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Re: Wow! Cost of Scouting
Sam McNamee (smcname@MANU.COM)
Tue, 29 Sep 1998 14:48:30 -0400
>> Unfortunately, experience tells me that the other $32 pays for awards
and
troop operation. That means the Scouts pay for everything. No wonder it
costs so much. There is a reason we have fundraisers. One of those reasons
is so the troop can raise funds to operate the troop without asking the
parents of its members for more money. <<
But many parents want it that way. Right now, with two children, we are
involved
in FIVE fundraisers (2 PTAs, band, soccer team, scouts) and a couple more
coming. A couple of years ago, before I was involved, the parents in our
troop
said enough -- we'd rather pay annual dues than go through these constant
fundraisers. So the troop charges $50/year in addition to registration and
Boys
Life. We are now fundraising only for equipment and to allow Scouts the
opportunity to build funds for big activities (Scout camp, Philmont, etc.).
Having
been a Cubmaster and soccer coach and trying to get people excited about
fundraisers, I certainly understand why the troop came to this conclusion.
>> You see, I've seen troops who have passed every cost of operating the
troop
on to the parents of the members. I've seen troops pass on the cost of new
troop equipment to the membership. I've seen troops exaggerate the cost of
registration in order to collect extra funds. And I've been there when
parents confront the troop leadership about where all the money goes. It's
not a pretty sight. <<
I don't understand -- if there was no fundraising, where did the parents
thing the
money was going to come from? Or are you suggesting that there was some
hanky-panky going on with the money?
Sam
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