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We’re now just days away from the launch of Scouts BSA.
In anticipation of the program’s February 1 debut, Scouts BSA uniform items and the Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls have begun arriving at Scout shops and will soon be in stock at scoutshop.org.
You’ve been asking for details about these new items, and we’ve got answers to share.
But first, a quick note to leaders and Scouts in existing all-boy troops: your uniforms and handbooks won’t need to be replaced. You’re good to go.
For leaders of new Scouts BSA troops, as well as new Scouts BSA members — boy or girl — keep reading for the latest info.
Scouts BSA uniforms: Your questions answered
When will the new Scouts BSA uniforms be available?
Scouts BSA launches Feb. 1, but uniform parts are available now at some nationally operated Scout shops.
They’ll be in stock at scoutshop.org by the end of January. That will include the roll-up pants, girl’s short-sleeve shirtand more uniform items available in sizes for women and girls.
Please call either the Mechanicsburg or York Scout Shops to confirm availability before making a trip.
What’s new or different about the Scouts BSA uniform?
- The Scouts BSA uniform shirt comes in sizes and cuts for women and girls.
- New uniform pants for women and girls can be rolled up at the leg to be worn as capri pants. Women and girls can also purchase the current, switchback-style uniform pants that zip off at the knee.
- The new shirt is tan and features a BSA fleur-de-lis emblem and the letters “BSA” in red over the right pocket. The existing inventory of tan shirts, with “BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA” in red over the right pocket, will be available until they’re all sold out.
Can I still wear previous-generation uniform pieces?
Yes. With BSA uniforms, the rule is: once official, always official.
Can I mix and match old and new uniform pieces?
Yes. For example, you could wear the new tan Scouts BSA uniform shirt with previous-generation green uniform pants.
Scouts BSA Handbook: Your questions answered
When will the new Scouts BSA Handbook be available?
Scouts BSA launches Feb. 1, but the Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls is now available at scoutshop.org and is available now at both our local Scout Shops.
That said, we recommend calling the Scout Shop you plan to visit to confirm these are in stock before making a trip.
The Scouts BSA Handbook for Boys will be shipped to Scout Shops this summer as current inventory decreases. Boys can continue using the 13th Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook, which remains available at Scout Shops and online.
Why are there two different handbooks?
The volunteer-led board of directors wanted to ensure Scouts can see themselves represented accurately in the pages, and having two handbooks was the most effective way to do that.
The photos reflect the troop of which the Scout is a member. In other words, boys will see images of other boys in the Scouts BSA Handbook for Boys; girls will see images of other girls in the Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls.
Is the content the same between the Scouts BSA Handbook for Boys and the Scouts BSA Handbook for Girls?
Yes, the content, requirements and page numbers are exactly the same. All that’s different is the photos.
What did and didn’t change from the Boy Scout Handbook to the Scouts BSA Handbooks?
What didn’t change:
- Requirements
- Program elements
What did change:
- Images, which reflect the troop of which the Scout is a member
- The program name — Boy Scouts becomes Scouts BSA
- Youth Protection guidelines, which are regularly updated to keep young people safe
- Minor grammar and formatting fixes to the 13th Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook
Can a Scout continue to use the 13th Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook?
Absolutely. But be aware that rules and requirements can be updated, so always look for the latest requirements online or in Scoutbook.
