Boy Scouts - budget draining - time and money!

[crisi]

My daughters have been involved in scouting for a decade, and I could say the same thing. Yes, over the years we've put a good bit of money into it, but all kids' activities cost something -- we never expected not to pay for things for them -- and scouting has provided a tremendous return on our time/money investment.

I run my troop with very minimal cost though. I have one girl who is economically disadvantaged - and I feel pretty strongly that Girl Scouts should be for all (Boy Scouts is different). Often, the kids who get the most value from Scouts are the ones whose parents can't afford much but Scouts - and Scouts is a stretch. I also have a set of twins - so for their parents, everything we do is twice the cost. We use cookie money for everything we can (and my girls don't sell a lot of cookies), have low dues, don't require sashes. If the girls want to go to summer camp, that's on their dime, we don't do that as a troop (but I have taken them to camp for a weekend as a troop). Total required spend for the year $12 in registration fees to Council (and I've checked the grant box on those more than once - we sell enough cookies that council can pay this girl's registration) + less than $30 in dues. When we do activities, I tell the girls the cost and that they can contribute to it or not as they (or their parents) see fit. If they don't, we do fewer activities. Most do. (And I kick in a bit, my troop is one of my charities - I buy them all sashes as a fly up gift, subsidized their weekend at camp, and don't bill back the troop for trips to the craft store).

There isn't a lot you have to do with Girl Scouts anyway (and Boy Scouts is different) that requires spending money.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I run my troop with very minimal cost though. I have one girl who is economically disadvantaged - and I feel pretty strongly that Girl Scouts should be for all (Boy Scouts is different). Often, the kids who get the most value from Scouts are the ones whose parents can't afford much but Scouts - and Scouts is a stretch. I also have a set of twins - so for their parents, everything we do is twice the cost. We use cookie money for everything we can (and my girls don't sell a lot of cookies), have low dues, don't require sashes. If the girls want to go to summer camp, that's on their dime, we don't do that as a troop (but I have taken them to camp for a weekend as a troop). Total required spend for the year $12 in registration fees to Council (and I've checked the grant box on those more than once - we sell enough cookies that council can pay this girl's registration) + less than $30 in dues. When we do activities, I tell the girls the cost and that they can contribute to it or not as they (or their parents) see fit. If they don't, we do fewer activities. Most do. (And I kick in a bit, my troop is one of my charities - I buy them all sashes as a fly up gift, subsidized their weekend at camp, and don't bill back the troop for trips to the craft store).

There isn't a lot you have to do with Girl Scouts anyway (and Boy Scouts is different) that requires spending money.

I think my biggest problem is that my frame of reference is Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts is not expensive - our dues are minimal. Cookies are much cheaper than the popcorn and the uniform costs were covered by our troop. So I was in sticker shock over Cub Scouts. They meet twice a month - right after school - parents don't have to be there.

Also - in relation to cost vs. the cost for sports - our sports are much less b/c we play through our Y and pay just $25 a season which includes uniforms. That might grow as he gets older but for now - we just want him to sample and decide what he wants to do - I guess I was hoping we could sample Scouts with a smaller investment.

We are going to give it a try and see how it goes.

 

[lpandorf]

I think my biggest problem is that my frame of reference is Girl Scouts.

This was me, as well. After 4 years of Girl Scouts I was very surprised when my 1st grader joined Cub Scouts this year. Girl Scouts does not cost much money, at all. $12 to join and the troop paid for the sashes from the cookie sales. They meet 2x per month in the school cafeteria and the meetings don't cost much. If they need supplies for the activities than the cookie profits cover it. My daughter loves Girl Scouts and has enjoyed the low cost activities. They also don't require each child have a parent there at each meeting or activity. While I am certainly not trying to dump my daughter off on anyone (I was a leader for 2 years and in her new troop am the cookie Mom and help at many meetings and have led some if the leader is out of town), it is nice that I can carpool with one of my neighbors and take turns, if needed.

My son was very excited to join Cub Scouts and I like what Scouts is about so went to sign him up. I was very surprised at the cost. It cost $60 to join plus $23 for the shirt and scarf. They have 2 meetings per month with their troop than 1 activity with the pack (at least). One of their meetings involved a trip to a farm (almost spent $20), now they are talking about going to a Professional Hockey game ($16 per person and parking downtown), there's a mother/son sleepover ($60) and even the camping cost money. We are bowling with frozen turkeys tomorrow night which is free. He has to have a parents with him at all meetings. One of their meetings they went on a hike at a local park, collecting leaves as they went and did a leaf rubbing after. We both had a great time and I wish they'd do more free, fun things like this. I had pictured more of these type of things as a Scout. I'll have to mention to the leader.

If I just look at the $60 it cost to join I would say it is similar to a sport as I paid $55 for him to play soccer. However, with soccer that was it. Did not have to keep spending money and was able to get hand me down cleats. With Cub Scouts every month it is more money for whatever outing they are doing. At first I was happy he was interested in Scouts because I always think what a big deal it is to become an Eagle Scout and look with respect at these young men. After an event pretty much every week, many involving money I told some people I hope he loses interest in this. It is just a lot of time and money on something for a 1st grader. Especially if he is also in a sport and has siblings that do an activity or tow.

 

[RF536]

I am surprised to hear so many packs that are very expensive to be part of, our pack is very active, but most activities are free. We charge the boys the $20 registration fee, and $20 for dues. The families are responsible for buying the uniform and books, but our pack helps those in need, our council also helps to provide uniforms for those in need.

As a pack we buy the boys pinwood derby cars and pay for family camp twice a year. We also do a couple of movie nights at our charter organization which is also free. We do promote the council events that do cost money but they are not required and do not have anything to do with rank advancement. We are constantly try to come up with free of very low cost events for the pack.

If we are planning on doing a more expensive outing as a pack, then as a pack we do an extra fundraiser so that the boys earn their own way.

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

Its neat reading all the costs associateed with scouting in the US, up here it seems to be a wee bit different. Our levels are, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, and Rovers.

Parents are not required to attend anything but are asked to volunteer when we need help running a camp or an activity.

Our groups dues are $150 for the year. We meet weekly and more often for special events and camps. In Beavers we do 2 camps a year, Cubs 3, Scouts 5 and over (this is all in our local) Camp fees range from Free to $25.

Last weekend we went to a CFL game, no cost to any children or leaders. Tickets were donated by a player who went through the organization as a youngster himself. Our community is very supportive of the scouting organization as a whole which is wonderful!

Everything can be sponsored by us and no child has ever been turned away. We will cover everything if needed. We have an annual popcorn sale and a few other fundraisers like Apple day that pays for our local camp.

My son has been involved for 6 years, and this is my first year in a leadership role, (I chose to go to another group to learn before I go with him). I've volunteered to be the cook at every camp he goes on and drive to all the functions. Being involved in Scouting for the last six years has been so rewarding to my son and I, I truly hope that the OP can find a way to make it work for them as well. Its one of those things that the more you get involved with the more you want to give back! Sometimes we have had to make small sacrifices to work and social schedules but when he is all grown up and has kids of his own I'm sure he will do the same for his...

 

[crisi]

I think my biggest problem is that my frame of reference is Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts is not expensive - our dues are minimal. Cookies are much cheaper than the popcorn and the uniform costs were covered by our troop. So I was in sticker shock over Cub Scouts. They meet twice a month - right after school - parents don't have to be there.

Also - in relation to cost vs. the cost for sports - our sports are much less b/c we play through our Y and pay just $25 a season which includes uniforms. That might grow as he gets older but for now - we just want him to sample and decide what he wants to do - I guess I was hoping we could sample Scouts with a smaller investment.

We are going to give it a try and see how it goes.

Yeah, Girl Scouts tends to be cheaper - although I've heard of troops that are pretty expensive to be in. Our school coordinator when we started ran a troop - she wanted all her girls to match. In vests instead of sashes. There is a troop in the Twin Cities that just split up - the haves - who sold cookies - didn't want the have nots - who didn't sell much - in the troop. The haves felt the have nots were not pulling their weight and were limiting what the girls could do (it was the parents who split the troop - not the girls). The haves are taking a troop trip out of state, funded half by their parents and half by their cookie money. And a friend of mine runs a Boy Scouts troop for inner city immigrant boys - that isn't an expensive troop to be in.

We do most of our sports through park and rec - my daughter does gymnastics at a gym - but she isn't very good, so it isn't very expensive (one night a week, no uniforms because no team - if she was good we'd have to rethink it). My son's sports are park and rec baseball and skateboarding. He's good - but skate parks are free all summer long and park and rec baseball isn't expensive. We've said no to traveling ball.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Beavers are weekly here. Aren't most kids activities?

It was $160 for register plus uniform. We do 2 fundraisers a year - popcorn in the fall and trees in the spring.

 

[queensara]

I am the mother of a very ambitious young man, who is 13 and has two more merit badges to complete to earn Eagle Scout. I understand that you can't afford the cost, don't feel guilty it is just part of life for everyone right now. In both Cub and Boy Scouts our troops have individual accouts for the kids. Then we have fund raisers, some funds go to the den/troop, some go into individual accouts. Then when camp or field trip come up, the money is taken out of their individual acct. Now with that said, some parents hate fund raising and just put money in the account to pay for things. I do not, I feel that my son will get a lot more out of it, if he has to do some work inorder to go on a trip. We do not pay any dues. We pay our own rechartering cost/insurance/boys life. We also have outgrown shirts hanging on a rack for people to go through. (No cub shirts tho) I would suggest going to a committee meeting, talking to them to see if they have fund raisers planned, does all that money then go to the den? Pins, belt loops and patches are expensive, so I can see that some money does go to the den. If you are paying $70/yr in dues, I would find out exactly where that money is going. Does you troop have a large "cash" balance on the books? Scout troops should not have a lot of money, we are a non profit organization. Maybe if they have a lot of money, then the dues could be lowered. Our troop and our council both offer financial help. Check into. All of this is a bit of work for you, but I think scouting is great and what your son will get from the experience can't have a price tag. Enjoy you trail to Eagle, scouting has given our family many wonderful friends and memories

Good Luck

 

[BabyTigger99]

Our council fees for the year are $15 I think, and then another $10 if you want to receive Boys Life. We have no membership fees within our Pack. We require the shirt, neckerchief, and slide. Most boys end of with the belt as well, for the beltloops they earn. Our Pack provides the books each year for the boys when they crossover, or join the Pack. Our Pack meets once a month. For activies we do as a Pack, the Pack pays for the boys and the leaders (the Pack also covers the council fees for our leaders). If parents or siblings want to participate, they pay for themselves. I do have Den dues for my Den. I usually just ask for $10 from each family (I have 5 boys, including my own). When the fund gets low, I ask for more. Cub Scout camp costs around $110/person. The Pack puts $30 towards camp for each boy attending. We hold a brat fry in the Spring for all those that are attending camp. I think the most I ever ended up having to pay out of pocket for camp fees were $6.50. We have a $250 minimum for popcorn sales, or you can do the cash buyout. We are able to fund everything we do through the popcorn sale (I think last year our cut was $4400).

 

[Dominus]

Those fees and meetings are pretty standard. People seem to think that scouts should be cheaper or less time consuming than sports. But they're not. My wife and I are active in our pack and from time to time have to hear complaints from parents about den leaders and such. But it's funny to watch how quickly they quiet down when you offer them a position on a committee, or some other assignment. The least involved people usually complain the most. That having been said, cub scouts is great because families and siblings are welcome at most events. It's a great excuse to have the whole family camp or do other activities together.

 

[crisi]

The deal with sports though is that I pay for coaches. My daughters gymnastic coaches a paid employees. My son gets skateboard instruction from a paid instructor. Park and rec baseball is volunteer (Dad) coaches - but the fee is really small considering the kids get a hat, shirt, pants and socks, lighted fields, and the umpires are paid. If we'd move up though, it would be much more expensive - and we'd get professional coaching. And I don't sell for those activities. I write a check - that's it.

Scouts has a volunteer organization. Plus we sell things to be able to fund our troop expenses. I can see where a lot of parents get angry. Both the BSA and the GSA operate as non-profit charties. Both get a lot of money through the United Way. Both have a goal to help kids develop leadership skills and become good members of the community. But the expectations for parents - the organziation needs my time, they need my money AND they need me to sell their crap. Plus they are bugging me to name them as the recipient of my United Way donations or sending off fundraising spiels. And it seems that a lot of the activities scouting schedules that involve more of my money have to do far more with the kids having a fun field trip than learning life skills.

 

[Dominus]

The deal with sports though is that I pay for coaches. My daughters gymnastic coaches a paid employees. My son gets skateboard instruction from a paid instructor. Park and rec baseball is volunteer (Dad) coaches - but the fee is really small considering the kids get a hat, shirt, pants and socks, lighted fields, and the umpires are paid. If we'd move up though, it would be much more expensive - and we'd get professional coaching. And I don't sell for those activities. I write a check - that's it.

Scouts has a volunteer organization. Plus we sell things to be able to fund our troop expenses. I can see where a lot of parents get angry. Both the BSA and the GSA operate as non-profit charties. Both get a lot of money through the United Way. Both have a goal to help kids develop leadership skills and become good members of the community. But the expectations for parents - the organziation needs my time, they need my money AND they need me to sell their crap. Plus they are bugging me to name them as the recipient of my United Way donations or sending off fundraising spiels. And it seems that a lot of the activities scouting schedules that involve more of my money have to do far more with the kids having a fun field trip than learning life skills.

You have to take into consideration the amount of stuff the troop has to buy. They normally provide all the tents for the boys. Along with coolers, grills, cooking utensils, and so on. Most often own the trailers used to haul the stuff, and pay rent on the storage facility that houses the stuff. Some troops even have canoes, kayaks, and boats that the kids can use. There's also usage fees associated with some of the trips. The problem is really that our society places more importance on sports than scouts. So people go into it thinking it'll just be this cheap and easy thing for their kids to do. And then they're upset when it starts to resemble the obligation of sports, but without the societal glory attached to your son being a football player.

 

[DVCBELLE]

You have to take into consideration the amount of stuff the troop has to buy. They normally provide all the tents for the boys. Along with coolers, grills, cooking utensils, and so on. Most often own the trailers used to haul the stuff, and pay rent on the storage facility that houses the stuff. Some troops even have canoes, kayaks, and boats that the kids can use. There's also usage fees associated with some of the trips. The problem is really that our society places more importance on sports than scouts. So people go into it thinking it'll just be this cheap and easy thing for their kids to do. And then they're upset when it starts to resemble the obligation of sports, but without the societal glory attached to your son being a football player.

I didn't really want this to turn into a debate about Scouts vs. Sports. Both have their positive benefits for kids. I don't understand the need to say one is less glorious than the other. I know plenty of kids who became Eagle Scouts and it is a big deal. The difference in "glory" is that you can watch a sporting event - you can't really watch your kid become an Eagle Scout and the activity ends at 18 - sports goes on to college and often on scholarships...while being an Eagle Scout can lead to scholarships based on their accomplishment- kids are much more likely to get sports scholarships b/c they can provide a value to the bottom line of the school with their talent. Right or Wrong - the school can charge for athletic events - they can't charge someone to see an Eagle Scout. Its just the nature of the activities.

I think there are very few kids who go on to the Eagle Scout level or the College level of Sports. For those who do the time and financial commitment is significant. For each - if my son went to the highest level - I would not balk at the time and financial commitments. But for goodness sake - he is in FIRST GRADE...we just want to SAMPLE and help him decide which activity he enjoys the most - we try to let him try everything - otherwise how would he be able to decide what he really wants to do?

Anyway - we found a uniform through a uniform bank...and we let the leader know that we would do what we could and the rest we will do at home.

 

[crisi]

You have to take into consideration the amount of stuff the troop has to buy. They normally provide all the tents for the boys. Along with coolers, grills, cooking utensils, and so on. Most often own the trailers used to haul the stuff, and pay rent on the storage facility that houses the stuff. Some troops even have canoes, kayaks, and boats that the kids can use. There's also usage fees associated with some of the trips. The problem is really that our society places more importance on sports than scouts. So people go into it thinking it'll just be this cheap and easy thing for their kids to do. And then they're upset when it starts to resemble the obligation of sports, but without the societal glory attached to your son being a football player.

Way back when, tents and canoes were passed along. For our Girl Scout Council they can be checked out from the Council offices - so they become shared resources (and isn't part of Scouts learning to reuse and share). Girl Scouts runs a lot of facilities in our region where the usage fees are fairly reasonable - less than $5 per girl per night.

I guess my issue is that if you are spending on canoes and tents and trailers, and that creates a financial burden to enter Scouts, Scouts becomes a self serving organization of families willing and able to put forth the money on canoes and campers. Instead of an organization to create tomorrow's leaders - regardless of ability for the parents to pay or participate. I'm willing to buy wreaths from the second - which has an admirable goal that I think is great (well, I would if BSA wasn't discriminatory, but that's a DIFFERENT issue). And achieving that goal does not require a canoe or a trailer. The first I'm not buying an overpriced wreath for - that isn't a charity - its a camping club. Non scout camping families buy their own gear.

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

Hmmm, interesting.. we have both boy and girls scouts, and i think they are both terrific-but not for everybody. It has done wonders for my shy son, he really feels like he belongs. has nothing to do with a camping club- its so much more, we haven't even been camping yet We meet once a month for each- den and pack, and the pack pays for just about everything, $50 dues....

 

[DeniseinNS]

My 5 year old is in boyscouts (Beavers) and the fee was $125 for the year plus $30 in dues for the year. They have a meeting every week for 1.5 hours and an outing at least once a month that we do not have to pay anything for.

 

[KristinU]

But for goodness sake - he is in FIRST GRADE...we just want to SAMPLE and help him decide which activity he enjoys the most - we try to let him try everything - otherwise how would he be able to decide what he really wants to do?

OK, a little OT, but I totally agree and think this is the HUGE problem with anything these days. Every little activity is a huge time commitment. DS (1st grade) has a best bud (also 1st grade) that played football this fall...we were trying to plan an overnight away before school started and we just couldn't because the practices were M-F nights from like 5-6:30 then scrimmages on Sunday mornings. It "dropped back" to 4 nights a week once school started with games on Saturdays. Come on, these kids are 5 and 6 - are you kidding me? Obviously way beyond just a SAMPLE of the sport. And I'm sure it isn't just football. I have a good friend whose kids are later elementary and jr. high age and they swim...I swear they live at that pool and spend every weekend driving all over for meets.

DH and I weren't sports-y kids growing up, so I guess I have an even harder time understanding the level of commitment that families give to sports. I don't know...for us, family time, dinner together around the table, etc. is more important. Not that I've told DS "no" on sports, I just haven't pushed it on him and he hasn't asked. And before I get scolded for the fitness aspect - I'll add that we are a running family - DH and I both run and DS is a great little runner himself, and we do take him out on age-appropriate distances. We also hike and bike as a family.

That said, we don't have Cub Scouts until after Thanksgiving now, and DS is disappointed. So we're running a little less that once a week in our pack...more goings-on last month when all was new, and a little less this month with the holiday. Which is just about right in my eyes.

 

[jessica52877]

You have to take into consideration the amount of stuff the troop has to buy. They normally provide all the tents for the boys. Along with coolers, grills, cooking utensils, and so on. Most often own the trailers used to haul the stuff, and pay rent on the storage facility that houses the stuff. Some troops even have canoes, kayaks, and boats that the kids can use. There's also usage fees associated with some of the trips. The problem is really that our society places more importance on sports than scouts. So people go into it thinking it'll just be this cheap and easy thing for their kids to do. And then they're upset when it starts to resemble the obligation of sports, but without the societal glory attached to your son being a football player.

None of this is provided where we live. If the kids want to go you have to own or borrow from someone you know to go camping. And our fees are still through the roof IMO.

Our den wants $45 per child x 10. That is $450 for the den alone. Trust me, the den doesn't spend over $100 and if they do, they don't need to. All of us parents are more then happy to bring what is needed to each meeting. Usually one of us moms has it handy. Our den also seems to be very mom run where the others seem to be run more by the dad's.

 

[Nicolepa]

The deal with sports though is that I pay for coaches. My daughters gymnastic coaches a paid employees. My son gets skateboard instruction from a paid instructor. Park and rec baseball is volunteer (Dad) coaches - but the fee is really small considering the kids get a hat, shirt, pants and socks, lighted fields, and the umpires are paid. If we'd move up though, it would be much more expensive - and we'd get professional coaching. And I don't sell for those activities. I write a check - that's it.

I just signed my kids up for Spring Baseball/Softball. $190 per kid. The coaches are all volunteer. I still have to buy the uniform and all their gear. (3 months)

Scouts $70 for the year (12 months) , I don't have to spend another dime if I don't want to.

 

[Sossy]

Den leader (haven't read the entire thread though): Tiger Scouts are usually asked to have an adult partner, it will be easier next year. The national program for cubs changed somewhat this year so more of the achievements are done in the den rather than at home. Getting involved/ talking to your den leader should help you find a plan that works for your family. There is no reason in my mind that your scout could not miss some meetings and still feel involved and get things done IF you are informed about what you miss.
And to echo others, there is no reason that field trips should cost anything. Give them ideas/ help plan free ones if you need to.
I enjoy working with scouts, but as we work through our church we have a very limited budget and still have done lots of great things. A little information and communication of expectations goes a long way.