Cub Scouts = Expensive!

[BabyTigger99]

I am the Committee Chair for our Pack, and also my son's leader (he is a first year Webelo this year).

As far as what we pay, we have to buy the uniform shirt (no pants) and all the patches that you will initially start with (Pack number, Den number, etc.), neckerchief, slide, and belt. We pay the Charter fees every January (which will be $15), and Boys Life fee ($10). The pack pays for the level specific book for every boy, all advancement patches and beltloops/pins, kits for Pinewood Derby/Space Derby/Raingutter Regatta. The Pack pays for the boys for any events we do (bowling, Blue and Gold, refreshments at our kickball game). Parents and siblings pay for themselves at these events. We do not do any tent-type camping, so no gear for us. We go to a camp run by our Council. Cost of the camp is maybe $130 per boy for 4 days/3 nights. Our Pack pays $35 towards each boy's camp fees. We also do a brat sale specifially to fund camp.

We do the popcorn sale, and typically our profit is $3000 - 35000. Our pack has about 35 kids in it.

As far as for my own den, I have a fund that I use for supplies and miscelanious things, and when it gets low, I have each family give me $10.

 

[carmiedog]

wow! We have a $10 yearly enrollment fee, and that's ALL that's REQUIRED. Most boys have uniform (shirt, hat, kerchief) - but it's not required and not all the boys were them to all the meetings. Everything else is supplied by popcorn sales money (books, badges). I hate popcorn sales and it's overpriced, but it helps spread out the program costs for ALL the boys.

An optional expense is daycamp which is $45. If popcorn sales are great, council pays for a portion of that. And there are "scholarships" available for people needing assistance. There are also mom&me and dad&lad camps which cost extra, but we're one of the few families that attend.

Another expense can be fishing/camping equipment if your family doesn't already have it, but if you don't and can't afford it, families are great about sharing. In 5 years, our group has gone fishing ONCE and this is the first year they'll actually be doing overnight camping except for the annual winter campout in a heated cabin.

This year I have a Webelo II, so we're investing in GOOD camping gear for him since he's planning to move on to Boy Scouts.

For the tiny investment, it's been a GREAT experience for my boys. I didn't realize how lucky we had it and think it should be affordable for everyone.

 

[darrengs]

I am an Assistant Scoutmaster for my sons Troop and before that I was the Pack Committee Chair for his Pack. I obviously am a firm believer in the Scouting program. A correctly run program teaches responsibility and leadership which is not taught in school.

Here some tips I can offer:

Before buying camping equipment I would ask around there are always people with spare equipment.

Buy the uniform large, my son was able to wear his same shirt from Tiger up until Webelos I scout, at which time I bought him the brown shirt that he is wearing in Boy Scouts.

In our Pack we never allowed money to stop a boy from joining. Under special circumstances we would waive fees and even buy the required uniform if needed.

 

[JamesMom]

OP - here.

I have no problem shelling out the money. I think scouting is worth it. I was just entertained by the idea that it only costs X when it really cost Y.

My son joined this pack because it is sponsored by our Church and it has over 100 boys and the leadership helped develop BSA training videos. I thought these qualities would offer the best opportunities for our family. Our pack sponsors financially those who would otherwise be unable to participate. Most of the pack events are covered in the initial dues. I like not having to pay month - too much paperwork for leaders (as I remember from Girl Scouts).

I am looking forward to it all, well, maybe not camping - I'm an indoor girl I am running the first Den meeting tomorrow night. jk

 

[Katy Belle]

wait until he's 14 and goes on the Philmont Boy Scout Hike! My DS14 and DH went this summer. Plane tickets, fees, gear, clothing, boots, etc. etc. etc. BIG BUCKS. Priceless. Worth it.

Good for you for volunteering to be a leader! This is my 4th year being a leader. All 5 of us are members of the Boy Scouts of America! Its a good thing.

Katy

 

[amyup]

Wow you guys have cheap registration! We pay $120 a year and I thought that was a fantastic deal! I have 2 boys a Wolf and a Webelo and they love it. It is a big time commitment but they have so much fun doing it.

 

[Pirate1+Princess4]

I am the Committee Chair for our Pack, and also my son's leader (he is a first year Webelo this year).

As far as what we pay, we have to buy the uniform shirt (no pants) and all the patches that you will initially start with (Pack number, Den number, etc.), neckerchief, slide, and belt. We pay the Charter fees every January (which will be $15), and Boys Life fee ($10). The pack pays for the level specific book for every boy, all advancement patches and beltloops/pins, kits for Pinewood Derby/Space Derby/Raingutter Regatta. The Pack pays for the boys for any events we do (bowling, Blue and Gold, refreshments at our kickball game). Parents and siblings pay for themselves at these events. We do not do any tent-type camping, so no gear for us. We go to a camp run by our Council. Cost of the camp is maybe $130 per boy for 4 days/3 nights. Our Pack pays $35 towards each boy's camp fees. We also do a brat sale specifially to fund camp.

We do the popcorn sale, and typically our profit is $3000 - 35000. Our pack has about 35 kids in it.

As far as for my own den, I have a fund that I use for supplies and miscelanious things, and when it gets low, I have each family give me $10.

Ours is much like this. Waist-up uniform. Pack pays for advancement patches, handbook, Class B Tshirt, activities. Also pays for scout at B&G banquet- and ours is really nice at a conference center. We have about 75 boys and it seems like our pack is growing. Dues are $12 + Boys Life. The rest is funded by popcorn sales. And they do a big business outside the Walmart.

Camping is "car camping". We haven't made it yet, but they say to come even if you don't have gear. Stay as long as you wish (so you don't have to miss the soccer game. They say there are extra tents, etc if you don't have gear.

I had a heart attack at the scout store my first time.

Scouts has been an awesome experience for my DS (who has 4 sisters) and DH. DH works a lot, but he's been making the effort to take DS and stay and they are really enjoying it. I think DS will go through 5th grade and may even go back to complete the Tiger requirements that he missed since he joined as a Wolf.

To date, I'm much more impressed with our Cub Scout experience and underwhelmed with Daisies.

 

[DisneyWalkerGirl]

I think DS will go through 5th grade and may even go back to complete the Tiger requirements that he missed since he joined as a Wolf.

Just an FYI - unfortunately, your DS won't be able to go back and earn the Tiger badge. These are based on grade/age and must be completed at the appropriate timeframe. Sorry.

 

[photolover]

I am considering to register my daughters in girl guide or scouts. I don't know the difference between their program and activities, except it seems like girl guide is for girls and scouts is for boys? Anybody can fill me in please? I am from Ontario Canada. How do I go about to register my children? How much time do they need to commit? Do I need to commit my time too? Do they have to camp overnight without parents? Sorry, I have no ideas.

 

[MinnieForMe]

We have found Scouts to be relatively inexpensive. If you purchase your son's shirt big, it should last him for three years. If you want to save the money I'd suggest asking around. There is always an abundance of shirts that are outgrown and willing to be donated to a new scout. Dad or Mom should ask around for a free shirt too. The t-shirt is usually optional.

Our Cub Scout has never had to purchase a tent and our Boy Scout troop has their own trailer filled with equipment. Perhaps, you need to check out a more established pack. It really does make a difference!

We NEVER do the popcorn fundraiser but prefer to sell chocolate bars (easier for people in this economy to shell out $1 than $16 for popcorn).

Good luck! Scouts is a fantastic experience! I can't think of another activity that teachs respect/love for God/Country/Family/Self. You won't regret any amount or time you put into Scouting!

 

[crisi]

I am considering to register my daughters in girl guide or scouts. I don't know the difference between their program and activities, except it seems like girl guide is for girls and scouts is for boys? Anybody can fill me in please? I am from Ontario Canada. How do I go about to register my children? How much time do they need to commit? Do I need to commit my time too? Do they have to camp overnight without parents? Sorry, I have no ideas.

In the U.S. its Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts - the two organizations are not related. And in fact, have a little bad blood between them - although they share a similar origin.

Outside the U.S. Girl Scouts are often called Girl Guides. I'm not sure what they are in Canada, but the World Association of Girl Guides could help you out: http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/home.

However, although there are some "worldwide" Girl Guides' traditions, most of what Girl Scouts in the U.S. do are U.S. based traditions.

 

[palpluto]

With cubs scouts is it mostly a dad and son thing or are there a lot of moms there also?

 

[Good Ol Gal]

we got our two boys signed up last night...

$48.50 each! My DH did that since I was at our Girl Scout meeting, and when I asked him what it was for he had no idea He said they told me how much to write the check for and I did!

With cubs scouts is it mostly a dad and son thing or are there a lot of moms there also?

There were about the same number of men volunteers as women at the info meeting we went to. Most packs had a mom leader or assistant leader. One den's leaders consisted of just moms.

 

[jessica52877]

With cubs scouts is it mostly a dad and son thing or are there a lot of moms there also?

Our den had quite a few mothers that do most things. I do alot with my son, but my husband also comes too if he can. The den leader is a mother and so is the asst. We have 3 other mother's that bring their son's and then 3 father's and one is a toss up as to whether mom or dad will bring him that night.

 

[darrengs]

With cubs scouts is it mostly a dad and son thing or are there a lot of moms there also?

Most Packs are family oriented, we never discouraged participation even siblings.

 

[darrengs]

For everyone that has a son in Scouts my biggest recommendation is that you become involved as a leader.

For Cub Scouts there are rules and guidelines which mostly involve safety and the well being of the boys but as far as fees, and other policies these are decided by your leadership. You need to go to the Committee Meetings and discuss these items, better yet join the Committee and help make/change policy. Cub Scout Packs are run by the parents and the more participation the better and easier it will be.

I am not going to lie there is work involved but it is very rewarding.

 

[Mom2Ben02]

We just joined as a Cub Scout family. We don't have a lot of extra money - but Scouting is worth every. single. penny.

My son has ADHD and is not a joiner. Hated sports, karate, and every other thing I tried to put him in. Scouting gives him a sense of accomplishment, he moves at his own pace, and he is making friends.

We paid for a uniform shirt, and then I got the book, hat, slide, tshirt & neckerchief on Craig's List for $10 total I am a leader, and so far have just bought the shirt.

We need to sell $330 in popcorn - if we do, then the dues are free. If you don't sell any, then you owe $110 - basically make a third of what you sell. HOWEVER, even if we don't sell anything - I can't think of another activity that costs less than $10/month. All of our activites are cheap - we went camping, four of us, including food, for $10. And - most other activities need "things" - karate gi, cleats, bats, balls, etc, etc.

I have taken a picture of myself in my uniform shirt, to pull out when my son claims "you don't love me". The site of me in a tan shirt that is TUCKED IN is proof enough that I must love him a whole bunch

 

[3boymthr]

With cubs scouts is it mostly a dad and son thing or are there a lot of moms there also?

Cub scouts in our town tends to be a fairly even mix of men and women as leaders (We have four dens with dads as leaders - two of them are former eagle scouts) and as far as parent participation that's also about 50/50 though for the pinewood/space/pushcart derbies there is WAAAAY more dad (and a few granddads ) involvement than there normally is for other pack meetings. Lots of siblings both younger and older for all events.

Boy Scouts (the older kids) tends to be much more testosterone driven. The kids prefer it that way. Don't get me wrong there are women involved but the ratio in our troop is like 1:10 and they are all in behind the scenes / troop committe positions rather than the hands on involvement we have with cub scouts.

 

[luckymom4]

Wow, I feel very lucky now. My daughter is in GS, my son will join BS this year. The businesses in our very small town get together and pay for all membership dues, sashes, equipment needed, etc. Maybe you could see if some businesses where you live would adopt or sponsor your troop? I don't know if this allowed according to the rules, but like I said we're in a very small town where literally everyone in town knows every single child by name.

 

[TexasAggie73]

Cub Scouts pants are on sale for $16.99 and they zip off to make shorts. What would jeans cost to do that?