2021-01 Your Neckerchief

When you joined your troop, chances are you received a triangular piece of cloth called a neckerchief. As you know, this is worn with your uniform around your neck. There is a constant debate on if the neckerchief should be worn over or under the collar… I’ll leave that topic for you to discuss amongst yourselves. This triangle is one of my favorite pieces of the uniform. Not just because it adds some color to the monochromatic scheme of the uniform or that it is extremely helpful when playing a game of dragon tails. But, the reason why it’s my favorite is because it has so many different meanings. The color of your neckerchief could represent your troop or what patrol your in. It could indicate that you attended a jamboree or national youth leadership training. When I was a staff member at Island Park Scout Camp just south of Yellowstone National Park, we had a very unique neckerchief that made everyone aware that we were a staff member. The triangle was made out of a flannel fabric, and had fringe along the boarding to represent the fringe on a mountain man’s clothing with the Island Park Scout Camp brand in the middle of the field of the neckerchief. It not only visually indicated to other people that we worked at the scout camp, but it also created a sense of comradery between everyone who wore it.

As we go through the ranks and merit badges, we find that the neckerchief can be used for many other purposes including first aid applications. While hiking with my family I still wear a neckerchief to protect my neck from the sun and to cool myself down by soaking it in water along the trail. But, there is one purpose that tends to get overlooked, to remind you of the Scout Oath. The neckerchief has three points. Just like the Scout Oath has three points. Duty to God and Country, Duty to Others, and Duty to Yourself. I challenge you to remember the three points of the Scout Oath each time you place your neckerchief on your neck. To God and your country, to help other people at all times, and to keep yourself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.