Boy Scout kilts

[kenNYG]

I'm on the 2nd generation of Venture Scouts. They too have adopted the kilt as a uniform. We are going to Sea Base in 2011, I am hopping that everyone will have a kilt by then. The guys realy like them, the girls, o-well. Rock on kilts

[yellowjacket]

Here, here!! My 28 years with the BSA has created the same observation...troops that require full uniform also, somehow, tend to be the best organized, best led, and have the best program for the boys. That excuse about pants costing too much, etc is the biggest BS excuse ever. The fast food analogy is a good one. These same parents would also not hesitate to spend $150 for football pads, a helmet, cleats, etc. if there son wanted to play football. Every activity has certain costs and I think the BSA goes to GREAT measures to ensure that any boy or girl that wants to participate can. Most units I've ever been involved with cover the cost of registration (it's about $10 for a year now if I recall...was $7 forever) and will give people time to get the required uniform items. There are also many second-hand uniform swap shops in most localities.

Being military and moving around several states has given me a unique opportunity to see a broad range of program and organizations...most of them don't measure up to my experiences...but some of that may just be nostalgia, I'll admit.

As far as the kilt and the BSA uniform....I would probably violate that rule for certain functions...but I would not go so far as to wear that as a standard item. It is not allowed and I don't think there's really good cause to adopt it. There are some of us that would like to see it, but on the whole, Boy Scouting in America (meaning the USA, not all the Americas) does not have any sort of tradition of the kilt.

Let me address a couple of your statemens but first, let me introduce myself. I'm a Unit Commissioner for a Pack/Troop & Crew. I would like to see the scouts in full uniform but I'm more concerned with them being at the meeitngs & advancing.

As for wearing the kilt full time with the uniform; I wear a MacLaren (scout tartan) with my uniform as much as possible. I'm also on Woodbadge staff and I've talked it over with the Course Director and she has no problem with me wearing my kilt. No, it's not the 'offical' scout uniform but if you wear the MacLaren tartan and there's an active Woodbadge course it's usually not a problem. Also I've had contact with the Clan MacLaren (I'm a member) Woodbadge Coordinator and he's worn his MacLaren kilt to meetings with National and it's never been a problem.

[Mark Keeney]

Let me address a couple of your statemens but first, let me introduce myself. I'm a Unit Commissioner for a Pack/Troop & Crew. I would like to see the scouts in full uniform but I'm more concerned with them being at the meeitngs & advancing.

As for wearing the kilt full time with the uniform; I wear a MacLaren (scout tartan) with my uniform as much as possible. I'm also on Woodbadge staff and I've talked it over with the Course Director and she has no problem with me wearing my kilt. No, it's not the 'offical' scout uniform but if you wear the MacLaren tartan and there's an active Woodbadge course it's usually not a problem. Also I've had contact with the Clan MacLaren (I'm a member) Woodbadge Coordinator and he's worn his MacLaren kilt to meetings with National and it's never been a problem.

I as a member of Scouting for over 45 years, an Eagle Scout, father of an Eagle Scout, I would much rather that the boys be learning what scouting has to teach instead of just showing up and advancing. And you must be aware that one of the Methods of Scouting is the Uniform, not as much of the uniform as I want, the complete uniform. As a Unit Commissioner you should set an example for the boys by being properly uniformed. The only reference you should need is the Uniform Guide. No course director or Woodbadge coordinator has any jurisdiction on changing what is proper uniforming. Uniform means uniform. Venture crews get to vote on their uniform, so it is OK for them to wear a kilt if that is what they voted for. Boy Scouts don't have that option.

I have worn a kilt with the uniform but not with the BSA uniform. We were doing a theme about other countries and I purchased an official UK uniform shirt and patches (not earned patches) and wore it using the uniform guide for Scottish Scouts. That was my only exception, and I admit I was out of proper uniform for the night.

This is a very old thread.

[Edinburghkiltie]

International Boy Scouts at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo


(More Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pictures for those who might be interested http://richardfindlay.zenfolio.com/p362105300 )

[yellowjacket]

I as a member of Scouting for over 45 years, an Eagle Scout, father of an Eagle Scout, I would much rather that the boys be learning what scouting has to teach instead of just showing up and advancing. And you must be aware that one of the Methods of Scouting is the Uniform, not as much of the uniform as I want, the complete uniform. As a Unit Commissioner you should set an example for the boys by being properly uniformed. The only reference you should need is the Uniform Guide. No course director or Woodbadge coordinator has any jurisdiction on changing what is proper uniforming. Uniform means uniform. Venture crews get to vote on their uniform, so it is OK for them to wear a kilt if that is what they voted for. Boy Scouts don't have that option.

I have worn a kilt with the uniform but not with the BSA uniform. We were doing a theme about other countries and I purchased an official UK uniform shirt and patches (not earned patches) and wore it using the uniform guide for Scottish Scouts. That was my only exception, and I admit I was out of proper uniform for the night.

This is a very old thread.

I respect your opinion but isn't advancement and learing what scouting has to teach one and the same? If the scouts aren't advancing AND having fun why would they come? Scouting is 'fun with a purpose'.

Also, I mostly do wear the full uniform (mostly in the winter when it's reaaaalllllyyyy cold) but I also wear my MacLaren tartan kilt when it warms up. Most of the professional scouters and other unit commissioners (including my district commissioner) know I'll show up in my kilt for out District Commissioner meetings or Roundtable. Also, isn't scouting supposed to be 'fun'. I've worn my kilt to Eagle Court of Honors and it went over great. I got a lot of complements from the other scouts and scouters (including one that was a retired Navy officer and Eagle Scout). The MacLaren Clan and tartan has a long and storied history not only in scouting but in Woodbadge which is why I've been given permission to wear it.

Like I've said in my previous post, I've talked to the Woodbadge Coordinator for the Clan MacLaren and he's worn his kilt to meetings with representatives from National where you are supposed to be in full uniform and they didn't say a thing. In fact he's gotten compliments from National about wearing his kilt with his uniform.

[Mark Keeney]

I respect your opinion but isn't advancement and learing what scouting has to teach one and the same? If the scouts aren't advancing AND having fun why would they come? Scouting is 'fun with a purpose'.

Also, I mostly do wear the full uniform (mostly in the winter when it's reaaaalllllyyyy cold) but I also wear my MacLaren tartan kilt when it warms up. Most of the professional scouters and other unit commissioners (including my district commissioner) know I'll show up in my kilt for out District Commissioner meetings or Roundtable. Also, isn't scouting supposed to be 'fun'. I've worn my kilt to Eagle Court of Honors and it went over great. I got a lot of complements from the other scouts and scouters (including one that was a retired Navy officer and Eagle Scout). The MacLaren Clan and tartan has a long and storied history not only in scouting but in Woodbadge which is why I've been given permission to wear it.

Like I've said in my previous post, I've talked to the Woodbadge Coordinator for the Clan MacLaren and he's worn his kilt to meetings with representatives from National where you are supposed to be in full uniform and they didn't say a thing. In fact he's gotten compliments from National about wearing his kilt with his uniform.

It isn't just my opinion it is the policy of Boy Scouting. Kilts are not Uniform and when you are in a kilt you are not in proper uniform. Read the Uniform Guide it is very clear.

Yes you can advance and learn nothing about Scouting. Many boys who get Eagle as early as age 13 don't learn anything they just do the requirements as fast as possible.

I'm sure you get compliments wearing the kilt. That is the nature of wearing kilts. Wearing a kilt to an Eagle court of honor is unthinkable because you are upstaging the Eagle Scouts and showing up out of uniform. Scouting is for the boys and not for adults showing up wearing a kilt fishing for compliments.

Just because we like it and want to doesn't make it right.

[longhuntr74]

You gentlemen are both veteran Scouters and you both apparently are well versed in the methods of scouting and the official policy on BSA uniforms. You have a difference of opinion as to what variations are acceptable and the proper or improper occasions for deviating from those...and nothing either of you says is going to change the others opinion...so just let it go. It's started to get personal now and that's unacceptable in my view. Kilt on as you will...and continue to do what you are both doing for the Scouting program!!

[yellowjacket]

You gentlemen are both veteran Scouters and you both apparently are well versed in the methods of scouting and the official policy on BSA uniforms. You have a difference of opinion as to what variations are acceptable and the proper or improper occasions for deviating from those...and nothing either of you says is going to change the others opinion...so just let it go. It's started to get personal now and that's unacceptable in my view. Kilt on as you will...and continue to do what you are both doing for the Scouting program!!

I was going to say that. However I will continue to wear my kilt with my BS uniform. Right or wrong I honeslty don't care. However I will disagree with you about advancing and learing to be a BS. If I remember correctly, all the requirements for advancing to 1st class is basic BS skills. You need to make it fun for the boys, not all work. Boys will drop out if it's all work, remember, scouting is fun with a purpose.

But we're going to have to agree do disagree. Later!

[Edinburghkiltie]

Scout on parade during Edinburgh Festival 2002

http://richardfindlay.zenfolio.com/p314415292

[muirkirkca]

Recall seeing a scout leader in Toronto in kilt while on duty. From the Edinburgh pictures is doesn't seem that uniform is uniform except for the shirt style.