Scout Patches A Symbol of Memories That Last A Lifetime

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and their younger counterparts Brownies and Cub Scouts, are part of noble organizations, with traditions dedicated to the physical, mental and spiritual development of young people. One of the ways they commemorate accomplishment and milestones is through the use of Scout patches.

The small embroidered pieces, known as merit badges, denote achievement. They’re a visible reminder that a Scout has accomplished something worthy of public recognition.

Those embroidered badges have a long, distinguished history dating back to the founding of Scouting. Girl Scouts could earn more than 25 of them by 1920. Today’s Boy Scouts can earn merit badges in more than 100 categories. Adult Scout leaders too can earn Scout patches for meeting training requirements.

Scouting organizations award merit badges after a Scout completes the requirements, which will vary depending on the badge. The Scouts study in areas that interest them, and they work at their own pace.

Many Scouts, both past and present, choose to collect the embroidered pieces. For many adults, it’s a way to relive their own Scouting adventures, recalling the excitement of their youth. For Boy Scout memorabilia collectors, one favorite aspect is collecting “Order of the Arrow” patches, issued by the Boy Scouts of America honor society.

Collectible pieces can be a business or potentially lucrative hobby. One website notes that collecting Scout patches is a multi-million dollar industry, with classic pieces selling on eBay and other auction sites. One particularly rare Order of the Arrow Scout badge reportedly sold in 2009 for $30,000.

The most common way to attach the badges to uniforms is to sew them on. Many suppliers offer iron-on backing as well. Iron-on backing alone is not generally considered a durable way to apply them. However, the iron-on backing can be helpful in holding the patches in place as they are sewn on.

When it comes to creating the embroidered pieces, good suppliers will use computer-controlled, state of the art embroidery machines to produce top-quality patches. This guarantees the products will be produced with clear, vivid detail and will grab the attention of others.

Today’s suppliers can design and create many kinds of pieces, in varying sizes and designs. The same providers make pieces for firefighters, military units, bands, businesses and just about any organization. The professionals who wear these pieces on a daily basis expect nothing less than top quality. The pieces must be embroidered so well that the recipients will be proud to wear them every day on their uniforms.

Both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have many hallowed traditions, of which Scout patches are among the most revered. These traditions are likely to last for many years to come, marking the journey for Scouts and leaders everywhere.