play.

(evil grin) I can't WAIT till gavin's old enough for scouts!!

[Fougasse]

Welcome, from Portsmouth, Virginia.

[Matthew Siegmann]

As an Eagle Scout from 1999, I have to agree that since the kilt, for the time being, isn't part of the regulation Class A uniform that it shouldn't be worn with the Class A. However, does anyone (those who grew up in scouting) remember being taught that a scout only works to change laws and rules he thinks is unfair by legal means. To me this also goes for Class A changes. If we want a kilt in a specific tartan to be one of the choices (to be approved for a whole unit's dress) for Class A wear, then we need to work with the National BSA to accomplish this change. While I love wearing my kilts, I find it a direct violation of the scouting principle I mentioned earlier to wear a kilt with your Class A when it isn't part of the official uniform.

From what I could find in the regulations so far is that a troop can adopt wearing just the class A shirt and a scarf as it's class A uniform, but it could not specify any type of wear below the shirt other than the official BSA p***s.

Something else to think about, I knew a troop about 15 years ago or more in this area that had military issue combat boots and military camo p***s as part of their class A uniform. They got in trouble with the council because the Boy Scouts are not to immulate the military in any way (this is actually per the national charter).

So there you have it. I do think the BSA should adopt a kilt in some certain tartan (or different tartans for differnt branches) for the Boy Scout uniform, but violating the rules is not the best way to accomplish this.

[Mark Keeney]

A key here is the definition of "official occasions." I would understand that to include at least Courts of Honor and the like.

As a former Boy Scout Leader I remember having trouble getting boys into proper uniform pants at all. I know one of our local leaders who is regularly kilted when working with his Troop. Maybe some of our kilted BSA Leaders on the forum could share their experience.

Official occasions = Troop meetings, any traveling, Courts of Honor, any outing that doesn't require special clothing (swimming).

Kilts are allowed in Scotland and Ireland. That may be the reason they were seen at a Jamboree.

The uniform is one of the methods of scouting. If boys are expected to wear them, they will. In the troop I was a leader, a boy had to wear a complete "Class A" uniform to get a Board of Review, even on a camp out.

Some troops choose not to follow the guidelines and only require the shirt and usually a neckerchief. And you will notice they are usually the ones who show up to the flagpole looking sloppy and they have absolutely no pride in their uniform.

[Mark Keeney]

OK, looking back at my posts I come off as "The Uniform Police". That is not so at all. If I saw you wearing a kilt with a scout uniform I would probably talk to you about your kilt but, I wouldn't even hint that I didn't think it was appropriate. Your decision to wear your uniform how you want is up to you.

But, on a forum like this where people ask what is appropriate, I felt I needed to clear up the regs from the BSA and not my opinion about what looks good.

BTW I have worn a class A uniform with a kilt. I ordered a Scouts UK uniform shirt with the proper patches, Tartan neckerchief, and wore the kilt in the proper manor as specified by Scouts UK.

[McNulty]

Good morning and welcome from the Western Slope!
Nulty