How to Wear and Display Cub Scout Temporary Patches

Cub Scout temporary patches and badges are different than regular patches. Learn what they are, how to wear them, and how to display them.

Cub Scout patch placement is always a big question for parents–especially those temporary badges. How can Cub Scouts earn them and where do they go?

Check out my Cub Scout uniform badge placement guide for permanent patches.

There are many opportunities to earn temporary badges. When our Cubs participate in activities such as the annual popcorn sale, the Memorial Day flag placement, or the Scouting for Food drive, they get a new patch. 

Scouting anniversary events and camporees have patches for the attendees. The Scouts who go to Cub Scout Day Camp get a patch. Often, an organization such as a minor league baseball team will host a Scout Night and will give patches to the Scouts who are there.

But what are the requirements for Cub Scout patch placement of temporary badges? The Scouting America regulations say that you can only have one temporary patch on your uniform at a time. It is to be worn on the right pocket of the uniform shirt.

Options for Temporary Cub Scout Patch Placement

You could sew that patch on, but when your kid gets the next one and wants that one on their shirt, you’ll have to take the first one off and sew the next one on. 

Even with this super easy way to sew on patches, I don’t want to spend my time doing that!

A great option for temporary Cub Scout patch placement is to use a patch holder like this one that’s available from your local Scout Shop or online from the Scout Stuff. 

Simply put the patch inside the plastic holder and hook it over the right pocket button.

After a year or two of Scouting, your Cub Scout will have a nice collection of patches. There are multiple options for how to display these.

Ways to Wear Patches

Brag Vests – Many Scouts have a “brag vest” that they wear over their uniforms. These bright red vests are typically made of felt. You can find these on Etsy.

Sashes – Here’s a cool idea! Wear a Cub Scout sash similar to the ones worn by Scouts BSA for their Merit Badges.

Patch Jackets – I saw a man and his two sons at our Council office who were wearing patch jackets like this one. I loved the idea, so I bought fleece, zippered jackets with a hood and started sewing their patches on. (I told you I’m a horrible seamstress–the patches are on crooked!)

Ways to Display Patches

Blankets & Quilts – Through the years, many Scouts sewed their patches onto blankets and often used them on campouts. While this isn’t as popular as it once was in the United States (although there is a private Facebook group called “My Camp Blanket Rocks!“), many international Scouts still create their “campfire blankets.”

I also saw some beautiful quilts on Pinterest.  You can see them by checking out my Cub Scout Patches board.

Shadow Boxes & Picture Frames –By using a shadow box or picture frame, there will be much less wear and tear on your Scout’s patches.  When your child becomes old enough to appreciate it, you can pass the shadow box on down to them. Take a look at this one. Pretty awesome!

I found this incredible shadow box on a forum.  I love that it has the belt loops embedded in the frame.  I wish I could give credit to the woman who made it, but she only goes by the handle “*Jinx**Trouble x3” on the forum.  Jinx, if you see this, contact me so I can hire you to make one for my boys!

Banners –There are many options for banners that you can make or purchase. I love this one with the Cub Scout blue and gold colors.

Take a look at my Cub Scout Patches board on Pinterest for more ideas.

What’s your favorite way of displaying your child’s Cub Scout patches?

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry

P.S. If you need information on Cub Scout patch placement for permanent badges, read this.