Do you have your Cub Scouts wear their uniforms to school?

Fishing is great. Camping is great. And, of course, the Pinewood Derby is great. There are so many great things about Cub Scouts.

But sometimes all it takes is one look at the uniform to convince a child to join Cub Scouting. That’s why it’s a good idea to occasionally ask your Cub Scouts to wear their uniforms to school, maybe on the same day as a meeting or other big Cub Scout event.

Anybody who’s been around Cub Scouts for any amount of time will tell you that this set of clothing is magic. The image of my son putting on his uniform for the first time ever — seeing him standing taller and prouder than he was just a few minutes earlier — is something I’ll never forget.

All by itself, the Cub Scout uniform is a great way to passively recruit new families into Scouting.

What’s the difference between active and passive recruiting?

Active recruiting is an event designed specifically with the intention of bringing in new members to Scouting, such as a “join night” or “school night for Scouting.”

Passive recruiting happens when Scouts are in their schools or out in their communities representing the organization with pride. If someone happens to approach them and ask about Scouting, all the better.

What do I need to know about wearing the Cub Scout uniform to school, church or other non-Scouting events?

The Cub Scout uniform should be in good condition and neat in appearance. Insignia should be worn correctly in the proper place. The uniform should not be altered in any way.

If a school event — such as a field day or other day of activities — complicates a Cub Scout’s ability to wear their uniform properly, perhaps another day would be better.

It’s best when a Cub Scout wearing the uniform is making the best impression possible not only in the way they are wearing it but also in their behavior.

Should Scouts who wear their uniforms to school try to actively recruit new members?

Always talk with your school’s principal or authorized representative before actively recruiting on school grounds. (Likewise, we are not encouraging anyone to break their school’s dress code or anything like that.)

If another student asks a Cub Scout why they’re wearing a Scout uniform, a short, simple response such as “We’re having a meeting tonight. You should stop by!” can be very effective.

Why do Cub Scouts wear uniforms?

The Cub Scout uniform is one of the aims and methods of the Cub Scout program. It shows that the Cub Scout is part of a team. It also allows the Cub Scouts to display the badges and other achievements they’ve earned in the program.

Click here to learn more about the different parts of the Cub Scout uniform.