I think you've accurately captured the theme of the thread. Sure, cost is a factor in most decisions, but it's secondary to the child's interest and the family's limited time.
At a primal level, many fathers want to see their sons succeed at sports in hopes of propagating their genetic line. Even when the odds aren't great, they press on. I say this tongue in cheek, but you know there is some truth to it.
Agreed. This a big factor. The youth sports industry is motivated by profit to have a good product. Our family has had positive experiences with most camps, clinics, leagues, tournaments, etc.
Yes
To quote the grandfather in PRINCESS BRIDE, "Wait, just wait." The "official" December 2025 number will be out in a few weeks. Still we are down from last year
So I attended my first event today with the new troop. The SM is "trained," but admitted he doesn't consider himself "trained," and is glad I am joining the troop. We started talking, and from the discussion, I realized a lot of info was left out of the online training. We are trying to recruit new Scouters, and I have a feeling I will be doing some informal training with them on camp outs.