Royal Rangers name tag...

Hi All,

I have a question regarding name tags. I have placed an order of the Royal Ranger tags, instead of each individual group.

Why?

When the kids move to a different group they don't have to unsew the name tags and replace it with a new one. Also, saves the outpost some money on ordering new group tags etc.

is this a requisite, do we have to abide by this law?

As much as I love the program, this is a very expensive program and everything is money.

it is kind of frustrating at times.

Thanks,
God Bless you all!
-Alex

Regulations say Royal Rangers tag is for leaders only. Don't matter to me. Personally, I think a "Leaders" or "Commander" tag would be appropriate for adults since my left shoulder says Royal Rangers too. Seems redundant to say it twice.

I don't have any problem with it.  I think that your way is more practical.

The only time that it would matter would be if one of the boys went to a District, Sectional, or National Camp.  And then, you could update those uniforms (don't glue them on). And to tell the truth, "Formal" uniforms are not required for many of those functions. Just get matching T-Shirts and say that they are your "uniform" for the Outpost.

I think that it was more pertinent back when we had Buckaroos, Pioneers, Trailblazers, etc.  Now, it's just a way for Headquarters to sell more accoutrements that you will have to replace next year.

I also don't think it's a "big deal", but can see where the name tags bring more identification with their group. Most boys want to feel a part of something bigger than the idividual. That's the draw of military, gangs, etc. I think the specific name tags just add a little more of that identification for them. It's also something else to look forward to when they move up. I know my boys look forward to moving up to the "bigger boys" group each time. Personally I think that going with the generic name tag removes some of the excitement...

I also don't think most boys will be fitting into the same shirt after three years anyway, so they'll be sewing on new patches regardless. The patch isn't that expensive, so I can't see cost as a huge reason for using the generic patch for the boys. If it does happen to be the make or break cost for a family, just either use someone else's used tag that's already moved on, or spring for a new one for them.

I'm big on recycling patches back too. Once you invest in a stock of each you shouldn't have to buy new very often. Also we don't use Ranger Kids tab since we do vest for RK.

That's where we differ from a lot of outposts because we do a uniform shirt for the RK's too instead of just a vest and t-shirt. They're not Rainbows....

Haha Philip never thought of that. Yea the whole vest and tee harkens back to the buckaroo and straight arrow days. Both groups had vest and tees. Buckaroos had a neckerchief and slide. Then Pioneers, trailblazers, and had air/sea/trail rangers used all the same standard khakis. B/SA and RK were and are considered auxilary groups to regular program. Like cub scouts is to boy scouts.

I can see that based on the level of understanding that a K-5 through 2nd grader has compared to 3rd and up boys, but because we're a smaller outpost, we do games and activities at times with all the boys together. We work hard to have an overall outpost unity as well as the individual age groups. To be honest though, I've seen some second graders with more maturity than some 3rd or 4th graders.... It all depends on the boy!

And depends on his parents or guardians raising him too. I have seen that many times RK better than a 5th grader.

In my outpost we also velcro for name tabs.
I don't think its a scam to juice more $. Its always been that way since beginning. I would be concerned over $16 medallions and drape medals. If you want change uniform regs then just eliminate the name tabs altogether since as I mentioned before a "Royal Rangers" tab seems redundant with it already printed on our left shoulder emblem, bolos, and hats.

I think the commanders where the "Royal Rangers" patch because their roll transcends age groups. With all the things I disagree with about the program, the age group patches are not one of them. I like them.

I like them too. As one that moved up through all 5 original groups moving to the next level and changing tabs was exciting.