Cub Scout Patch Placement? Read This!

For many parents, Cub Scout patch placement can be confusing. When it comes to rules and regulations to follow, the Scouts have a few. You don't want to get it wrong or run into any other issues.

The Boy Scout website has provided a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know, including patch placement, badge types, and more.

Right Sleeve
On the right sleeve, in the first position at the top, is the most important patch: the American flag. Most new uniforms should have this flag sewn in the correct position. However, in case it falls off or is lost somehow, it’s important to remember where to place the flag patch.

Below the flag on the right sleeve is a gold on blue patch representing the den number of the Scout. This patch should be directly below the flag patch and should be so close that it’s touching the flag.

Finally is the "Journey to Excellence” patch, where only the most recent years’ award should be. There is no need to place every patch there; only the current year is necessary.

Left Sleeve
At the top of the left sleeve is the Council shoulder emblem. These patches are cut to fit the seam of the uniforms, which makes placing the patch quite easy.

Below the Council shoulder emblem is the pack number and the Veteran Unit Emblem. The pack number will always be included, though the Veteran Unit Emblem is only for packs that have been chartered for 25 years or longer, in increments of five. The Veteran Unit Emblem should be placed above the pack number.

A helpful Cub Scout placement tip: when sewing on your pack numbers, sew them together before sewing them onto the uniform. This saves you the work of having to sew each number to the uniform individually, which is especially helpful when your pack number has 3 or more digits. In the final position on the left sleeve are any Cub Scout pack badges of office.

Left Pocket
Above the pocket, centered between the left shoulder seam and the top of the left shoulder pocket is the World Crest. There are a number of optional rings that can be placed around the World Crest if the Scout has earned any of them.

The left pocket is from the badges of rank. The patches should form a diamond, with the Bobcat at the top, the Bear on the right, the Tiger on the bottom, and the Wolf on the left.

Right Pocket
The right pocket flap is for the Outdoor Activity Award patch. Any Summertime Pack Award pins are pinned to this patch as well. Below the pocket flap, the Scout can wear a temporary patch of their choice.

Only one temporary patch may be worn at a time, but these can be changed at will. While patches can, of course, be sewn onto the uniform, think about other less-permanent display options like a plastic patch holder. This allows your Scout to switch patches whenever they want! Lastly, if the Scout earns the Recruiter patch, it should be worn directly below the right pocket.

That covers all of the basic Cub Scout patch placement. Your Scout is sure to earn plenty more patches throughout their time in the Cub Scouts and beyond, so look at other ways to display his patches on a jacket or sash or even in a shadow box! Have fun with it!