Re: $ and Scouting
Settummanque, the blackeagle (waltoml@WKUVX1.WKU.EDU)
Sat, 12 Nov 1994 22:32:56 CST
Gerald Demontgny <gdemontg@CCS.CARLETON.CA> writes:
>I have been busy with my children for the last few days so have been
>off the network. There have been so many issues that I wanted to
>address. I found the discussion on Eagle ceremonies fascinating, but
>was surprised by the sum of money required to conduct the presentation
>ceremony, $300. While I do not want to be critical of another
>country's Scouting program, and while I was relieved to read postings
>which indicated that many of you pay for the reception and other costs
>rather than putting them onto the family, I feel that the issue of
>increasing costs is one that all of us need to examine, regardless of
>our nationality.
Hi Gerald! Thanks for the great information and I am sure that you
had a great time during Halloween.
There are many Eagle Scout Courts of Honor that don't involve such a
high figure. The actual award ceremony takes up twenty minutes of a
regular Court of Honor, and the total expense is no more than the
costs of the additions to the presentation kit (items that the Eagle
candidate gets for his parents, his girlfriend, or someone else
special), the additional Eagle Scout napkins and program covers ($40
for both, for 200 people), and perhaps some other minor decorations.
The total cost fo such an event should not be more than $100. This
cost, in most units, are covered by the unit's treasury (or should be,
since this is a special event of the unit, and not of the parents nor
Scout).
About two years back, we talked about the general issue of how the
costs of Scouting are increasing for both participants and the local
organization involved. This is one of the reasons why many chartered
partners have decided to abandon Scouting in favor of other programs
or their own youth movements.
> In Canada many Scouters I have talked to are
>increasingly alarmed by our rising costs. This year our registration
>in Aylmer Quebec is $50., of which $31. goes to Scouts Canada offices.
>The cost of a uniform, from the Belt up, including the Cub Handbook
>has been about $80. --Beret & Beret Badge, epaulets, woggle, national
>necker, sash, belt & buckle--.
In the USA, a similarily-outfitted Cub would cost his parents anywhere
from $20 to $48, not including the three books. The three books place
the total cost at around $60.
The fees for joining vary widely by unit....each unit tacks on
additional costs in addition to the standard BSA membership fee and
the Boys'_Life_ costs. Those costs underwrites the Pack's activities
and provide for each boy to receive the badges and insignia he earns
at the appropriate times.
>In Canada like the United States and
>most other countries I am sure we have a chronic unemployment rate of
>about 10%, not counting those who are no longer eligible to receive
>UI, and are on welfare. Additionally, from year to year at least 40%
>and up to 50% of my pack live single parent, low income families. My
>concern is that Scouting be accessible to every child. This year
>alone our pack has subsidized no fewer than three children, last year
>it was two. I know of a few other children who might want to be in
>the Pack but whose parents are too proud to ask for support.
Same here in the USA...except that very few Packs are subsidizing
members. Also, an important cost/fee is that of insurance. This
jacks up the price of being a member well beyond those of modest
lower-middle income means. Those on public assistance or with an low
income not on public assistance cannot really afford Scouting and
therefore it becomes a "special luxury".
>I realize that compared to other activities, notably hockey which is
>big in Aylmer, the costs of Scouting are comparatively low. Yet, I
>remain bothered by every increasing spiral of escalating costs. I
>really wonder if we needed to have a new designer uniform. Certainly,
>I appreciate the move to standardization across all sections --except
>Beavers-- but could we achieve this more cheaply? I have heard talk
>through the grapevine of some sections using a sweat shirt and scarf
>for meetings. Has anyone out there heard of any groups who have moved
>in this direction?
Many Boy Scout Troops here in the USA have adopted "work uniforms"
which consist of a teeshirt with the Troop's name and number and
perhaps a design, which worn with jeans and tennis shoes, provides a
uniformity to Troop activities as well as providing a kid with
something special that he can wear among his "peers".
Settummanque!
--
Settummanque, the blackeagle... (MAJ) Mike L. Walton (
co-Owner, BlackEagle Services ___)_
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