Uniforms shown after the Promise. For sewing, use the badge measurements below. View full-size artwork ↗
01 / Belonging
Neckerchief & woggle
Niagara’s blue-and-yellow neckerchief identifies our group. Roll it over the collar and hold it with a woggle or slide. It is included with registration.
Ask your leader which slide or woggle your child needs.
Start with membership badges. Add Promise, progress and role badges only when awarded.
Left and right always mean the wearer’s left and right. Measurements are in centimetres.
Membership badges
For the button-up shirt or equivalent positions on a sweater.
1
Cross of the Movement
Centred on the left breast pocket. Stitch to the pocket’s outer panel only.
The red eight-pointed cross recalls the Beatitudes; the golden fleur-de-lis points towards Christ.
2
FNE organization band
Centred above the right breast pocket, with its bottom edge on the top seam of the pocket flap.
Identifies the Federation of North-American Explorers.
3
Canadian flag
Centred immediately above the FNE organization band.
Identifies the country of the group.
4
FNE coat of arms
Centred on the right upper arm, 2.5 cm below the shoulder seam.
The Sacred Heart, star and trillium represent devotion to the Holy Family.
5
Group badge
On the right upper arm, halfway between the shoulder seam and the coat of arms. The strip is 1 cm high.
Names the local group. Navy cloth with yellow lettering.
Use your group-issued strip and assigned Six colours or patrol ribbons.
Choose your child’s branch
Otters: Promise, progress & responsibilities
Otter Promise badge
A blue round badge with an otter and the movement cross; marks the Otter Promise.
Where it goes
Centred on the front of the bucket hat. Leave room around it for the Crown of Mary.
When to wear it
After the Promise ceremony. The lodge decides whether the hat is issued before or at the Promise.
Crown of Mary
Recognizes the Otter’s next stage of progress. Also known as the Crown of Stars.
Where it goes
The ring fits around the Promise badge on the front of the hat. Sew both its inner and outer edges.
When to wear it
After it has been earned and awarded. It is not part of the starting uniform.
Event patches and First Aid badges
Temporary event patches
Official FNE/FSE event patches go in the centre of the right pocket. Keep the pocket usable and remove the patch within one year of the event.
First Responder badge
For someone with current First Aid and CPR certification: centre it on the left arm just above the rolled or folded sleeve. This is a qualification badge, not a standard badge for every child.
Why wear a uniform?
The uniform connects your child with their unit and the wider FNE family. Caring for it is an early lesson in responsibility.
For outings, follow the clothing and footwear instructions for the activity and weather.
Neckerchief and woggle
Niagara’s blue-and-yellow neckerchief identifies the group. It sits over the collar, rolled and held by a woggle or slide, and can help protect the neck from the sun.
Registration includes the neckerchief. Leaders show children how to wear it.
Clothing and equipment
Shirt and T-shirt
The uniform shirt is purchased separately. Registration includes a group T-shirt. Leaders explain when to wear each.
Bottoms and footwear
Choose the items for your child’s unit and check the measurements before ordering. Footwear should suit the activity and weather.
Headwear
Otters wear a bucket hat, Timber Wolves a navy beret and Explorers a four-dent hat. Ask when your child will need theirs.
Belt and accessories
The belt can carry a one-decade rosary on a clip. Timber Wolves also use a pouch and rope. Confirm the items your child needs before buying.
Sweaters
Ask about available sizes and suitable warm layers.
Cross and fleur-de-lis
The red eight-pointed cross recalls Christ’s blood and the eight Beatitudes. The golden fleur-de-lis represents the light of Christ and the scouting tradition of finding the right direction.
The coat of arms
The Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary’s star and the trillium of St. Joseph express devotion to the Holy Family. The trillium also represents Ontario, where FNE was founded.
Blue recalls Mary’s mantle; the red chevron recalls Christ and the martyrs; three fleurs-de-lis represent the Trinity.
What badges mean
Membership
Group and movement badges identify who you belong to.
Promise and progress
These badges are awarded after preparation or completed work.
Responsibility
Leadership insignia identify a role, such as Sixer or patrol chief.
Add only the badges your child has received. Follow the placement measurements above and sew badges on; do not glue them.
Getting a uniform
Registration includes a T-shirt and neckerchief; the full uniform costs extra. Contact us to confirm the items, sizes and ordering arrangements for your child.
