You may have noticed that your Scout’s Webelos rank patch looks different from the ones they’ve earned in the past. That’s because it’s designed to be worn on the khaki Scouts BSA uniform rather than the blue Cub Scout uniform. Scouts working on their Arrow of Light are encouraged to switch over to the khaki Scouts BSA shirt over the course of this year. This is for a few reasons:
- You may have noticed their Cub Scout uniform shirts don’t fit them as well any more. Switching to the khaki shirt now means you won’t have to replace the uniform again when your Scout crosses over to the Troop next spring.
- They get to show off their Webelos accomplishments on their new uniform.
- The khaki uniform helps your Scout to be recognized as a youth leader in the Pack.
- Your Scout will be invited to participate in a few Troop activities throughout the upcoming year and the khaki shirt will help them fit in with the members of the Troop.
Q: Does my Scout need to switch to the khaki uniform now?
No. Your Scout can continue to wear the Cub Scout uniform shirt while they are a Cub Scout. (Although the Webelos rank patch shouldn’t be sewn on the blue shirt.) At the very least, we suggest that your Scouts switch to the khaki uniform shirt before the crossover ceremony in the spring. That way, they’re ready to begin their Scouts BSA adventure.
Q: What do I need to buy when my Scout switches to the Scouts BSA shirt?
You can find a shopping list for your Scout’s khaki shirt on the Pack 457 website . Be sure to buy the blue shoulder loops (designating a Cub Scout member). They will receive the green shoulder loops (designating a Scouts BSA member) and a neckerchief during the crossover ceremony in the spring.
Q: Can I re-use the patches from my Scout’s current uniform?
Absolutely! Your Scout’s prior ranks (Lion, Tiger, Wolf, and Bear) patches do not get moved to the khaki shirt, the you can move the Council, Unit Numbers (457), Den, World Crest, Outdoor Activity Award, Recruiter, and Youth Religious knot patches can all be moved to the khaki uniform shirt if you’d like.
If you don’t want to transfer the patches, you can purchase new patches at the Butler or Pittsburgh Scout Shops or at ScoutShop.org. Don’t buy a new Council Patch. See one of our Troop leaders to get a custom Council Patch the Troop had made to commemorate our 75th anniversary.
Be sure to check out the Cub Scout Uniform episode of the Cubmaster Minute for additional information about where all the patches go on the uniform.