The Scout Uniform
The Scout uniform gives the Scouts and Scouters a sense of belonging to a worldwide organization. The uniform of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines today, has become a national symbol of young boys trained to meet the responsibilities of their duty to GOD and Country, to Others, and to Self.
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines is the largest uniformed volunteer organization in the country. Scout and Scouters are nationally recognized and accepted. We, in Scouting today, have inherited the tradition of a uniform that stands for good character, responsible citizenship, and selfless service. It is our responsibility to safeguard this tradition and to hand it down stronger and more honorable than ever to the next generation of Scouts and Scouters. |
What the Uniform Means First of all, the Uniform makes you feel that you are a member of our movement that you belong to a world-wide brotherhood of young people numbering millions. Everywhere you go, if you wear the Scout Uniform, you will find Scout friends. This gives you a feeling of comfort and ease. Second, whenever and wherever you wear the Uniform, it proclaims you as a person of character. The Uniform symbolizes our Scout Oath, our Law, our “Daily Good Turn” habit, and the Ideals of our Movement. If you are to wear it, be sure to wear it with honor. Third, the Scout Uniform stands for Preparedness. An accident occurs, a crowd gathers around. No one knows just what to do. A uniformed Scout steps quietly forward. The crowd lets him through, for he is supposed to know what to do in an emergency. He administers first aid and slips away, probably without his name being known. The Scout uniform quietly says that hero is a fellow who is ready to be “helpful to other people at all times.” Why is it that Scouts are expected to do these things? Because “Service” is synonymous with Scouting. “Laging Handa” is Scout Motto . No matter what nationality or race or religion a Scout belongs to, he is a brother to every other Scout. Fourth, the uniform is a symbol of democracy. In Scouting, young people stand shoulder to shoulder regardless of social standing. The son of a governor or that of a wealthy man becomes equal of a laborer's son in Scouting. Both pledged to give the same service; both are sworn to the same Oath and Law; and wear the same uniform. Poverty or social position is no hindrance to the acquisition of advancement badges and insignia of labor. And lastly, the Uniform stands for Outdoor life. The color and design of the shirt, the pants, the neckerchief, the stockings, the shoes, and the hat, are suggestive of the outdoors. Khaki blends beautifully with the color of the outdoors. The reddish brown color of the neckerchief symbolizes the iron rich soil of the Philippines and its tropical environment which remains a great challenge for Scouts to conquer, conserve and preserve. Comfortable short pants, the short-sleeved shirt, afford freedom of movement and ease of motion. It is just the type of uniform an outdoorsman will want to wear. Furthermore, the many features of “open-ness” in the Uniform point to Scouts' honesty and trustworthiness. The “shorts,” pants and the short-sleeved-shirt with collar personify the spirit of a true Scout – always open and on the level, ever honest and ever deserving of trust. WHEN TO WEAR THE UNIFORM There is ONLY ONE WAY TO WEAR the Scout Uniform – CORRECT WAY. Study the illustrations and use them as your guide. The Scout Uniform is worn on the following occasions: 1. In all activities of the Unit (meetings, hikes, camps, rallies, camporees, jamborees/jamborettes, etc.); 2. During special religious services services for Scouts and Scouters; 3. When appearing for advancement before a Board of Review or a Court of Honor; and 4. When prescribed for official and/or special Scouting activities. WHEN NOT TO WEAR THE UNIFORM 1. When soliciting funds or engaged in any selling, marketing or promotional campaign, or in any commercial venture not related to Scouting (This does not however, forbid Scouts in uniform from selling tickets for Scouts benefit shows, rallies, and similar Scouting events); 2. When engaged in any endeavor/activity of a political party; 3. When appearing professionally on stage, in motion pictures, or modeling without specific authority from the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines; When taking part in parades, except for the purpose of rendering service as a Scout/er or when representing officially the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and; When one ceases to be a Scout/er through failure to register; or leaves the Scout Movement for any other reason. THE NECKERCHIEF AND SLIDE Scouts of the National Scout Organizations wear uniforms made of different materials and designs. But there is one feature of the scout uniform that is universal in use. This item is the neckerchief. It is the distinguishing feature of Scout Uniforms all over the world. You may encounter boys and/or adult wearing light brown shirts and off-shade of brown pants, but you cannot really set them apart as Scouts unless they wear a neckerchief. Any boy or adult who wears a neckerchief is presumed to be a Scout. Its uses. The neckerchief is a handy item in ones equipment. In fact it serves many practical purposes. It ca be used as a tourniquet and a bandage. In the absence of a hat, it sometimes serves to protect the head form the heat of the sun. During cold evenings, Scouts sit around the campfire with neckerchief slides pulled close to the neck. During emergencies in the forest, and when you are in need of signal flags, neckerchiefs admirably come to the rescue. In the absence of ropes, neckerchiefs may also be joined together to be used as one. The official neckerchief slide is is the form of a wooden Carabao head. The carabao is an animal of burden which is so valuable, an asset to the Filipino farmer in plowing and harrowing the rice fields and in transporting farm produce to market. It characteristics are representative of the qualities and values which is highly appreciated by Filipinos. Thus, it is regarded as the national animal of the Philippines. This characteristic also typifies what B.P. calls “good character” in a person, one who uses his full potential to render selfless service to all. To a Filipino, the carabao is a symbol of humility, patience, industry, strength, and persistence, characteristics which are held highly by every Filipino. Its ability to adapt to varying circumstances and which enables it to accomplish its task is reminiscent of the courage of the Filipino to face and triumph over insurmountable odds for the greater good of all. Being a gentle lovable animal, the carabao exemplifies the Filipinos' kindness, friendliness and hospitality. The slide is made of soft wood taken from the branch of a santol tree (Sandoricum Koetjape). It could also be taken from farm wood trees. . The fruit of which is golden in appearance when ripe, and its pulp is nutritiously delicious. The roots of this tree grow deep into the earth that makes it stand firm against the wind and it has crown that provides shade and coolness for the tired traveller and worker. These qualities make the tree stand for gentleness of character of a Filipino in his relationship and for the firmness by which he stands in order to uphold what is right, just,and true. In response to environmental preservation efforts, BSP uses recycled, plastic bold cast (PBC) materials in its carabao slide. HOW TO WEAR THE NECKERCHIEF First, roll the long edge upon over itself evenly in several flat folds leaving about 6 inches form the apex of the neckerchief. The place it high around the neck and draw the neckerchief slide up over the ends and adjust to fit snugly. The slide is one first distance from the chin. Fix the two ends of your neckerchief below th slide in even rolls. THE INSIGNIA We said that the Scout uniform is a symbol of democracy and that it places every young people/adult at the same level with the others. Even among Scouts and leaders, however, a certain degree of respect and regard for each other should be properly observed. Hence, the use of badges and insignia. Through the use of badges and insignia:
Wearing Your Merit Badges From the Advancement and Merit Badge Handbook by the BSP The Merit Badge Sash is made of the same material as the pants of your uniform. It is worn over the right shoulder, cutting diagonally across the chest with the other edge touching the left hip bone. The sash may be bought from your local Scout Shop. The badges earned are sewn on the sash in two rows one-fourt inche (1/4") apart from each other. The first two (2) badges should be sewn in a way that when the sash is worn, they are just at the intersection of an imaginary line that runs along the middle of the sash and the one that runs vertically along the middle of the sash and the one that runs vertically along the middle of your shirt. The succeeding badges are sewn alternately starting above then below the first two (2) badges. The bottom portion of the badges should be perpendicular to the edges of the sash. The Merit Badge sash should be worn only during the following occasions: 1. When attending Courts of Honor/Recognition and/or other ceremonical functions. 2. When visiting Jamborees, Youth Forums and other Scouting activities of at least municipal/district level. 3. When appearing before a Board of Review. 4. During such occasions as may be prescribed by appropriate authority. Etymology of words Uniform : a distinctive set of clothes worn to identify somebody's occupation, affiliation,or status a single outfit of identifying clothes a particular style or other feature that identifies somebody as a member of a certain group. Insignia: a badge of authority or membership of a group an identifying mark or sign a distinguishing mark of authority, office, or house, e.g. badge, emblem (insignia or loyalty) Badge a small distinctively shaped or marked piece of fabric, metal, or plastic worn on clothing as a sign of rank, membership, or achievement. a characteristic or identifying mark of a particular quality or of a particular person. Patch a cloth badge sewn onto clothing as identification, a sign of rank, or to commemorate something. an ornament, badge or tab of cloth sewed on a garment Strip a long narrow piece of embroidered material sewn into the uniform, e.g. shoulder strips, woodbadge strip. Ribbon a small piece of embroidered cloth strip representing an award. It is placed above the name cloth. BSP Pin a piece of solid material (as wood or metal) used especially to mark distinction of membership in the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. |
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2012. Scouting Resources. Feel free to download, and browse the site.
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2012. Scouting Resources. Feel free to download, and browse the site.
Mabuhay ang Scouting! Support the Scouting!
BOY SCOUTS OF THE PHILIPPINES