Re: Service Projects

Jim Peterson writes:

snipped
>
>Second, What qualifies as a service project? If it results in income to the
>Troop, does that disqualify it as a service project? Our local volunteer
>Fire Department is holding a "Fall Festival" to raise funds for training and
>equipment. They have asked if the Scouts would be willing to help out in a
>concession stand, serving food and handling cash but not cooking. In return,
>they would likely make a "donation" to the Troop. Would you count this as a
>Service Project, as the goal is to raise money for the Fire Dept.? Or, since
>there is the promise of funds for the Troop, is it a Troop Fund Raiser? The
>other concern is that there will be alcohol present at the festival, however
>it would be kept, sold and consumed in a seperate area the Scouts would not
>have access to. Would the presence of alcohol make this event inappropriate
>for Scouts? Please give me your opinions. Thanks.

Question 1) What is the service?

Question 2) Who benefits?

Question 3) What is the unit's main goal?

Question 4) Will the service be of lasting or significant benefit?

Is this really a service provided, or is the Troop's goal to raise money?
You seem to be right on the line here. If your main goal is fund raising,
then not a service project. If your main goal is to benefit the community
(with the new equipment), and you just happen to get donations as a thanks,
then probably a service project. The main problem here is that your Scouts
are actually dispensing a product. To me this seems to push more toward a
fund raiser. If the Scouts are heavily involved in support of the event
(setting up, hauling trash, giving directions, info booth, first aid
support, lost and found, etc) in addition to the concession, you probably
have both a fund raiser and a service project. Maybe it depends on what
each individual Scout is doing rather than the Troop as a whole.

Alcohol - I personally don't see a problem with alcohol being present as
long as it is not a primary draw for attendees. If alcohol is being used as
a main marketing tool for the event, it may be best to stay away. As long
as the Scouts are completely and totally divorced from the alcohol, you
should be OK. I think in your case, a festival atmosphere, you'll be OK.

Of course, what your Council approves on your Monney Earning Application and
Tour Permit are your best guides. If the Council says you need the Money
Earning application, you certainly have a fund raiser. Contact your DE or
SE for their thoughts on it.
YIS, Jim Sheckels - I used to be a Bobwhite...SE 308-7 '82/sheckej@earthlink.net
CR & CC Troop 742, Hope Mills United Methodist Church, NC/Member of NAUMS
District Adv & Tng teams/910-426-2766/3501 Farm Circle Rd Fayetteville, NC
28306-8303
Scouting IS NOT an exact science, so use your brain - noone else is! <|:)

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