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Wow! Cost of Scouting (was: Compensation)
Storms, Randy (rstorms@BHAM.WEDNET.EDU)
Wed, 23 Sep 1998 10:19:00 -0700
Somebody said:
>Just look at the cost of BSA merchandise that "is required", do you think
it is
>worth the expense? I know I have a troop of mostly low income scouts and
>when the parents go and purchase the shirt, book, belt, and patches, they
>have a heart attack.
I was actually doing a little research on this topic this week -- In our
troop, these are the basic costs for a boy's first year: (Note -- some
items are optional, all costs are approximate.)
Registration 7.00
Annual Dues 26.00
Boy's Life 8.00
Scout Handbook 7.00
Full Uniform 100.00
Summer Camp 150.00
Basic Camping Gear 500.00
Event Fees (Food, Gas) 150.00
______
1st year total: $948.00
His second year, however, is much cheaper:
Annual Dues 26.00
Summer Camp 150.00
Event Fees 150.00
______
$326.00
I tell parents it's not much more expensive than starting a boy in a sport
like skiing, and how many days a year do most people get to ski? Maybe 10?
On the other hand, Scouting is a year-round activity: 50+ troop meetings, a
dozen weekend activities, and a full week every summer.
I have also worked out a pro-rated savings schedule to help parents plan how
to survive that expensive first year (What about families with 2 or 3
boys!) but it's too involved for this list, and I haven't field-tested it
yet.
YiS,
Randy Storms
ASM T25 Blaine, WA
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Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
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