Present Day

It wasn't until around 1915 that the necker was recognised as a necessary part of the Scout uniform. Now each troop wears a coloured necker to identify who they are.

But the necker has many more practical benefits, and it is these that make it an invaluable part of a Scout's uniform. For a look to see just how many different uses this simple piece of equipment has take a look at our page "101 Uses".

From humble beginnings, the necker has come to symbolise what a Scout is, and many Scoutmasters have taught the values of the Scout Oath and Law using the neckerchief.

"While wrapping the neckerchief up for wear, he said to wrap it tight in small
twists, twelve in fact. And to repeat the twelve points of the Scout Law as you
did so. Then as you placed your neckerchief around your neck for wear, the
elements of the Oath and Law were with you. They were in fact part of you."

This is only a very brief outline of how the necker has evolved, and the recognised uses have grown so much that the Scout is now able to deal with whatever situations may face him. Perhaps by visiting our page "101 uses", you will find that there is a use that will help you and/or your troop.