Figure 1.--A HBU reader reports this was the Italian Scout uniform from 1968-74. This was the iniform adoptedy ASCI in 1968 and worn until merger with the AGI in 1974 to form the AGESCI.

I do not yet have details on Italian Scout uniforms. The original Scout uniform was dark green. HBU has noted a variety of different uniforms over time. There are also differences among associatiions. I have seen both light blue and khaki shirts. Blue shorts and kneesocks seem popular. Some Scouts in the late 1980s and early 70s wore ligt blue berets, grey shirts and darker colored grey short pants. Some Scouts in the Many Scouts in the 1990s appear to have worn only a partial uniform or in some cases no official uniform at all.

Associations

Italy currently has two main Scout associations. As in many European countries, Scouting is separated along religious grounds. An Italian HBC reader has provided some details on the uniforms worn by the different associations over time.

AGESCI

AGESCI is the Catholic Scout association. It is a coed group formed in 1974 from the union of the all-boy ASCI and the girl AGI. The ASCI was founded in 1916, but banned from 1928-44 during the Fasit era. When ASCI reorganized after the Allies invaded Italy, they adopted a uniform with a khaki shirt and old-style smokey-bear hat, blue short pants, sweaters, and socks. In 1968 a new uniform was adopted with a blue beret, grey shirt, and dark blue short pants and kneesocks. The old-style hat could be worn as an option. The AGI was of more recent origins, founded in 1943. AGI had a very light blue blouse with a darker blue hat, skirt, and socks. After the combined AGESCI was formed, they changed colors. The AGESCI uniform is now light-blue shirt, dark blue shorts or skirts, socks, and sweater. Thet wear a gray boer? hat.hat. All ASCI/AGESCI Scouts have always worn kerchiefs. The only exception has been AGI leaders and Brownies.

CNGEI

The CNGEI is the secular Italian Scout association. The CNGEI is also coed. It was formed in 1976 by the union of the all-boy CNGEI and girl UNGEI. The CNGEI was founded in 1912. They had a green uniform until banned by the Fascists in 1927. (Notice how the Fascists banned the secular Scouts first.) It was reorganized in 1944. CNGEI modified its uniform after World War II. It adopted a green shirt and sweater with brown trousers, socks, and hat. The girls wore skirts. All CNGEI Scouts have always worn kerchiefs.

Chronology