Troop 97 FAQ

Question #3—Why does T97 require full Scout uniform when most other Colorado troops don't?

The Boy Scouts of America thinks the uniform is so important that it is one of Scouting's eight 'Methods', right alongside Advancement, the Outdoors, Leadership Development,... And the uniform described in the Scout Handbook, Troop Leader Guidebook, and other official literature is a complete uniform, including official BSA trousers, belt, & socks. As the current Troop Leader Guidebook says (vol. 1, page 25), "troops are not allowed to modify the uniform by, say, specifying blue jeans instead of Scout pants or shorts." We have to wonder, if leaders are willing to compromise on full uniform, where else do they compromise?

Troops that wear half a uniform, and let their Scouts wear blue jeans and plaid shorts, are short-changing their Scouts. None of these kids would dream of playing a sport if their parents told them they had to wear blue jeans instead of football pants or baseball pants, or basketball shorts or.... Most sports require a full uniform to participate.

Our Scouts look sharp, and they notice at camporees and at summer camp that other Scouts tend to act the way they look.

We're proud of the full and correct uniform. Troop 97 provides family discount credits to reduce the cost of a complete uniform. We provide neckerchief, hat, and insignia for free. And we maintain a uniform exchange to help our Scouts afford a complete uniform.

Troop 97 at summer camp

Another troop at summer camp flag ceremony