Wearing the Scout Hat

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Importance of Good Ceremonies
Troop-Centered Ceremonies
The Ingredients
A Few Suggestions
Themes for Ceremonies
Wearing the Scout Hat

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Indoors 

The cap is definitely a part of the official uniform of the Boy Scouts of America and should be worn indoors only when Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers, and Scouters in uniform are participating in inspections, color ceremonies, and other formal affairs. An exception should be made in those churches where the wearing of any head covering by males is considered improper in any part of the building. In Jewish synagogues all males wear head covering at all times during religious services or when entering the place of worship.

At Unit Meetings 

There are many units across the United States whose traditional custom is to have all uniformed persons wear caps for the opening ceremonies, then take them off for training and recreation. For the closing assembly, the caps are put on again and remain on except during prayer or religious devotions, when by word of the leader in charge, all caps are taken off. This may be considered as proper procedure.

At Conventions 

Scout uniformed personnel on duty at conventions or expositions as orderlies, messengers, and service crews should wear caps even though they are on duty indoors. During a meal in a banquet hall, Scout personnel should take off their caps when entering the dining room, unless serving as members of a color guard.

Color Guard in Church 

A color guard will wear caps at all times when attending or carrying the flags. If in a church procession, caps will be worn indoors by color guards and bearers until the flags are posted at the chancel steps or front of the church. The color guards will then salute, take off their caps, and proceed to their pews for the service. 

For the recessional at the close of the service, the ceremony will be in reverse. The color guards and bearers will leave their pews, approach the flags, put on their caps, salute, and carry colors in the recessional to the exit. Other uniformed Scout personnel will, of course, not wear caps at any time while in the church.

Boards of Review and Courts of Honor 

Scout personnel should remove caps when participating in boards of review or courts of honor indoors, if so prescribed by the chairman in charge.

When to Remove Cap 

The cap should be removed by all uniformed Scout personnel, excepting Den Mothers, when participating in religious devotions; when entering a church, a home, room, office, restaurant, theater, auditorium, school, or hotel elevator; or on other occasions when it is proper for civilians to remove their hats.

Tucked over Belt 

Boy Scouts, Explorers, Air Explorers, and Scouters may, when uncovered, carry their caps tucked over the belt on the right- hand side, folded once so that the cap insignia is visible from the front.