01/01/2022
An informative article on scout scarves.
History of Scarf.
The Scouting movement makes the scarf part of its uniform. A generally ceremonial item, the scarf is taught to be a practical wilderness item in the Scouting tradition. The scarf, unrolled, is designed to be the perfect size for use as a triangular bandage for first aid.
The origin of the Scouting scarf seems to be in BP's participation in the 2nd. Matabele War in 1896; where he worked with Frederick Russell Burnham, an American-born scout employed by the British Army. BP copied Burnham's practical style of dress, including "a grey-coloured handkerchief, loosely tied around the neck to prevent sunburn". When BP launched the Scout Movement with the book Scouting for Boys in 1908, he prescribed a scarf as part of the Scout uniform, which he stated was "very like the uniform worn by my men when I commanded the South African Constabulary". He continued; "Every Troop has its own scarf colour, since the honour of your Troop is bound up in the scarf, you must be very careful to keep it tidy and clean." Initially, Scout scarves were tied with a variety of knots, but the use of a "woggle" / slide, originated in the United States in the early 1920s & quickly spread around the Scouting world.
Each Scout group would have a scarf of different design & colours. In most countries each Scout Troop uses its own colour scarf (BPIS follows this). The colours are usually the "Troop Colours" which may have a particular historical significance to the troop / to the local community.
At Scouting camps & jamborees these scarves represent units, subcamps / the camp as a whole. Fun scarves are also used as memorabilia at Scout events & country scarves are often traded at international gatherings
Scarves can also have important ceremonial functions in Scouting, for example, the 1st Gilwell Scout Group present a special scarf on completion of the Wood Badge.
