Stand your ground! I know a group from Lousiana which wore Class A's on the trail. They were the best behaved, most enthusiatic, most Scout like group I have ever seen at Philmont. From direct observation there is a direct relationship between behavior and uniforms at Philmont.
As we have traveled as a troop around Texas and New Mexico our troop has been compliment often and well both our Troops behavior and uniforming. One old master sergerant went out of his way to come over and talk to all the boys and a army captain invited the troop to view "his" apache company. Our Scouts got to climb all over some brand new apaches.
Your Scouts are members of a team which is larger than just their unit. Ask them if any of their coaches would allow them to play in their Scout uniforms or just any old t-shirt. Why is Scouts different? As adults and managers we will receive the behavior and standards we expect. If the expectation is Class A then you should get Class A.
Stick to your guns and don't back off. After the initial complaining is over the behavior will improve individually and as a group.
>From: "Troop 6 Scoutmaster" <troop6scoutmaster@comcast.net>
>Reply-To: philmont@troop47.com
>To: Multiple recipients of list philmont <philmont@troop47.com>
>Subject: [Philmont]: Uniform
>Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 21:22:36 -0400
>
>OK, I'm sure this is gonna light a fuse ... but here goes ...
>
>Our council contingent always travels in ClassA, in fact with the exception
>of the rafting trip they take on tour they go ClassA all the way from Home
>to the Welcome Center. Return is the same drill.
>
>My plan with our Troop Crews is to do the same, but, I'm getting some push
>back from some of the boys. From my perspective, uniforming is a method of
>scouting, a ClassA uniform is required for some activities at the ranch, so,
>what better way to ensure that we have everything we need then to wear it.
>Before I become an immovable object on this topic I'd like the skinny on
>ClassA uniforms and Philmont. Where are they required and where are they
>optional?
>
>I'm sure I won't have to ask for general opinions on this topic.
>
>Thanks in advance
>
>YIS
>
>Jim
>
>Jim Thompson
>Scoutmaster, West Chester Troop 6
>Tour Leader, 715-D1, 715-D2
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
>Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
>loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
>cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
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Send postings to: philmont@troop47.com
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List Administrator: philmont_owner@troop47.com
-------------------------------------------------------
As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
-------------------------------------------------------