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Boy Scout Bolo Ties for the BSA Boy Scouts of America

Bolo ties are an essential part of the uniform for the Boy Scouts. And Boy Scout Bolo Ties are very popular and very collectible too!

A neckerchief, necko, necker, kerchief or less commonly scarf is a type of neckwear associated with Scouts, cowboys and sailors. It consists of a triangular piece of cloth or a rectangular piece folded into a triangle. The long edge is rolled towards the point, leaving a portion unrolled. The neckerchief is then fastened around the neck with the ends either tied or clasped with a slide or woggle.

Scout neckerchiefs are not required for wear with the Boy Scout uniform.That said, those triangles of fabric sure can make a sharply dressed troop look even better.The Guide to Awards and Insignia confirms that Boy Scout neckerchiefs are optional, and it dictates that troops (read: the boys, not the adults) vote on whether to wear a neckerchief. Majority rules here, and everyone in the troop should abide by the winning decision. Uniforms should be uniform, after all.The Scouts can decide what color the neckerchief should be and what embroidery and logos it will contain. A number of official BSA licensees, including the BSA's Supply Group, offer custom neckerchiefs for purchase.

The Boy Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet states, "the troop/team may vote to wear a neckerchief, bolo tie or no neck wear."

The Scout Leader Uniform Inspection Sheet says, "neckwear is optional but must be worn according to specifications in the insignia guide."

The BSA website (scouting.org) states that male Cub Scout leaders can wear a olive or tan dress tie, a leader bolo tie, or special adult leader neckerchiefs.

Th BSA insignia guide lists official neckerchief slides and describes several options for Boy Scout neckerchiefs. It says that the entire troop must agree and wear the same thing.

So it looks like a strict interpretation of the rules would suggest that the scouts can agree to wear a bolo, nothing or a neckerchief but all should wear the same thing. The leaders do not have to wear neck wear but if they do it should be a tie, the adult leader neckerchief (for Cub Scouts) or the agreed upon Troop neckerchief (for Boy Scouts). Cub Scout leaders for certain, and presumably Boy Scout leaders, can wear official bolos.

In actual practice adult leaders commonly wear scouting related bolos of different sorts, many highly collectible Jamboree Souvenirs and Keepsakes.

What is the Difference Between Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts? Check out this article on Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and if your searching for Cub Scout Bolos.