A new Boy Scout in Kilt

[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).