Scout Patches Symbolize Determination, Hard Work and Achievement

For many men and women in the United States, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are an important part of growing up. The organizations are dedicated to the concepts of character development, citizenship and personal fitness. The path to leadership for many high achievers has led through the Scouting organizations. Many people still cherish the scout patches they earned while members of the organizations.



Both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts recognize achievement by issuing Scout patches. From Cub Scout or Brownie all the way to adulthood, Scout patches are cherished symbols of achievement.Earning a Scout patch or merit badge is a mark of distinction for the Scout earning it. Scout patches are part of the long, proud tradition of Scouting worldwide.



Boy Scout patches in the United States date to the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts can earn merit badges in more than 100 categories, such as rifle shooting, lifesaving, theater and many others. Adult Scout leaders who complete specific training requirements also can earn Scout patches.



Girl Scouts have their own distinct badges, patches and insignia too, based on their organization’s programs and activities. Girl Scout patches also are awarded for completing specific activities and programs.



Scouts work at their own pace to earn Scout patches in the areas that interest them. The work required to complete the patch standards varies with the individual categories. Once a Scout completes the Scout patch requirements, he or she is awarded the merit badges.



Scout patches are most often attached by sewing them onto uniforms. They are commonly offered with iron-on backing as well. While the iron-on backing makes application of the Scout patch easier, it won’t be as durable by itself as a sewn-on patch. One excellent use of the iron-on backing, however, is to use it to hold the patch in place for sewing onto the uniform. The ensures a straight patch for sewing, and a strong, permanent application.



Scout patches and other Scout memorabilia are popular among collectors. They often trade or sell patches on Internet auction sites or at Scouting events known as "trade-o-rees."



Collecting Scout patches brings back fond memories for many adults of their own Scouting days, enabling them to relive the excitement they felt when they earned Scout patches themselves for the first time. For other collectors, it’s all about the artwork on the patches and the rarity of them. For example, "Order of the Arrow" patches, issued by the Boy Scout honor society, are quite rare, with some selling for up to $30,000.



Today’s state of the art computerized embroidery machines make it possible for patch companies to produce custom Scout patches with ease. These companies can easily produce other custom patch designs for police officers, firefighters, military units and other organizations. Scout patches are just one type of custom embroidered patches that professional patch suppliers provide each day.



Scout patches are popular because Scouting is popular. With the ongoing interest in both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Scout patches are likely to be a tradition with a long life well into the 21st century and beyond.