Earning badges is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Scout. Whether it’s for mastering a new skill or showing commitment to a community project, each one tells a story of achievement. However, once the badge is earned, parents are often faced with the same question: “Where do I sew this?”
Getting the position of Scout badges correct is important for inspections and ceremonial events, but with so many different types of awards, the organisation can quickly become confusing. This guide will walk you through the official Scout badge placement, ensuring their uniform is always smart and ready for the next adventure!
The Scout Uniform Layout: A Quick Overview
Before reaching for the needle and thread, it’s helpful to understand that the Scout shirt is divided into specific zones. Each zone is reserved for a different category of achievement.
The Right Sleeve: Identity and Location
The right sleeve is primarily for ‘Identity’ badges. This tells people which troop they are a part of.
- Group Name Tape: This goes at the very top of the sleeve, just below the shoulder seam.
- District and County/Area Badges: These sit immediately below the Group name tape.
- Union Flag Badge: This is positioned at the top of the right sleeve, centred on the shoulder (if not already part of the identity strip).
The Left Sleeve: Skills and Progress
The left sleeve highlights ‘Ability.’ This is the primary position of scout badges related to specific activities.
- Staged Activity Badges: These are circular badges with a blue border. They should be arranged in rows, starting from the top.
- Activity Badges: These are circular with a red border. These sit below the staged badges.
The Right Chest: Membership and International
The right side of the chest is where membership and international badges should sit.
- World Scout Membership Badge: This purple circular badge is worn on the right breast, usually centred between the shoulder and the pocket (or where a pocket would be).
- Joining In Awards: These small square badges with a number on them indicate years in the movement. They go just above the membership badge.
The Left Chest: High Achievements
The left side is reserved for the most prestigious awards.
- Challenge Awards: These are diamond-shaped and are worn on the left breast. When multiple are earned, they form a larger diamond pattern.
- Chief Scout’s Gold Award: This is the highest award in Scouting and is worn centred above the Challenge Awards.
Where to Sew Scout Badges: Top Tips for Parents
Knowing where to sew Scout badges is half the battle; actually attaching them to the uniform’s thick material can be a challenge in itself!
To help you navigate this DIY, here are our simple steps to sewing Scout badges on a uniform:
- First Fix in Place: To avoid the badge slipping while you sew, use a tiny amount of fabric glue or a safety pin to hold it in place.
- The ‘Invisible’ Stitch: Try to use cotton thread in a colour that matches the border of the badge rather than the shirt colour.
- Stitch the Edge: With your thread knotted at one end, stitch around the edge of the badge. Take care not to accidentally sew the front and back of the top together.
- Finish with a Knot: Once the badge is secured, tie the thread in a double knot underneath and cut off the excess.
Top Tip: Try not to sew badges too close together. You want to leave a small gap (about 5mm) so the uniform doesn’t feel stiff and there’s room to add future achievements.
Why Do Scouts Use This Badge System?
The Scout badge placement system isn’t just about looking smart; it’s about recognition. When Scouts see another Scout’s badges, it allows them to strike up a conversation about shared interests, whether that’s a paddlesports staged badge or a climber activity badge.
Put Those Badges to the Test at PGL
Now that their uniform is up to date, it’s time to start working toward the next badge! At PGL, we’ve been supporting Scout badges and uniformed groups for over 65 years. Our centres provide the perfect environment to tick off requirements for a huge range of badges, from ‘Adventure’ and ‘Teamwork’ challenge awards to specialist activity badges.
Get in touch with our team today and see how a PGL Scout and Cubs residential trip can help troops add more badges to their uniform!
