Scout Skills

Uniform · Activity

The Activity Uniform

The activity uniform — unofficially nicknamed "Class B" — is a Scouting t-shirt worn for active, casual, or messy occasions where the formal field uniform isn't appropriate: campouts, service projects, sports, hikes, and work days. Most troops have their own troop t-shirt that counts.

Official name
Activity uniform
Nickname
"Class B" (unofficial)
Usually
A troop t-shirt
For
Active, messy occasions

How to use it

  1. 1Get your troop's t-shirt (or an official Scouting t-shirt) — that's your activity uniform.
  2. 2Wear it for active events — campouts, service, sports, hikes, hot weather, work days.
  3. 3Switch to the field uniform for meetings, ceremonies, courts of honor, and travel.
  4. 4Follow your troop's rule on which to wear when.
  5. 5Keep a field uniform available even on trips — you may travel in it and change on arrival.

When to use it

  • The practical uniform for the hands-on, sweaty, dirty parts of Scouting.
  • Protecting the field uniform from wear and damage during activities.
  • Building troop identity through a shared troop t-shirt.

Notes

  • The activity uniform exists so scouts aren't ruining the field uniform doing real outdoor work.
  • Dress for the activity — the activity uniform is often paired with weather-appropriate gear (layers, rain gear, sun protection).
  • Follow the troop's call on which uniform for which event — especially for travel and public appearances.

Going deeper

  • The sweaty-work uniform. If you're going to get dirty, wet, or sweaty, that's the activity uniform's job — save the field uniform for representing Scouting.
  • Your troop shirt counts. The troop t-shirt with your number on it is the everyday activity uniform for most units.
  • "Class B" isn't official either. Like "Class A," it's borrowed slang — BSA says activity uniform.

Official source

Scouts BSA Uniform — Scouting America →

When each uniform is worn is largely a troop decision. Confirm current activity-uniform guidance and troop-t-shirt acceptability at the source.