Uniform and Equipment Needs
Uniform and Dress Code
A full scout uniform is required (known as the Class “A” uniform) for all troop members. We refer to “full uniform” as a shirt (with proper insignia), neckerchief with neckerchief slide, and troop hat. Scout pants are an investment that can be made once the scout is fully committed to Scouting, and when his growth rate has slowed. When participating in Courts of Honor, church on Scout Sunday, or when marching in parades, a nice pair of dark pants is acceptable. When traveling on "big trips," (Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier, and the Jamboree), scouts are required to wear scout pants or shorts. The troop has an official troop neckerchief presented to each new member at a Court of Honor. It is a required part of the uniform, and if lost, must be replaced at the scout’s expense.
We have a stock of “experienced” shirts, pants, and shorts to loan. Please speak to the Scoutmaster if you would like to borrow some of this “experienced” clothing. You may also donate usable pre-worn uniform shirts, pants and shorts to this resource.
Uniforms are worn to all troop meetings and all troop events. For safety and recognition purposes, we always travel in full Class “A” uniforms for all troop trips (there are no exceptions to this policy). Scouts reporting to a departure point without a full uniform will be sent home to get it.
We recommend that you purchase the uniform slightly oversized for longer use and buy a short-sleeved shirt (you can add a turtleneck for warmth when it is cold). Most are available at the Maynard Outdoor Store. Also, try the Scout Shop in Southborough (23 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9, Southborough 508-229-2396) or Lancaster (intersection of Route 2 and Route 70.
The troop also has an official troop T-shirt (which we call our Class “B” uniform) available from Mrs. Thorp for $10.00, 2xl/3xl for $12. At least one Class “B” T-shirt should also be packed for every overnight activity. Each scout attending summer camp, or a “big” trip is expected to have at least two troop T-shirts.
The following changes should be made to your scouts’ khaki Cub Scout uniform for Boy Scouting:
For a complete guide to insignia placement see the inside cover of the Scout Handbook.
We have a stock of “experienced” shirts, pants, and shorts to loan. Please speak to the Scoutmaster if you would like to borrow some of this “experienced” clothing. You may also donate usable pre-worn uniform shirts, pants and shorts to this resource.
Uniforms are worn to all troop meetings and all troop events. For safety and recognition purposes, we always travel in full Class “A” uniforms for all troop trips (there are no exceptions to this policy). Scouts reporting to a departure point without a full uniform will be sent home to get it.
We recommend that you purchase the uniform slightly oversized for longer use and buy a short-sleeved shirt (you can add a turtleneck for warmth when it is cold). Most are available at the Maynard Outdoor Store. Also, try the Scout Shop in Southborough (23 Turnpike Rd., Rt. 9, Southborough 508-229-2396) or Lancaster (intersection of Route 2 and Route 70.
- Khaki Boy Scout Shirt
- Green Shoulder Loops for Shirt
- Mayflower Council Patch
- Troop “130” Numerals
- Olive Boy Scout pants or shorts, and olive web belt
- Troop Hat (from Mrs. Thorp, $10.00 / hat)
The troop also has an official troop T-shirt (which we call our Class “B” uniform) available from Mrs. Thorp for $10.00, 2xl/3xl for $12. At least one Class “B” T-shirt should also be packed for every overnight activity. Each scout attending summer camp, or a “big” trip is expected to have at least two troop T-shirts.
The following changes should be made to your scouts’ khaki Cub Scout uniform for Boy Scouting:
- Remove all rank patches: Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and Arrow Points
- Remove Webelos Colors
- Remove the World Conservation Patch, he must earn this again as a Boy Scout
- Remove the Cub Scout Religious Emblem Square Knot (silver on purple) if earned. Boys will have to earn the Boy Scout Emblem to wear this on their Boy Scout uniform
- Remove blue epaulets (shoulder loops) and replace with green
- The Arrow of Light Badge can be sewn on the uniform at the bottom of left pocket
- Pack “130” numerals can be reused as Troop “130” numerals
For a complete guide to insignia placement see the inside cover of the Scout Handbook.
Proper Attire
In addition to “Scout-like behavior”, we associate the image the troop presents to the public with the appearance of the scouts. Any clothing, hats, or other articles deemed offensive by the Scoutmaster are prohibited during scout activities. When not in uniform, we ask that clothing worn on scout activities be conservative and unadorned.
For comfort and safety, each scout is expected to report for a troop activity dressed appropriately for the weather (warm coat and boots in cold, rain gear, etc.). Packing demonstrations for the anticipated activities and weather conditions will provide the necessary information. Parents are expected to ensure their son is fully prepared for the weather.
For comfort and safety, each scout is expected to report for a troop activity dressed appropriately for the weather (warm coat and boots in cold, rain gear, etc.). Packing demonstrations for the anticipated activities and weather conditions will provide the necessary information. Parents are expected to ensure their son is fully prepared for the weather.
Basic Equipment Needs
The following is a basic list to get started camping and hiking. Further details can be found in the Boy Scout Handbook on pages 292-293 for hiking and page 262 for camping. These are low-cost ideas to prepare your son for a trip:
Sleeping Bag |
One rated to 20 degrees or lower |
Personal Ground Cloth |
Sheet of plastic or tarp, approximately 5 ft. x 7 ft. |
LED Flashlight or Headlamp |
Required on every outdoor trip |
Mess Kit |
Empty Cool Whip container (works as an all-purpose bowl and plate), plastic cup, knife, fork & spoon. Put your name on each piece |
Day Pack |
Used school backpack |
Water Bottle |
Required on every outdoor trip. Depending on the trip one or two one-liter Nalgene water bottle(s) will do |
Frame Pack |
Great if you have one, but good to borrow until committed or scout has stopped growing |
Shoes |
Do not need expensive hiking boots, just ones with good support. Work boots do fine. Waterproof is a must. |
Personal First Aid Kit |
Make one (see page 108 of the Scout Handbook) |
Rain Gear |
Rain jacket and rain pants with a large trash bag as a backup |
Toiletry Kit |
Old face cloths or baby wipes, toothpaste and toothbrush |
The troop provides a tent or other type of shelter for every overnight activity, and all cooking gear. A trip specific packing list is passed out prior to each trip. We strongly recommended all personal gear, including all clothing, be clearly labeled. It is also recommended to pack clothing in watertight plastic bags.