Boy Scout kilts

[SlackerDrummer]

can anyone provide documentation of BSA's "offical" position on the kilt? I have read through this entire thread but that was one piece I did not see.

The kilt is not mentioned in the BSA guidelines, therefore it is not an acceptable uniform item. There are occasions where it is okay to where a partial uniform (e.g. jeans) and in those cases it would be okay to wear a kilt. In instances where one is expected to be in 100% uniform, a kilt would not be okay.

[Mike_Oettle]

Now that is just downright demeaning, relegating the kilt to the status of non-uniform (or casual uniform) alongside jeans.
Regards,
Mike

[Kilt-alope]

here is some of the uniform and insignia guide for the Boy Scouts of America

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/...aGuide/03.aspx


Drum and Bugle Corps Uniforms

Boy Scouts or Venturers who are members of bands, drill teams, or drum and bugle corps affiliated with a unit or a local council must wear the official uniform for their registration status.

The wearing of special helmets, scarves, gloves, unofficial leggings, and the carrying of ceremonial guns or swords by members of such organizations using the uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America is in violation of the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America.

The musician badge is the only special insignia that may be worn by the members of these organizations. It is worn on the right sleeve centered just below (1/2 inch) the patrol medallion.



so if your're troop has a pipe band, you still need to wear bsa uniform (and pants) if you call it a troop when playing

As I read through the guide I'll let you know if I find anything else

[morrisonch]

KenNYG wrote about Scouts using various tartans.

Of course one can wear any tartan, but the Scouting Movement has special authority to wear the McLaren tartan. That plaid is found on the Woodbadge neckerchief and is special to Scouting because Clan McLaren donated land in London which is now Gilwell Park, the first Scout Reservation, where Lord Baden-Powell conducted his first scouting leadership courses.

At the Loch Norman Highland Games near Charlotte, NC, last year I ran into a vendor who makes adult kilts for $69 (smaller kilts for less depending on amount of fabric used) made with 16 oz acrylic tartan plaid. I have ordered kilts in Morrison Society in ancient hues for my Son and his five boys. Others of our society have also ordered for themselves and family members. Surplus barets pass for Balmoral bonnets and I hope that the children catch the vision of our Scottish Heritage as they have caught the vision of Scouting.

YiS,

Charlie in Maryland
morrisonch@aol.com

[Kilted Jeeper]

The kilt is not mentioned in the BSA guidelines, therefore it is not an acceptable uniform item. There are occasions where it is okay to where a partial uniform (e.g. jeans) and in those cases it would be okay to wear a kilt. In instances where one is expected to be in 100% uniform, a kilt would not be okay.

Thank you for the clarification!

[Geoff Withnell]

Now that is just downright demeaning, relegating the kilt to the status of non-uniform (or casual uniform) alongside jeans.
Regards,
Mike

Nothing demeaning about it. Uniform means just that - uniform. In the United States, it is not part of the uniform. Neither are jeans, tuxedos, sarongs, dashikis or any other item of clothing that is not uniform.

Geoff Withnell

[EagleJCS]

The kilt is not mentioned in the BSA guidelines, therefore it is not an acceptable uniform item. There are occasions where it is okay to where a partial uniform (e.g. jeans) and in those cases it would be okay to wear a kilt.

Actually, in those cases, it would be preferred that the khaki/tan uniform shirt is NOT worn. I.e., the 'powers that be' at the national level would prefer that if you're not going to be wearing the uniform pants, don't wear the uniform shirt either. We got a good talking-to about this (about a half-hour discussion - by the Southern Region Director, no less! - about 'proper uniforming', with examples) before attending the World Jamboree in 2007 because it was/is the habit of some Scouts to only wear the khaki/tan shirt with jeans, or camos, or anything but the uniform trousers or shorts. That's not the kind of image the BSA National office wanted to present, particularly at an international event of that magnitude.

Now, that CAN be modified/excused in exceptional cases (e.g. when a Scout/Scouter cannot afford to buy the full uniform), and those individuals are usually not 'dressed down' in front of their peers, but they're often taken aside and encouraged to take advantage of a 'uniform library' - a loaner program, etc. Most Scouters at the local level will let it slide because it's not a big issue, unless the person in question is going in front of the media for a large event.

In non-uniform situations, (e.g. camping trips, service projects, etc.) where you know you're likely going to get your clothing dirty, a Scout-related t-shirt or knit/'polo' shirt is perfectly fine and may be worn with any kind of below-the-waist garments you wish. Even then, the uniform - in its entirety - is often expected on some camping trips for at least part of the weekend.

[Mike_Oettle]

Geoff Withnell wrote: “Nothing demeaning about it. Uniform means just that – uniform. In the United States, it is not part of the uniform. Neither are jeans, tuxedos, sarongs, dashikis or any other item of clothing that is not uniform.”

Which says something about the narrow-mindedness about those who decide what uniform should be in the US.
And here I am talking not only about the Scouts, but also about the military.
Regards,
Mike

[kc8ufv]

Well, here in the states, we take the word "uniform" very seriously. Everyone should be wearing exactly the same thing. The uniform for the disaster response team I am on is very specific - khaki BDU, fully buttoned, tan t-shirt under the blouse, black boots, with the pants bloused. Field jackets are acceptable, if they are khaki, and if a backpack is worn (standard 3 day pack) it must be black as well. Even our duffel bag must be black.

[Standard]

Geoff Withnell wrote: “Nothing demeaning about it. Uniform means just that – uniform. In the United States, it is not part of the uniform. Neither are jeans, tuxedos, sarongs, dashikis or any other item of clothing that is not uniform.”

Which says something about the narrow-mindedness about those who decide what uniform should be in the US.
And here I am talking not only about the Scouts, but also about the military.
Regards,
Mike

Nothing narrow minded about it, it is after all a uniform. Uniforms are there for a purpose. I'd love to see the kilt accepted as an option, but it isn't at this time. Other scouting organizations around the world have a lot of leeway in their "uniform" going to far as to the point that the "uniform" consists of a neckercheif only. Other scouting organizations are very strict about what constitutes their uniforms. There is always the option of not joining the BSA and starting your own youth movement...