Collectible Boy Scout Patches

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Boy Scout patches designating rank, also called rank badges, were first issued in the United States in 1910. These embroidered bits of cloth in geometric shapes were used to identify scouts at the Tenderfoot, First Class, Second Class, Life,...
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Boy Scout patches designating rank, also called rank badges, were first issued in the United States in 1910. These embroidered bits of cloth in geometric shapes were used to identify scouts at the Tenderfoot, First Class, Second Class, Life, Star, and Eagle levels. In addition, Boy Scouts who had achieved the rank of First Class were permitted to earn merit badges for such skills as knowing first aid, riding a bicycle, understanding electricity, and playing an instrument. In some cases, the work required to earn a merit badge was not trivial—among the accomplishments demanded of boys seeking an Agriculture badge was growing “at least an acre of corn which produces 25 percent.” Other badges were easier to come by—the Personal Health badge was pretty much awarded to anyone who could tell the difference between a hot and cold bath. Vintage Boy Scout patches known as community strips were meant to be sewn on the shoulder of a scout’s uniform, while ones bearing the organization's motto, “Be Prepared,” generally went on the front. There were also participation patches, such as those given to attendees of Boy Scout Jamborees. Camp patches for those kids who enjoyed camping trips at designated Boy Scout campsites were also popular, as were flap patches designed to fit on the pocket flap of a scout’s uniform—if the scout was especially worthy, he would proudly wear his Order of the Arrow patch on his pocket flap.

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