Troop Policies Regarding Scout's Funds

[jgvivianfl]

I am a committee member of Troop 709 in Merritt Island, Florida. We are reviewing/redrafting our troop policy concerning those things on which the funds allocated to individual scout's accounts from fund raising activities can be spent. Our current policy is quite restrictive but poorly defined. Can anyone provide copies of pertinent sections of their troop's policies?

 

Thanks!

[David L. Perkins]

Our funds, which are generated by Scouts in our Troop fund raiser, are available to each Scout - according to how much he raised, for all ligitimate Scouting activities. This means, Campouts, summer camp, re-registration cost, other Scout camps like Sea Base, Council trips like Colorado Ski Trips, Philmont Training, Philmont hiking trips, etc.

 

The one requirement is that checks are only issued to the organization, not to the Scout. And the money will not exceed the amount available to the Scout - the amount he earned in the fund-raiser, less any money already consumed in other Scouting and Troop activities listed above.

[eisely]

Many units have policies similar to that described by David Perkins. It does create another book keeping headache for the treasurer. The advantage of the system is that it encourages boys to participate in fund raisers. The big issue is, "What happens to money when the boy leaves the unit?" One troop I was affiliated with in Southern California had a simple policy that the money reverted to the troop holding the funds. I would not advise cashing boys out when they leave.

[willberan]

Troop 165, Tampa, established a policy several years ago which establishes that all funds in the Troop's bank account belong to the Troop. At the same time, boys in the Troop can draw from the Troop's funds for Scouting related expenses based on their individual participation in designated unit fund raisers. When we developed this policy, we surveyed several Troops in the area which had Scout Accounts and tried to take advantage of both their successes and their mistakes.

[nldscout]

In our Troop here in NY a scout can use the funds that he has been allocated from participating in fund raiser for almost any scouting related activity. If he wants to use it for camping trips, summer camp, or to purchase camping equipment thats ok. For some of the scouts this is how they have been able to purchase good sleeping gear and other camping items that the family may not have been able to afford. Why restrict what a scout can use funds he earned if it is a scout related expense. We developed a easy to use short form that he fills out telling me what he wants to purchase, (ie: slepping bag, stove) and what it will cost. Usually we will arrange to have parents buy it and bring us receipt or give parents a check for the cost. That Depends upon the scout and parents. Makes the scouts feel they are paying their own way. "A Scout is Thrifty"