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UNIFORMS & HANDBOOKS

Handbooks

All Scouts should purchase the Cub Scout Handbook for their particular rank / grade, and bring it to all den meetings. The handbook is used during den meetings to help with teaching key skills and keeping track of requirements. There is a new handbook for each year of Cub Scouts (K through 5th).

Uniforms

The Pack 296 Cub Scout uniform has the following essential parts: Shirt, neckerchief, and belt. The Scout belt is used to hold any earned belt loops (grades K-3). Optional but recommended parts of the uniform are Scout pants or shorts (bottoms), neckerchief slide, and a Scout hat.

Lion Scouts (Kindergarten) use a Lion t-shirt. You do not need a neckerchief for Lions, but a belt is recommended to hold adventure belt loops.
Tiger, Wolf, Bear Scouts (Grades 1-3) use the blue uniform shirt and belt, plus a neckerchief and optional hat for that rank.
Webelos Scouts (Grade 4) use the blue uniform shirt, plus a neckerchief and optional hat for that rank. Webelos also need to purchase "Adventure Colors" that are pinned on the right shoulder, and are used to hold adventure pins that are earned.
Arrow of Light (AOL) Scouts (Grade 5) have the option to use the tan uniform shirt with green bottoms and blue shoulder loops, or can continue to use the blue uniform shirt until it no longer fits. There is no neckerchief for AOL Scouts. AOL Scouts should also have "Adventure Colors" on the right shoulder.

Additional details of all the uniform requirements can be found here: Cub Scout Uniform Requirements

In addition to the base uniform, you will need the following patches sewed onto the left shoulder (see last image above)

Golden Gate Area Council Shoulder Patch
"296" Red numerals (sold separately or ordered together)

You do not need to purchase rank patches - these will be awarded to you.

Where to get your uniform and handbook

Uniforms, patches and handbooks for Pack 296 can be purchased at these locations:

Piedmont Scout Shop at 10 Highland Way, Piedmont, CA 94611 ((510) 844-4751).
McCaulou's Department Store in Montclair Village. Please note that McCaulou's currently does not have AOL or Lion handbooks in stock nor the required shoulder patches.
Pleasant Hill Scout Shop, located at: 508 Contra Costa Blvd, Suite K2, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Pack 296 also reuses uniforms and handbooks from past Scouts who have donated their old materials. This happens at the first few pack meetings of the year.

How and when to wear the uniform

In general, every Cub Scout should wear their uniform to all Cub Scouting activities, including den and pack meetings, pack or den outings, and any activities done with members of the den or pack.

When playing sports, going to camp, or participating in other physical activities, the Cubmaster or den leader will let you know in advance if Cub Scouts can wear an alternate uniform, such as a Pack 296 or other Scout activity shirt, with or without a neckerchief. These are sometimes referred to as Class B Uniforms.

Here are some tips for wearing the uniform:

DO keep the uniform clean and in good repair. The official uniform is a sturdy, machine-washable garment that will last for years with proper care.
DO NOT wear non-Cub Scout badges, awards, or insignia on the Cub Scout uniform or make any alterations to the uniform or insignia.
DO make sure to model Scout behavior when wearing the uniform. Due to Scouting America policy, uniformed adults should NOT drink alcohol or smoke while in uniform. All Scouting activities are alcohol and smoke free.

Why wear a uniform?

The Scout uniform helps support the values embodied in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The Scout uniform helps accomplish 4 ideals: Identification, Achievement, Personal Commitment, and Personal Equality.

Identification

Youth and adult members who wear the uniform can be instantly identified as members of Scouting America.

The uniform is a visible reminder that Scouting is a positive force for good in the community and for the character development of all its members.

When the uniform is properly worn and cared for by both youth and adult leaders, the uniform builds good den and pack spirit.

Achievement

The uniform shows the wearer’s activity, responsibility, and achievement. The accomplishments of every youth and adult member can be recognized by the insignia worn on the uniform. The only thing you can tell about someone in uniform is where they are from and what they have accomplished as an individual.

Personal Commitment

The uniform is a constant reminder to all members of their commitment to the ideals and purpose of Scouting. It is a way of making visible members’ commitment to the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

Personal Equality

The uniform represents a democratic idea of equality, bringing people of different backgrounds together. When universally adopted it covers up all differences of social or economic background.

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