First full day kilted

[Standard]

What EagleJCS said. The uniform code doesn't explicitly confirm nor deny the use of the kilt in the US Scouting community. In fact it doesn't mention the kilt at all. As EagleJCS said the only branch of the organization that does have leeway in their choice of uniforming is the Venturing Program. I'm the lead advisor for our Venture Crew, and have done some research into this subject. There are certainly a very few Venture Crews that do choose to wear the kilt as part of their uniform. I know of several leaders on this board who wear their kilts to meetings and events such as McNulty who don't seem to have had much flack to report back to the rest of us. I would say that if you are going to wear the kilt whilest on Scouting activities to wear it with pride, not as a gimick. Considering all of the Youth Protection training that I'm sure you have been through it would be best to never go regimental and not have that be a topic of discussion. I wish you the best in your kilt wearing.

[Tartan Hiker]

Looks great, and good on you for venturing into some of the most "challenging" public spaces for kilt wearers.

As a total outsider that never got into scouting, would it be allowable to use a scout badge or patch or something like that in the kilt pin location? If so, that might help smooth the "disjunct" between the uniform shirt and the kilt.

I put a 4" by 4" piece of loop-side Velcro on my hiking kilts in the pin location, and attach hook-side Velcro to the back of my hiking club patches so I can move them from kilt to kilt and remove them for washing. This is the same system used by all the new US military uniforms.

[Mr. bone]

Sounds like a positive outing! It seems like the advice that the veterans here have is the best. "just do it".

[Kilt TN]

It’s been awhile since I was in the Scouts. I also think that it was at a Jamboree in Canada that I first saw guys wearing kilts, a group from the UK. I think that's when I got the bug, after getting the chance to talking to the guys and trying one on (way cool in the 70's). I think that was when I got hooked on the idea of wearing a kilt. (And I thought it was cool that they went regimental, what rebellious teenage boy wouldn't.) Tatonka, great picture wish there had been more scout leaders like you when I was a scout.

[EagleJCS]

As a total outsider that never got into scouting, would it be allowable to use a scout badge or patch or something like that in the kilt pin location? If so, that might help smooth the "disjunct" between the uniform shirt and the kilt.

Actually, I think that might cause more problems from the 'official' standpoint. It would imply an official approval of what is currently a non-uniform item. Technically, BSA badges are not supposed to be put on non-uniform/non-BSA approved (jackets, hats, etc.) apparel (and uniform items are not supposed to be worn for non-BSA advertising, political events, or by non-members, which gets some musicians in hot water from time to time). This is my 31st year in Scouting (continuous membership since joining as a Cub) and there are often people who are new to the movement that have been asked to adjust their clothing choices (take patches off some things, not wear others, etc.).

[off-topic]IIRC, there was a discussion at the national level (at the Scoutmaster's courses at Philmont) a few years ago about headgear options, which is what led the national council to develop more choices beyond the baseball cap and 'Smokey Bear'. Those were the only two choices for year-round for several years. (Some may remember the old red beret and 'overseas' style caps, but they were phased out in the late '70's.) Some leaders, not liking those two choices (I was one) for regular/camping wear, took to wearing 'cowboy' and similar style hats with the BSA adult hat pin on them. Not really uniform in the strictest sense since they weren't sold in the catalog, but not many professionals made an issue out of it. The Insignia Guide simply said (and still does) that any headgear with the BSA logo was OK. (There aren't any official 'uniform police' in the Scouts either. If there are grievous errors, the general protocol is to take the "offender" aside and have the issues pointed out, then ask the person to get them corrected, just as we do with kilted newbies.) [/off-topic]

As I've said, I don't really have a problem with Tatonka's green kilt, but there may be questions raised since it isn't specifically addressed in the Insignia Guide. I would suggest he wear everything else in close conformation with the Guide just in case he's asked to change into trousers, so the 'purists' don't have anything else to howl about.

[K. MacRuadh]

Nice looking uniform. Good on ya!



Kev

[Tatonka]

Ah -- another Wood Badger! (I used to be an Eagle, ...... ) (NC-146; and later Course Director C-11L-95)

Good eyes there Spartan! "I used to be a Buffalo..." SR-492
I also have the distinction of being the only Wood Badger in my Council to have a tattoo of my critter.

[Tatonka]

... I would say that if you are going to wear the kilt whilest on Scouting activities to wear it with pride, not as a gimick. Considering all of the Youth Protection training that I'm sure you have been through it would be best to never go regimental and not have that be a topic of discussion. I wish you the best in your kilt wearing.

While my kilt may not have been made of a tartan, I wore it with as much pride as befits being in my uniform. I had one mom comment that she did not know the BSA offered kilts, to which I told her they didn't, that my Mom-in-law made it for me. She then told me that it goes very well and that they should! As for going regimental or "the question" I would never take the chance of endangering any of my boys in any way.

[fshguy]

I say good on ya. I'm also a Cubmaster and "I used to be a Bob White..."; I've been a scout(er) since 1983. I regularly wear an olive kilt similar to yours and my McLaren sportkilt with the uniform. I've never had a Council official (or anyone for that matter) say anything other than positive comments.

The Scout insignia hat pin makes a great kilt pin.

[Spartan]

Good eyes there Spartan! "I used to be a Buffalo..." SR-492
I also have the distinction of being the only Wood Badger in my Council to have a tattoo of my critter.

That's cool.... Maybe an Eagle??? for me??

I wonder how many Wood Badgers we have on here?? I think that there are several of us from what I've noticed.

We at least have a Eagle, Buffalo and a Bob White. Any others?

OOOPs! I'm getting off topic!