A scout neckerchief

Each scout will be issued a "RED scout neckerchief" as part of thier scout uniform, to be worn on special occasions and this camp-out
A is the neck scarf worn as part of a scouting uniform such as that of the Boy Scouts of America. This neckerchief is a square of fabric that is folded into a triangle, draped around the neck and knotted in the middle. Two long, pointed ends hang from the center knot. The back view of a scout neckerchief is a triangle of fabric at the collar that points downward. Scout neckerchiefs are thought to have been worn consistently with the rest of the uniform starting in 1915.

Up until the 1970s, the neckerchief was worn over the scout uniform's shirt collar. After that, wearing the scout neck wear under the uniform collar became popular. The color of scout neckerchiefs identify members of different troops or districts. In some countries, scouts wear not only different colored neckerchiefs, but distinct patterns as well.

Far from being merely decorative, a scout neckerchief is a highly useful part of scouting. The most important use of scout neckerchiefs is as a first aid bandage. Scout neck wear can be wrapped around wounds as a tourniquet to stop bleeding or tied loosely on a cleansed wound to keep it clean. A scout's neck wear can also be used as a sling for an injured arm or to be waved to signal an emergency when tied to a stick or boat paddle. When dampened, the neckerchief can be used to cleanse wounds or to help prevent smoke inhalation during a fire when it covers the mouth and is tied at the back of the head.

Scouts are encouraged to think of constructive and helpful uses for their neckerchiefs. For example, when the four points of the scout neckerchief square are brought together and tied, a useful carrying pouch or sack is formed. During a messy fireside meal, the neckerchief can be tied at the back of the neck with the rest of the fabric hanging at the front like a bib to protect the scout uniform from food stains.

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Boy Scout Troop 185

Boy Scout Troop 185 is an outdoor adventure Boy Scout Troop always on the go. Three weeks ago they went to New York and visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island where they trace their family roots. Prior to Gettysburg the Troop Campout over the weekend and attended the "Adventure 2010" the one hundredth anniversary of scouting council Jamboree.

The recent purchase of an enclosed travel trailer has helped troop go even further. Troop 185 meets Tuesday and Wednesday nights at our sponsor, the First Baptist Church, Main Street, Agawam.

New to Scouting?

OUR TROOP GOAL IS TO GO CAMPING ONCE A MONTH. Camping works so well because it gives scouts lots of responsibility. The responsibility comes from needing to stay warm and dry and safe and not hungry. This is not trivial, and it requires a great deal of teamwork and individual fortitude to accomplish. Without camping, a patrol has little to bind it together. Often, groups of scouts will be split between the most charismatic boys and the least. There is no criteria for leadership other than personal charm. Camping changes this by providing tasks for the group to accomplish. The successful leader becomes the scout most willing to work for the group. Leadership often begins with the boy who sees the rain coming and yells at his buddies to help him put up a tarp. Camping also gives scouts the opportunity to take control of their lives. The scouts decide what to do on a camp out.

This freedom to choose creates a tremendous opportunity for scout leadership, and keeps a troop energized and active.

The leaders of Troop 185 all have a vested interest in the scout program us their sons.

We also have regular meetings where we practice for our big outings by doing first aid, wilderness survival, and earn ranks. Us the scouts plan all the activities. If you join our troop you can run for leadership positions and influence where we go and what we do. Our adults aren't in charge, we are.

Our troop is open to boys who are 11 through 17 years old, have earned their Arrow of Light [Cub Scouting award], or have completed the fifth grade.