Re: A question for collectors...

I have to add a minor note of disagreement to Jim Carters strong NO!
concerning special CAMP Patches. While I agree with JIM that a
collector of true scouting HISTORY places no extra value on such
FUND raising patches. However, THEY DO WORK to raise money for
the camps and councils the SELL them. Many councils sell special
GOLD or SILVER boarder FUND raising patches for special events
as well. Examples are SPECIAL NOAC OA flaps, and special Jamboree
CSP's etc. The profits used can help cut to costs for NOAC and
Jamboree trips. As long as the participants have access to a
regular priced patch as a member of the OFFICIAL participating group,
I do not see any real problem. If a collector wants to spend $10 or
maybe even $25 to help support a camp, and get a PATCH fine. I would
rather see the camps and even BSA get the money rather than the PATCH
"DEALERS". Case in point, at the last Jamboree, they were at least
2 commercial patch SALES going on outside the jamboree. Dealers were
selling patches some real, some FAKE. One guy was even arrested on
the jamboree grounds for dealing in FAKE patches.

Those DEALERS are what is driving up the COST to real collectors.
No one is forcing anyone to BUY fund raisers patchs from BSA, but
I'll buy from a BSA shop anytime, even a $10 patch. Of course,
I never expect it to be worth, more than $10, NOR do I expect to
to sell it for a big profit. I also have a wonderful collection
of serving trays that our council used to give out for $50 SME
contributions. I think I have a 3 piece set. Don't think I could
sell them all for $5.00, forget about $150. :)

SO, I say YES, they WORK to raise money for camps, NOAC's and jambos.
And NO, for the majority, they NEVER will be worth as much as you
"CONTRIBUTED" to BSA.

Don Izard,
scouting collector, and OA Historian :)

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