Re: Summer Camp and $$$

For the cost of summer camp, you need to consider the food cost, which is
a major portion of the fee, materials used at camp to conduct classes and
other activities, and the camp staff needs to be paid. All of this comes
from the camp fee. Seldom is a council able to support the summer camp
operation with any other funds. Most camp staff members are very much
underpaid compared to jobs elsewhere. They generally take the camp jobs
because they love the work and are willing to work for less money than
working elsewhere sacking groceries or cooking burgers.

For an eye-opening experience, contact some of the private camps around
the country for prices! Usually those camps run 200% to 1,000% of Scout
camp fees. Of course, they pay staff more and they are in business to
make a profit. Scout camps usually try to break even.

While I do agree that uniform parts are expensive compared to other
clothing, I feel summer camp is a real bargain. I do know that profits
from uniform parts (and all other Scout items) go to help support the
National program. Also, if your Scout office runs the store, it gains
profits from the sales, which help the council operate.

We encourage fundraisers. We do credit each boy with the profits
generated by his activity. He can use it any way he wants, which means
he can buy uniforms, pay dues, pay for trips, camps, etc. Anyone needing
to earn their way can do so without the unit taking part of the profits.
Our dues do reflect this policy, being a bit higher than many, but, each
boy can earn the amount he wants and offset the dues. This way, we don't
have a few generating the operating funds used by many freeloaders.
There is nothing wrong with fundraisers if they are conducted within the
Scouting guidelines.

Milt Forsberg
SM, Troop 7
Champaign, IL

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