A scout bandana is a triangular scarf worn as part of a scouting uniform, with different colors identifying members of different troops or districts. It has many useful functions, including as a first aid bandage, sling, and carrying bag. Woogles or slides are used to tighten or loosen the collar.
A scout bandana is the neck scarf worn as part of a scouting uniform such as that of the Boy Scouts of America. This scarf is a square of fabric that is folded into a triangle, wrapped around the neck, and tied in the middle. Two long, pointed ends hang from the central knot. The back view of a scout bandana is a triangle of fabric at the neck pointing downward. Scout bandanas are believed to have been worn consistently with the rest of the uniform beginning in 1915.
Until the 1970s, the bandana was worn over the collar of the scout uniform shirt. After that, the wearing of the scout collar under the uniform collar became popular. The color of the scout bandanas identifies members of different troops or districts. In some countries, scouts wear not only different colored scarves, but also different patterns.
Far from being merely decorative, a scout bandana is a very useful part of scouting. The most important use of scout bandanas is as a first aid bandage. The scout’s neck can be wrapped around wounds like a tourniquet to stop bleeding or tied loosely over a clean wound to keep it clean. A scout’s neck can also be used as a sling for an injured arm or to signal an emergency when strapped to a stick or paddle. When moistened, the bandana can be used to clean wounds or to help prevent smoke inhalation during a fire when it covers the mouth and is tied at the back of the head.
Scouts are encouraged to think of constructive and useful uses for their bandanas. For example, when the four points of the scout bandana square are joined and tied together, a useful carrying bag or sack is formed. During a messy fireside meal, the bandana can be tied at the back of the neck with the rest of the fabric hanging in the front like a bib to protect the scout uniform from food stains.
When worn as part of the uniform, a scout bandana should be able to be loosened and tightened with a slipknot or a small accessory called a slide. The slide is also called a woogle. Woogles or slides are made from many different materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, bark, or bone. They fit around the folded and draped scarf and should remain in position until moved to loosen or tighten the collar. Scout pocket squares are generally worn looser in hot weather to help decrease sweating and left tighter in cooler conditions to add warmth to the neck.
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