Uniform and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) use uniforms and insignia to give a Scout visibility and create a level of identity within both the unit and the community. The uniform is used to promote equality while showing individual achievement. While all uniforms are similar in basic design, they do vary in color and detail to identify the different membership divisions of Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA and Venturing. Many people collect BSA insignia such as camporee and jamboree emblems, council shoulder strips and historical badges.
President Barack Obama with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing and Sea Scouts in full uniforms in the Oval Office
Scouts in uniform during the First National Jamboree in Washington, D.C. in 1937
1950 3¢ US stamps showing the hats of the era
BSA uniform in the mid-1970s; shirt and shorts of the same color, with an optional baseball-style cap
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 1 million youth, including 176,000 female participants. The BSA was founded in 1910; about 130 million Americans have participated in its programs. Served by 477,000 adult volunteers. BSA became a founding member organization of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922.
Ernest Thompson Seton (left), Baden-Powell (seated) and Dan Beard (right)
Boy Scouts, Troop 10, Columbus, Ohio, 1918
A Venturer traverses a COPE High Ropes course.
Boy Scout, 1974, wearing uniform of the time