Boy Scouts? Uniforms?

[pepperderr]

Both my boys just joined cub scouts. My oldest will be 11 in Feb. so they told me to just get him a boys scout uniform and not the cub scout one. Besides ebay...which with shipping I rarely find reasonable, where can I find used or new cheap uniforms and boy scout stuff?

This is all new to me. My kids are not good seller (for the pop corn sale). I understand right now it is 275 for the oldest to go to camp and 90 for the youngest to go to day camp. I can't imagine trying to earn enough money for them both to go to scout camp and have the stuff they will need . I don't work outside the home so it is not like I can take the pop corn thing to work and get people to order. I will definitely be hitting up the family more than we usually do. They just had a school sale and book fair and now the pop corn thing. UGGG. Have any of your boys done the online pop corn sales?

pepperderr

 

[DiznNut]

Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of scouting. Yes, it can be quiet expensive outfitting a boy scout, much less, outfitting two of them. Goodwill will sporadically have some of the needed clothing items, but your best bet for cheaper, used items will most likely be e-bay. Another option is to talk with some of the mothers of the older scouts to see if their sons have anything that they have outgrown that you could purchase.

Also, check with the scout master to see if they have a "scout clothes closet", my son's troop started one of these several years ago. The way we work it is if a scout is in need, he can borrow from it at any time. Once you borrow an item, you must return it when you are finished with it. It could be if your child didn't grow much that you would have an item for 6 mths or more. This closet really came in handy for several of us parents because our sons were outgrowing their pants too quickly.

One tip that I was given and it helped alot, buy the shirt a little bigger than needed. It serves two purposes, first, he can use it longer while growing into it and second, you won't have to sew those patches on a second shirt, WHew!!!

Hope they enjoy scouting, my son sure has. Keeping my fingers crossed that he will have his Eagle by Feb.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

For uniforms, you can check craigslist or ebay. Really I have found some good deals for uniforms on ebay compared to the scout shop, uniforms are really expensive there. Keep in mind if you buy the shirt just a little big he may be able to wear it for longer so if they're going to stick with it the shirts make up for the expense in a couple years.

As for popcorn, I don't know what to tell you. I stink at fundraising. I am not a salesperson by any means. Our pack decided this year that we would give people a choice between show and sell or taking orders. My family is doing show and sell, I've had much better luck that way. We fill a wagon with popcorn, find a nice subdivision and start knocking on doors. But with two boys to split the proceeds between (3 this year) it really didn't add up to much. If your pack sets up tables anywhere to sell, like at a grocery store, be sure to volunteer their time for that because that will count toward their sales as well (at least that's how our pack does it).

 

[Sadie22]

If the pack and troop don't have a volunteer to keep track of used uniform parts to be handed down, maybe you could start that service. You could ask parents at a Boy Scout troop meeting if anyone has uniforms to pass to a Cub Scout. You can also check thrift and consignment stores for used uniforms.

Borrow equipment for camping whenever possible.

If finance is a problem, talk to the Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Pack or Troop Committee Chairman about whether there are campership funds available.

When my sons were Cub Scouts there was some participation in fundraisers such as popcorn sales. When the boys graduated into Boy Scouts their troops had one annual fundraiser which raised enough money to fund the troop activities all year.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Someone mentioned a uniform closet in the pack, you can also check to see if your council has one. (Ask the secretary, as usual, the secretaries always know these things! It ticks me off that if you ask at the store, they won't tell you. Grr....)

Agree with PP saying get a size bigger (short sleever works better for that than long. If need be, just have him wear a long sleeve shirt under it for colder temps.)

I'm a big supporter of boys earning as much as they can for their own camp money. Popcorn is one way (if it's the boy actually selling it, not mom or dad. You can also ask if the pack has any other fundraisers in the year your boys can participate in. (Car washes and bottle drives are the big profit makers here. Popcorn, not so much.) Brainstorm with them too, how could they earn some money on their own? The younger one is tougher- but could the older one walk dogs, pet sit, run errands for a neighbor, mothers-helper for some younger kids? Do they have some of their unused toys they could sell at a garage sale?

If it comes time for camp and you don't have enough money, do talk to the pack leadership. Our packs/troops designate a chunk of money for camperships. Our council does as well (though check on that early, the deadline here is a couple months before camp starts.)

Enjoy! My son is in his 9th year of scouting. Eagle's around the corner (though it's one LONG corner, it seems! We've had alot of fun doing the program together. He really gets alot out of it!

 

[DawnM]

I am in charge of all the used uniforms for our pack and troop! I love the job! I also take it upon myself to buy every used uniform item I can find at thrift stores and yard sales. I have had some people at yard sales hand me FREE items when they find out what I do for our troop/pack. Other times they drastically reduce the price when they find out I am doing it for others and not just for my own kids.....so we typically have a fairly ample supply of used uniforms.

Also, I would ask your pack/troop if there is some leeway in the amount of time you have to gather your stuff. Our pack is fairly lenient in allowing several months to get all the necessary supplies/uniforms as we know most of our pack is single family income (it is a homeschooling pack/troop.)

Dawn

 

[jultomzach]

I have a cub scout shirt that I would be happy to mail to you. Send me a PM with your address. Does your pack have popcorn sales at local stores? Those sales are called "show and sell". If you have 2 boys, they could do it together. There are 2 "stages" to scout popcorn sales - first the "show and sell" where they already have some popcorn which they can "lend" to you and you would return the unsold popcorn, then the pack/troop has to "settle" those costs/supplies and put in an order from the order forms. These all have timelines with the show and sell usually coming first. I would recommend a Sear's Hardware if you have one close. Sear's Hardware customers are frequently men who were scouts themselves. This is where uniforms will help you because most people will stop and talk to a polite, usually a little nervous boy asking for a "sell". It is a great chance to teach your boys many skills, including how to handle rude people, handling money and merchandise, etc. Best of all, you will probably get lots of "donations" from people who don't want to buy that crazy over priced popcorn.

 

[tinkermom23]

I organize our "used uniform" closet for our Pack. Look everywhere, just be careful not to buy a shirt with lots of patches on it, as you'll probably need to take them off and sometimes the shirt looks cruddy afterward.
We do not require the pants, they all just need to wear jeans or something without holes. Check what is required or what is just extra for your Pack.

In our District we are not allowed to ask for donations. We can sell things (like popcorn or candybars, nuts...) as a Pack, or hold a fundraiser breakfast... but we are not allowed to just ask for money.

Check into Camperships. In our District we can apply for one for regular camp and Day camp. It can pay up to half of the cost of going and we had a few who were able to go to camp because of it.

Have fun- Scouting is Great!!!

 

[burnurcomputer]

Check on scoutstuff.org for discounted shirt styles. I got "old stlye" shirts that are still BSA offical, but they are the shirts left fromt he last change.

 

[Belle5]

My fourth son is doing his Eagle Scout project at a local park as I type this!

What I didn't know when we started Scouting was that it can be very expensive. I can't think of a way that we have spent money more wisely on the boys. I remember that first year when we had to buy four uniforms--three boys started at once plus a uniform for DH. Oh, yeah...the one who is doing his project today needed a cub scout uniform. Yikes! I didn't know about the uniform swap closets back then. Not every troop has one, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Popcorn--I am one of those people that just HATES to ask anyone to buy anything. I said there was NO WAY our kids were going door to door like little beggars asking people for money. Well, one of the older scout dads explained to me that we would be doing our boys a HUGE disservice by not letting them sell. My boys, today, would tell you that part of why they have become so successful in life is because of popcorn selling. It really is not so much about the money! They learned such valuable lessons by selling that stuff! I remember a couple of years we had to rent a u-haul to get all that popcorn home! They learned about caring for money (not losing other people's money), how to handle rejection, having people waste your time, patience, generosity, earning to pay for their own summer camps and supplies instead of always relying on mom and dad for everything, I could go on and on...We are no longer in a troop that sells popcorn (we sell a different item) but all of it is wonderful experience. My older boys still say when the weather turns cooler, "It just feels like popcorn season. I just feel like I am supposed to go door to door somehow."

Personally, we didn't let our kids solicit friends, close neighbors or family. We felt that with their being so many of them, people would start dreading seeing them year after year (we knew early on we were in for the long-haul). We wanted them to sell to people that could easily say "no" if they wished. This worked out extremely well for them!

 

[3boymthr]

Definitely check out goodwill and ask the troop if there is a donation closet. Also check around yard sales.

If your oldest is on the smaller size there are pants online at scoutstuff for $12.98 shipped. The size small is listed as an 8 but fits my son who is a skinny 10 with plenty of length.

I'd recommend avoiding e-bay. You WON'T find any bargains there. I don't know why but when you factor in shipping most used scout items sell for as much or more than they're selling for new in the scout shop. There's a used Tiger slide and neckerchief selling for $9.50 including shipping and they're $10 new. Someone sold a used Tiger slide for $3 but shipping was $4.90 and a slide only costs $4 new. If you do decide to go the e-bay route make sure to ask if the patches were sewn or glued on. If they were glued on you'll be out of luck because the shirt will be unusable by your son.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to shop around for these items to get a bargain. All scout items that are sold by authorized retailers are supposed to be priced the same no matter where you go.

For popcorn sales - our pack doesn't do them. Most people in our pack are inundated by fundraisers and would rather pay cash out of pocket than sell the popcorn. A co-worker's pack sells popcorn though. One strategy that she takes is to set up a table on a Saturday at the local transfer station (you could also do the grocery store/post office/bank) but she gets tons of traffic there. She then offers people the option where if the popcorn itself is too much money asks if they'd like to donate money toward the popcorn for the troops. While many people don't want to spend $15 dollars for popcorn most People will very happily put a few dollars in a jar for the popcorn for the troops. She sold over $500 of popcorn for the troops this way.

 

[TLuvsD]

Check Craigslist...and pass the word around at church/school etc that you need Scout uniforms. Anyone quit/decide not to continue this year? Perhaps that mom would like the stuff out of the closet.

I've collected odds and ends of GS uniforms for several years. Our SU has enough that we can outfit a flag patrol if needed (most of the flag patrol has the uniforms, but we don't want to turn anyone away).

 

[MichelleinMaine]

My fourth son is doing his Eagle Scout project at a local park as I type this!

My scout's at the library finishing up E Science with his MB counselor. Millimeters from Life, almost there!!!!

 

[Sadie22]

What I didn't know when we started Scouting was that it can be very expensive. I can't think of a way that we have spent money more wisely on the boys.

That is so true! Actually maybe Scouting cost more in time but it was so worth it.

In Cub Scouts there may be several pack fundraisers over the course of the year, but much of the financing does fall to the family. My boys had newspaper routes, delivering the local newspaper. If that is an option in your community, that may be something you could do together, as we did.

 

[poohguys]

I agree with what many others have said-check with your scout master to see if they have used uniforms.

As far as summer camp there are camperships available. Also you should check to see if you volunteer at camp your kids may get to go for a reduced rate or for free. I volunteer at DS's daycamp and he goes for free. It is a nice week and I enjoy it myself.

I hate selling the popcorn. The packaging keeps getting cheaper looking and the price stays the same or goes up! Our pack does not do the show and sells. Some packs require you to sell a certain amount or they may have a buy out that you can do also.

Also check to see if your pack has other selling opportunities or events. We have a few events (fairs) that parents can work at and the money that is raised goes in to an account for their son(s). This can be used towards uniforms, camp, registration fees etc.

Good luck! I am sure they will enjoy it. DS and husband are going to a scouting event this afternoon. I only have a Webelo now, but hope to have an Eagle Scout one day.

 

[DawnM]

Wanted to add.....if camp will be a hardship for you and you don't qualify for any aid, you might think of asking grandparents to designate Christmas funds for the cause!~

Overall, I find scouting to be the least expensive extra curricular out there by far! Camp is not manditory, but the boyscouts get merit badges there and like to go. Ours is only $180 for the week though.

I have several ING accounts set up. Now that you mention it, I am going to start a Scout/Camp ING account for the boys so that camp will be fully funded by the summer. $180 times 2 for us, $360, or $30 per month to my ING account. Much more manageable that way.

Dawn

 

[jodifla]

We are going to the organizing kickoff meeting for scouts next week.

How many clothing items are cub scouts required to have besides the shirt??

 

[Nicolepa]

Popcorn--I am one of those people that just HATES to ask anyone to buy anything. I said there was NO WAY our kids were going door to door like little beggars asking people for money. Well, one of the older scout dads explained to me that we would be doing our boys a HUGE disservice by not letting them sell. My boys, today, would tell you that part of why they have become so successful in life is because of popcorn selling. It really is not so much about the money! They learned such valuable lessons by selling that stuff! I remember a couple of years we had to rent a u-haul to get all that popcorn home! They learned about caring for money (not losing other people's money), how to handle rejection, having people waste your time, patience, generosity, earning to pay for their own summer camps and supplies instead of always relying on mom and dad for everything, I could go on and on...We are no longer in a troop that sells popcorn (we sell a different item) but all of it is wonderful experience. My older boys still say when the weather turns cooler, "It just feels like popcorn season. I just feel like I am supposed to go door to door somehow."

I so agree with this. When my son joined scouts in 1st grade he was so shy, wouldn't talk to anyone if he didn't have to. His first year he sold $1500 in popcorn. No one in our packs history had ever done that. He was so proud of himself and at that level you get TONS of rewards. It was a huge acomplishment for him because we are in an area with a lot of scouts so competition is fierce. It was such a confidence booster for him and 3 years later he is still talking about it. (He only did $1100 last year due to my husband having surgery.)

 

[Nicolepa]

Overall, I find scouting to be the least expensive extra curricular out there by far! Camp is not manditory, but the boyscouts get merit badges there and like to go. Ours is only $180 for the week though.

I have to agree. I don't find cub scouts to be expensive. My dues this year are $77 and that covers all pack/den meetings and most of our outings. In the last year I have paid for Mom & Me camp (Optional) $100, Day Camp (Optional) $70, Bowling (Optional) $5. New Hat $15.

The expense of the shirt & belt is a one time thing if you buy it big.

 

[Belle5]

Wanted to add.....if camp will be a hardship for you and you don't qualify for any aid, you might think of asking grandparents to designate Christmas funds for the cause!~

Overall, I find scouting to be the least expensive extra curricular out there by far! Camp is not manditory, but the boyscouts get merit badges there and like to go. Ours is only $180 for the week though.

I have several ING accounts set up. Now that you mention it, I am going to start a Scout/Camp ING account for the boys so that camp will be fully funded by the summer. $180 times 2 for us, $360, or $30 per month to my ING account. Much more manageable that way.

Dawn

What can get very expensive is living at REI! Boots, good backpacks, raingear (don't laugh, our first year I bought my kids dollar ponchos as "raingear" for some hiking trip--found out REAL quick--that's not raingear), gators, everything to fill the backpacks, the right kinds of sleeping bags. The good news is, right about the time they outgrow Legos for Christmas and birthdays--guess what they are getting? A good compass, a Petzl Tikka or whatever the good headlamp is these days...great gifts! The high adventure treks are expensive. I sent three to Philmont one year, one another year, Sea Base for a couple, etc. Our troop often summer camps by taking a bus somewhere kind of far.

Now Cub Scouts--that's cheap. But, I am not a fan of the program (sorry) so we usually opt out. (Nothing WRONG with Cub Scouts--just a personal preference thing..)