Scout patches are powerful symbols of identity, achievement, and shared experience, each telling a story of a challenge overcome or a skill mastered. Beyond mere decoration, they represent a scout's journey through a structured program of personal growth and community service. Adhering to official placement requirements ensures the uniform maintains its integrity and correctly represents the scout's accomplishments, while custom patches allow troops and patrols to foster unique identities and commemorate specific events.
This comprehensive guide details the official requirements for patch placement on Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) uniforms and provides inspiration for creating meaningful custom embroidered patches.
Official Patch Placement Requirements
Proper insignia placement is crucial for maintaining uniformity and respecting the traditions of the scouting movements. The official guidelines are meticulously detailed in each organization's insignia guides.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Insignia
The Scouting America Insignia Guide (Publication No. 33066) provides definitive rules for all patches, pins, and badges.
| Location |
Insignia Type |
Placement Details |
| Left Sleeve |
Council Shoulder Patch (CSP) |
Worn at the top, just below the shoulder seam. |
|
Unit Numerals |
Placed directly below the CSP. Multiple-digit numbers are available. |
|
Badge of Office |
Centered below the unit numerals (e.g., Patrol Leader, Scribe). |
|
Trained Patch |
Worn centered below the Badge of Office after official training is completed. |
| Right Sleeve |
American Flag |
Pre-sewn on most new uniforms, located just below the shoulder seam. |
|
Patrol Emblem |
A round, 2-inch patch placed about midway down the sleeve, identifying the scout's specific patrol. |
|
Temporary Patch |
Only one can be worn at a time, often hung by a loop from the right pocket button. |
| Left Pocket |
Rank Badge |
The scout's current rank (Scout, Tenderfoot, etc.) is worn centered on the pocket itself. |
|
World Crest Emblem |
Worn above the left pocket, centered horizontally between the pocket's left and right sides, and vertically between the top of the pocket and the shoulder seam. |
|
Arrow of Light |
The only Cub Scout award that carries over; it is worn just below the left pocket. |
| Right Pocket |
Order of the Arrow (OA) |
OA Lodge insignia (a pocket flap patch) may be worn on the pocket flap. |
Merit Badges: These are typically worn on a merit badge sash, not the uniform shirt itself, except for a maximum of six that can be worn on the right sleeve of a long-sleeved uniform shirt. The sash is worn over the right shoulder during formal scouting events like Courts of Honor.
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) Insignia
Girl Scout guidelines encourage displaying earned insignia with pride. The official GSUSA Uniforms & Insignia page provides visual guides for each grade level.
- Official Uniform Item: Each scout level (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador) uses one official item—a vest, sash, or tunic—to display insignia. Sashes are worn from the right shoulder to the left hip.
- Front: Reserved for official earned awards like the World Trefoil Pin, membership pins, Journey awards, and skill-building badges. Placement typically follows specific diagrams for each level, often starting from the bottom and working up.
- Back: The designated location for all "fun patches" or "temporary patches" that commemorate events, camps, or council-specific activities.
The Significance and History of Scout Patches
Patches have been integral to the scouting movement since its early days. In the 1920s and 1930s, scouts often traded natural tokens like shells or pinecones to cement friendships with scouts from other regions. The formal trading of embroidered patches became a major pastime, especially within the Order of the Arrow (OA) community, symbolizing brotherhood and shared experiences.
Today, patches serve as a visual biography of a scout's journey, embodying the core values of the program:
- Identity and Belonging: Unit numbers and council patches create a sense of local pride and belonging to a larger, global movement.
- Achievement and Growth: Rank and merit badges are tangible rewards for dedication, new skills learned, and challenges overcome, inspiring further pursuit of excellence.
- Tradition: Adhering to official placement honors the rich heritage of scouting that has evolved over more than a century.
Creating Custom Embroidered Patches
Custom patches allow troops, packs, and councils to celebrate unique identities and memorable events not covered by official badges. These are perfect for annual campouts, community service projects, or specific patrol emblems.
Design Guidelines and Compliance
It is essential that custom patches adhere to specific guidelines to be worn on the uniform:
- BSA Identifier: All BSA temporary patches and emblems must include a BSA corporate identifier: "BSA" (without periods), "Boy Scouts of America," or the official BSA fleur-de-lis emblem.
- Event or Activity Specific: The patch should commemorate a specific, verifiable scouting event or activity.
- Size and Shape (BSA): Official patrol emblems must be round, 2 inches in diameter, with a tan background and border, using a maximum of three colors.
Custom Patch Ideas
- Patrol Emblems: Encourage patrols to design their own unique animal or nature-themed emblems (e.g., a "Raging Rapids" patrol or "Silver Wolves").
- Event Commemoratives: Create a custom patch for a landmark achievement, such as a troop's 50-mile wilderness canoe trip or an annual "Chili Cook-Off" fundraiser.
- Local Landmarks: Feature a local geographical landmark or historical site that the troop frequently visits or helps maintain.
Attaching Patches Effectively
While the official method for permanent insignia is sewing, several methods exist for securing patches:
- Sewing Machine: A straight stitch or narrow zig-zag stitch provides a durable, long-lasting hold. Use clear or matching thread in the top and bobbin for a professional look. Blue painter's tape or washable glue sticks can help position the patch before sewing.
- Hand Sewing: A simple slip stitch works well, especially for hard-to-reach areas like pocket flaps.
- Temporary Adhesion: For fun patches that may be moved or traded, a button loop hanger or double-stick hem tape can be used, though permanent adhesives should be avoided as they can damage the fabric over time.
By understanding the requirements and leveraging custom designs, embroidered patches continue to build community and pride within the scouting movement, visually celebrating the growth and adventures of every scout.
