Placing Patches on the Cub Scout Uniform

Download the Cub Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet

When And How To Wear The Uniform - The Basics

All uniforms, badges, and insignia of the Boy Scouts of America may be used only by members of the Boy Scouts of America who are registered and in good standing. No alteration of or addition to the official uniform, badges, or insignia, or the rules and regulations covering the wearing of the uniform, may be authorized by anyone except the National Executive Board. Badges awarded by organizations other than the Boy Scouts of America may not be worn on the official uniform. (Exceptions: Historic Trails Award and religious emblems) (See Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America and the Insignia Guide for additional information on uniform rules and regulations.)

Sleeves
The uniform comes with the flag emblem already attached. The remaining patches on the right sleeve are placed in relation to the flag patch.

Den Number (right sleeve)
This patch should be placed centered below and touching the flag patch.

Quality Unit Award (right sleeve)
If worn, this patch should be placed centered on the flag patch, with the top of the Quality Unit Award located four inches (4") below the shoulder seam. Only one Quality Unit Award may be worn on the uniform at a time.

CSP (left sleeve)
The Council Shoulder Patch should be centered on the sleeve, touching the shoulder seam.

Veteran Unit Bar (left sleeve)
When worn, should be centered below and touching the CSP; these bars are available for 25, 50, 55 or 60 years.

Unit Number (left sleeve)
Worn centered below and touching the CSP (or Veteran Unit Bar, if worn); if more than one patch is required for the unit number, those patches should not have spaces between them.

Denner/Assistant Denner Cords (left sleeve)
These cords are worn over the left shoulder.

Webelos Scout Options (right sleeve)

Patrol Patch
Optionally, the Webelos Scout may wear a patrol patch in place of the den number patch. If this is done, the patch should be placed centered below and touching the flag patch.

Webelos Colors
The Webelos colors may also be worn on the right sleeve, either attached immediately below the flag or, if worn, immediately below the den number or patrol emblem. If the colors are worn, any activity pin(s) fhe Scout has earned should be attached to them.
Right Pocket
The uniform comes with the BSA patch already attached above the right pocket.
National Summertime Award
If worn, this pin should be placed centered on the pocket flap above the button.

Temporary Insignia
Not necessary for uniform inspections, but if worn should be centered on the pocket.

Tiger Cubs BSA Strip
When worn, placed immediately below and touching the bottom of the pocket, centered on the pocket.

Recruiter Strip
When worn, centered immediately below and touching either the bottom of the pocket or the Tiger Cubs BSA strip.

Tiger Cub Option

Tiger Cubs Immediate Recognition Kit
When worn, attached to the button of the right pocket, with the flap buttoned.

Wolf/Bear Cub Option

Progress Towards Ranks
When worn, attached to the button of the right pocket, with the flap buttoned.

Webelos Scout Option

Compass Points Emblem
When worn, attached to the button of the right pocket, with the flap buttoned.
Left Pocket
World Crest
Worn centered between the left shoulder seam and the top of the left pocket.

Medals or Knots
Worn centered above the left pocket, touching the top of the pocket flap. The order in which these awards are worn is at the wearer's discretion and a maximum of five medals may be worn at a time. Please note that the only knots that may be worn by a Cub Scout are the religious emblem, lifesaving and meritorious award knots.

Service Stars
Worn centered above the left pocket, either 3/8" above the left pocket or immediately above any medals or knots. Cub Scouts use gold background disks behind their service stars, including Tiger Cub service.

Rank Badges
Cub Scouts wear the ranks which they have earned, including Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf and Bear. Webelos Scouts wear only their current badge of rank (Bobcat, Wolf, Bear or Webelos) centered on the pocket; for exceptions to this, see below.

Arrow Points
Gold Arrow Points are worn beneath the pocket, centered below the rank for which they were earned. Silver Arrow Points are worn in double rows below their respective Gold Arrow Points.

Webelos Scout Options

Webelos Scouts Without Tiger Rank (blue shirt)
Webelos Scouts who have not earned the Tiger rank may wear all other ranks on their uniform as depicted at the left.
Webelos Scouts Without Tiger Rank (tan shirt)
Webelos Scouts who have not earned the Tiger rank may wear all other ranks on their uniform as depicted at the left. Note that a temporary rank holder is available for displaying these ranks; this avoids sewing the rank patches on the tan shirt, which may cause an unwanted appearance to the shirt when the boy wears the uniform with the oval patches for Webelos or, later, Boy Scout ranks.
Oval Webelos Scouts Rank Patch (tan shirt)
Webelos Scouts may elect to wear the oval Webelos Scout rank patch in place of the diamond shaped patch. When this option is selected, no other Cub Scout rank patches are worn on the uniform.

Arrow of Light
Typically worn on the tan shirt; this award is worn centered below the pocket.

© 2002-2006 Three Fires Council, Boy Scouts of America. All Rights Reserved
Page last updated January 12, 2006 (DMC)