Your child is so excited. You just gave them their first (or second, or fifth) Scout uniform, straight from the package. And you have a pile of badges and patches that goes along with it. Where do they go? We are here to help.
Scroll down for the common placements of various badges and insignia for the four BSA programs, or refer to the full PDF guides for all details (click on the program image below):
Cub Scouts
Lion Cubs wear the Lion Cub program t-shirt. All Cub Scouts from Tigers through Arrow of Light can wear the blue Cub Scout short or long sleeve uniform shirt, but Webelos and Arrow of Light have the option of wearing the tan Scouts BSA uniform shirt (with navy blue epaulets on the shoulders). Adventure loops (Tiger, Wolf, and Bear) are worn on the official Cub Scout belt, and Adventure pins (Webelos and Arrow of Light) are worn on the Webelos Colors. Click image to zoom, or download entire Cub Scout Guide to Insignia.
Scouts BSA
Scouts BSA wear a tan short- or long-sleeved uniform shirt with olive green epaulets. A Merit Badge Sash is used to display earned merit badges. Patches (non-earned, for attending events) can be displayed on a patch blanket; one patch can be hung from the right pocket button. Click image to zoom, or download entire Scouts BSA Guide to Insignia.
Venturing
Venturers wear a dark green short- or long-sleeved uniform shirt with green epaulets. Click image to zoom, or download entire Venturing Guide to Insignia.
Sea Scouts
Sea Scouts wear a dark navy short- or long-sleeved uniform shirt. Uniform information and purchasing options, as well as additional information on badge placement, can be found on the Sea Scout Uniform page. Click image to zoom, or download entire Sea Scout Guide to Insignia.