Uniforms

Introduction

Being in a complete uniform is one of the ways that we show others that we are part of a special group.  There are basically two uniforms worn by the troop. They are:
• Field Uniform (sometimes called Class A)
• Activity Uniform (sometimes called class C)

Field (Class A) Uniform

• Tan (khaki) BSA uniform shirt with the following: 
• Green epaulets (worn on shoulders), 
• Orange County Council Patch (on left sleeve) 
• Troop 97 numerals (on left sleeve), 
• Patrol patch (on right sleeve),
• Quality Unit patch (on right sleeve),
• Troop leadership position patch (on left sleeve, when applicable)
• Scout rank (on left pocket)
• Temporary patch (on right pocket, optional)
• Boy Scout shorts or pants
• Boy Scout Belt (metal on metal)
• Scout Socks mandatory if wearing shorts, Scout Socks or other socks if wearing long pants 
• Merit Badge Sash (formal occasions) 
• Neckerchief and slide (formal occasions) 
• Closed-toe shoes with laces tied
• Boy Scout hat (optional, non-Boy Scout hats are not permitted)

Activity (Class C) Uniform

• Troop 97 T-shirt
• Boy Scout shorts or pants, or other shorts/pants for hiking as directed by leader
• Boy Scout Belt (metal on metal)
• Scout Socks if wearing shorts, or as directed by leader
• Dark-color hiking boots for hiking, or closed-toe shoes with laces tied
• Boy Scout hat (optional, protective hats permitted on outings)

What Uniform Do I Wear?

You will usually know the uniform requirements from permission slips or through announcements. When in doubt, the field uniform is always acceptable. 

Some general guidelines follow:

Court of Honor
bullet Field uniform including merit badge sash and neckerchief

 
Scoutmaster Conference
bullet Field uniform and neckerchief or as directed

 
Board of Review
bullet Field uniform including merit badge sash and neckerchief

 
Troop Meetings
bullet Field uniform

 
Tailgate Camping Trips or Outings
bullet Wear your field uniform for travel to and from camp and for flag raising and retirement ceremonies. Wear your activity uniform while in camp. Some outings like summer camp can impose additional requirements. During tailgate outings, you will need your complete field uniform and neckerchief for ceremonies to raise the flag in the morning and retire it in the afternoon.

 
Backpacking and Day Hikes
bullet When traveling to and from the trailhead you must wear your field uniform shirt, backpacking shorts or pants (in muted colors such as tan, khaki, dark green, dark blue or black), silk or synthetic sock liners, wool socks, and hiking boots. At the trailhead, you may remove your field uniform shirt and hike in an activity uniform shirt. Scout shorts are acceptable, but for comfort and utility reasons we recommend that you invest in a pair of lightweight backpacking shorts. You may not wear swimming trunks, board shorts, athletic shorts, or shorts with patterns, designs, or logos.

 

Boy Scout hats are always acceptable, and are the only hats permitted with the Field Uniform. Trail hats may only be worn on outings for protection from the sun. You may not wear hats with patterns, designs, or logos other than the Boy Scout emblem.

If you have a question about the appropriateness of a uniform, please see your Patrol Leader, the Senior Patrol Leader, an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, the Scoutmaster, an Assistant Scoutmaster, or the tour leader.

Patch Placement

The Troop publishes a one-page guide to proper patch placement. This guide is available at Troop meetings.  A PDF Insignia Guide is available HERE.

Uniform Closet

See the Scoutmaster for Used uniforms.

This service is available because prior Scouts have donated their outgrown uniforms and boots to the locker. Please continue this tradition.