Re: Summer Camp and $$$
Jim Miller Sr. (jjmsr@LSFCU.ORG)
Fri, 14 Mar 1997 09:58:04 -0600
Scott,
I'd like to try to answer both questions you'vd raised.
1. Why is Scouting so expensive, especially summer camp? I know some
people will disagree with me, stating that it is only $185 or $200 for
a whole week. But, to some people this is a month's food or all their
utility bills. I guess this is more of a vent of fustration. I feel
that an official BSA Class A shirt should not be $30. BSA should be
for everyone. Yes, some will work more financially than others, but,
the program should be open to all with out regard to their financial
situation.
**Soap box put into the corner with my fustration**
The boys you're taking to camp aren't the only ones with financial hardship.
The boys who serve on staff are usually trying to earn a little of their tuition
for college or at least some of their spending money for the school year.
They have to be paid. Should they sacrifice their ability to earn for your
boys?
Also, most states have strongly increased the requirements placed on
summer camps and the BSA in response to a growing need for safety
have increased the burden on local councils for qualified staff. Most
of the positions as area directors that used to be filled by "kids" now
require a 21 year old. Think about it, how many over 21's can afford
to work all summer for free?
OTOH, most councils have "camperships" available to help those boys
who cannot afford camp. We in Hudson Liberty Council are proud to state
that we have never turned away a boy from our council for lack of funds.
Of course this requires some paperwork on the part of the boy, the parents,
and, yes, the scoutmaster.
In terms of the cost of uniforms, yes, they are a little pricey but that look
at the label and see where they are made. Should we instead have them
made in China or Malasia or should we support American jobs? Why
not start a uniform bank in your unit to recycle shirts for those who can't
afford them?
2. Since the above won't happen too soon... What ideas of fundraising
are available for a scout to earn money for camp. Some adult members
of the troop feel that fundraising is just another form of begging,
and they don't want that. When I was in scouts we did fundraising all
year round with different activities. People were glad to see us.
Myself and many of the others went to summer camp FREE!.
I would like to help out these kids because I think they would benefit
the most from summer camp and put them on the right track.
IMHO, the best fundraising for summer camp is when the boys provide a
service in return for the money. Should the community pay for a middle
class kid to go to camp? Or should he "earn" his way? Car washes,
raking leaves, mowing lawns, and recycling drives can help a scout learn
the value of hard work.
Hope that helps.
YIS
JJMSr
James J. Miller, Sr. <JJMSR@lsfcu.org>
President, Liberty Savings Federal Credit Union
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
