The Scout kit, through its uniformity, now constitutes a bond of brotherhood among boys across
Scouting For Boys By Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell
the world. The correct wearing of the Uniform and smartness of turnout of the individual Scout makes him
a credit to our Movement.
There is evidence that there were Scouting groups in Canada as early as 1907- the same year Scouting began. In 1914, the Canadian General Council of the Boy Scout Association was officially incorporated by an act of Canadian Parliament. The Canadian General Council of the Boy Scout Association underwent a few different name changes- from to the Boy Scouts of Canada and eventually becoming Scouts Canada.
Scouts Canada is split up into different sections by age range. Currently these full-time sections consists of: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, and Rovers. As part of Scouts Canada, there are also Sea Scouts.
Since Scout’s uniform is an integral part of the movement and their identity, this exhibit delves into the various different uniforms over the last 100 years. Follow the story of our Scout as they progress on the Canadian Path through the different sections of Scouting and grows into his new uniforms.
With a few minor alterations the original Scout Uniform has met the ideas of Scouts around the world and has been universally adopted.
Scouting For Boys By Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell
Beavers
Beaver Scouts is a place to discover new things and embark on great adventures. Fun and friendship are the cornerstones of the Beaver program.
Scouts Canada
Beavers is the section for youth aged 5 to 7. A Beaver section is called a Colony and those within a Colony are divided into smaller sections called Lodges.
An important part of being a Beaver is helping others! Teamwork and cooperation are a pillar of this section as “Beaver Scouts are always there to lend a hand.”
As a Beaver, youth take part in nature walks and campfires; they learn simple first aid; participate in community projects; and so much more!
Sharing, Sharing, Sharing
Beaver Scouts Motto
A Beaver uniform consists of a hat, necker (and woggle), and a vest!
Cubs
It’s all about having fun, meeting new friends and developing self-confidence.
Scouts Canada
Those who have progressed through Beavers will become a Cub Scout! Cubs is the section for youth aged 8 to 10. A Cub section is known as a Pack and those within this Pack are organized into smaller sections called Lairs.
As a Cub, youth get to be part of the planning process such as deciding on what types of adventures they and their fellow Cubs wish to do! Cubs are always encouraged to try new things and participate in different experiences. They also participate in community projects, always ready to lend a helping hand.
Do Your Best
Cub Scouts Motto
A Cub uniform consists of a grey long sleeve shirt, cap; and necker (and woggle).
1-1940-s-cub_1_orig.jpg From Aylmer, the full uniform Cub's Shirt with badges attached to the arm Wolf Cub Canada Uniform Shirt and Shorts Wolf Cubs Uniform Boy Scouts - Cub Cap with Star Wolf Cub Grey Uniform & Shorts Wolf Cub Grey Uniform Dark Blue Wolf Cubs Uniform Wolf Cubs Cap
Scouts
Through Scouts, youth discover their unique capabilities and personal progression as they discover the world through Scouting.
Scouts Canada
After progressing through Cubs, youth may become a Scout!
Scouts is the section for youth aged 11 to 14. Each section of Scouts is known as a Troop and Troops are comprised of smaller groups called Patrols.
As Scouts, youth get to take a stronger role in the decision and planning process on the types of adventures they and their Troop take. They also learn more advance skills and learn to “blaze their own trail.”
As is the same for the previous sections, participating in community service projects is an integral part of being a Scout: “Scouts instills a sense of civic pride and responsibility.”
Be Prepared
Scouts Motto
Scout's Uniform 1960s Scout Uniform Women's Leader Uniform A women's leader uniform, 1st Fort Henry Scout troop, Kingston District. Note the unique hat, which is similar to a nurse's cap. Scout's Beret Queen's Scout Badge 1940s Scout Uniform Full Stetson Full Stetson with green plume representing a Scout leader. Scouter Uniform, c. Mid-1950s Scouter Uniform from Brockville A scouter (leader) uniform from 1982, Brockville District. It includes a tie and matching beret, and a 75th anniversary badge. Scouts Beret with Green Background Scouts Canada Uniform Scouts Canada Winter Hat Stetson Brown Stetson with Scout Badge Scouts Canada Red Beret Scout Beret Scouts Beret with Blue Background Scouts Canada Green Beret Scouts Canada Green Beret II Scouts Canada Tan Uniform Campfire Blanket Boy Scouts Canada Shirt and Stetson Grey Scouts Canada Uniform Shirt Scout Uniform Back of Campfire Blanket Boy Scouts Canada Green Beret Boy Scouts Canada Uniform Grey Scouts Canada Uniform Shirt and Red Beret Boy Scouts Canada Old Uniform Shirt Boy Scouts Canada Uniform, Shorts, and Stetson Green Scouts Beret with Scout Badge Wolf Cub Uniform Shorts
Venturers
Venturer Scouts work to acquire the knowledge and skills for career development; and participate in thrilling outdoor adventures.
Scouts Canada
From Scouts- youth progress to become Venturers.
Venturer Scouts is the section for youth aged 15-17. The Venturer Scout section is called a Company and may be divided up into smaller groups called Expedition Teams.
Venturer Scouts participate in hands-on experience and more advance outdoor adventures, nurturing an active and healthy lifestyle. The emphasis on leadership, teamwork, and planning continues into the Venturer Scout section as they begin to chart “their own path.”
Challenge
Venturer Scouts Motto
17-1970-s-fort-henry-venturer.jpg Venturer Shirt Venturer Beret Venturers Uniform and Beret
Rovers
Teaming with other like-minded young people, Rover Scouts explore how they can fit and contribute as members of their community.
Scouts Canada
After progressing through the Venturer section, the now young adult becomes a Rover.
Rovers are the most senior section of Scouting and are for young adults aged 18 to 26. Many Rovers have progressed through many of the young sections. Individual sections of Rover Scouts are called a Crew.
Rover Scouts will learn to “Paddle their own Canoe”, to help them further develop the skills that will help them through their early adult years.
Go Beyond.
Rover Scouts Motto
Rover Leader Uniform Hat with Plume, Necker, with 10-year Service Award, Link Badge Rover Scouts Canada Red Beret Rovers Canada Beret Stetson with Scout Badge and Red Plume
Sea Scouts
Sea Scouts are a related section to the Scouting Movement with an extra focus on water activities which are essential to the Sea Scout program. Sea Scout sections are called a Ship’s Company and from there, they are divided up into smaller groups called Boat Crews.
Sea Scout Uniform Sea Scout Leader Shirt, Necker & Woggle Sea Scout Leader Uniform, Necker and Woggle Adult Uniform Cap Sea Scout Uniform 1950s Sea Scout Uniform Sea Scout Blue Beret Sea Scout Uniform 1st Bayridge Sea Scout Ball Cap Sea Scout Cap
Want to learn more about Scouting in Kingston?
Check out Local Scouting for over 100 years of Scouting history in Kingston.
You can also view more uniforms in detail from each section on on our Collections page.
If you are able to provide more information on these uniforms, leave a comment!
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Lew and Deb Babcock for their help in photographing and identifying many of these uniforms, providing insight and sharing their knowledge on the history of uniforms and Scouts, especially in Kingston.
References
- Scouting For Boys: A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship Through Woodcraft by Lord Baden-Powell
- Scouts Canada Website
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