Uniforming

Uniforming is one of the Methods of Cub Scouting. It demonstrates membership and shows achievement.

Pack 862 uses two uniforms: field uniform (“class A”) and activity uniform (“class B”).

We can assist those with financial need. Please discuss with your Scout’s den leader to start the process.

Field uniform

The field uniform is the classic Cub Scout uniform. It is generally worn at:

  • pack or den meetings
  • at any Scouting activity conducted in public
  • evening meal and evening ceremonies at family campouts
  • (optional) to school on the days of Cub Scout events or for individual or class photos (check your school to see if this is OK)

Cub Scouts has different field uniforms depending on grade. More info is below.

All parts can be purchased at your local Scout Shop or at scoutstuff.org.

Lion (kindergarten) field uniform

For the Lion program, you only need three uniform items:

  • Lion t-shirt
  • Lion cap
  • Cub Scout Switchback pants (the pant legs zip off to become shorts)

Tiger, Wolf, Bear (grades 1-3) field uniform

Example Cub Scout field uniform
Example Cub Scout field uniform (this boy is a Webelos Scout who carried over his blue uniform for a few months)
  • Cub Scout shirt
  • Cub Scout Switchback pants (the pant legs zip off to become shorts)
  • Cub Scout socks: Tigers: Tiger socks. Wolf & Bear: Ankle or crew Cub Scout socks.
  • Cub Scout hat: orange Tiger (1st grade), red Wolf (2nd grade, SEE NOTE BELOW), blue Bear (3rd grade)
  • Cub Scout belt
  • Cub Scout neckerchief: orange Tiger (1st grade), red Wolf (2nd grade, SEE NOTE BELOW), blue Bear (3rd grade)
  • Cub Scout neckerchief slide: Tiger (1st grade), Wolf (2nd grade), Bear (3rd grade)

Do you have a third grader starting late in the school year? Consider skipping ahead to the next uniform. See the next section.

Webelos & Arrow of Light (grades 4-5) field uniform parts

IMPORTANT: It is fine for Scouts to keep using the blue uniform as long as you’d like. Asterisked items (*) not needed if retaining the blue uniform.

  • *Scouts BSA tan shirt: microfiber (recommended but pricier) or cotton
  • *Blue Cub Scout shoulder loops: worn on shirt attachments above shoulders
  • *Scouts BSA olive Switchback pants (the pant legs zip off to become shorts)
  • *Scouts BSA olive socks: low-cut or crew
  • Webelos cap
  • *Cub Scout belt (if possible, just get a blue webbed belt and the Webelos Belt Buckle)
  • Webelos neckerchief
  • Webelos neckerchief slide
  • Webelos Colors (this is where their adventure pins will go)

Patches

The patches in a starter uniform include:

  • Council shoulder strip for Circle Ten Council
  • 40 Year Veteran Unit Bar Emblem (optional, but it’s nice because we are proud that Pack 862 has been around since 1975)
  • 862 numerals with red background: 8, 6, and 2
  • Den number patch (make sure you know your Scout’s den number before purchasing this!)
  • World Crest emblem (optional, but universally worn) and 1910 World Crest Ring Emblem (also optional but commonly worn)

Uniform inspection sheets show the parts of a full uniform and where to place patches.

All uniform parts can be purchased from a local Scout Shop, and their employees can help make sure you get all the right parts. Scout Shops occasionally sell uniform shirts with some patches already sewn on.

Lower-cost options

  • eBay, thrift shops, or other used uniform banks. Watch out for shirts with patch glue stains!
  • Pack 862’s uniform bank or scholarship if there’s a financial hardship. (Talk to your Scout’s den leader to start the process.)

Need help sewing on patches? Many local tailors can do it for a nominal charge. Many have good experiences with Hong Kong Tailor in Casa Linda Plaza. Regardless of who you use, bring a printed copy of a uniform inspection sheet for patch placement guidance.

Activity uniform

The activity uniform is a Scout-related t-shirt and street clothes. In Pack 862, this is generally the Pack 862 t-shirt or Webelos Camp t-shirt. If neither are available, any other t-shirt sold by Boy Scouts is OK. Pack 862 t-shirts are $15 and are often sold at major pack events.

The activity uniform is generally worn at events with more strenuous activity, greater mess, informal events, or during the day on Saturday at weekend campouts.