Girl scouts/Brownies - Financial and Time Money Pit

[DVCBELLE]

How involved are you with your girl's troop and how much extra stuff do you have to do?

For our troop - each parent has to take one meeting and be in charge of it - we have to come up with the try-it activity, pay for any materials and for snacks.

A lot of parents opted for field trip activities that we then had to pay for - when I suggested a field trip for mine - she told me that we had too many "field trips" and that I would have to have a regular meeting so I can't ask for money from other parents.

We also have to help another troop plan a Father/Daughter dance in the spring so I have to pay for my DH and DD to go and all of the moms have to go work the event - which means I will have to get a babysitter for my DS. We were never asked if we wanted to assist with the event - we were told.

I also have turned down several other overnight trips that I would have to go on with my DD. One is scheduled for Mother's day weekend and when I pointed that out - she didn't seem to think that was that big of a deal

I am also the cookie mom - and my meeting to lead is scheduled for tomorrow (I didn't pick the date) - cookie delivery is this weekend and then there are cookie shops that I have to coordinate for the following 3 weekends on top of getting more cookies for additional orders placed. Last year - I ended up buying 30 extra box of cookies b/c we were not able to sell them all - I sent out emails letting everyone know there were extras and only one mom took any more.

So we have snow and it is unlikely there will be school tomorrow - to be honest I was so relieved!! I didn't want to have to lead the meeting and I feel stressed with all the other stuff I have to do for Brownies. So our leader sends out an email today - letting us know that if there is no school tomorrow then the meeting will be next week instead - she never asked me if that works for me or not - just assumed I would be there.

She also let more girls into the troop (I had supplies bought for the girls we had in the troop) and said that she would like more parents to be at the meetings b/c some of the girls are difficult to engage and she would like more assistance at meetings.

I honestly would like for this to just be our last year with it - but DD doesn't want to quit. So I guess my question to all of you is this normal level of parent involvment in a troop? I really think that as cookie mom - I should be good for doing enough but I feel like I have to do a million other things as well. This is our 3rd year in the troop but the first time it has been this stressful. We went from the laid back troop to where she signs us up for everything - despite the fact that her time seems more limited. It is costing more money and taking way more time than I ever anticipated. I don't think finding another troop would work b/c there are only 2 in the school and DD's best friends are all in this troop - for her it is about being with them - not really Girl Scouts.

 

[Mathfailure]

Do your fair amount and then say no, your daughter will still enjoy the troop and then so will you.

When you say no, you do not need to justify it. "No, I cannot do more now." is enough, and being cookie mom is something I would NEVER do!!

 

[Kitzka]

Wow. This is truly an unusual troop. I lead DD's girl scout troop from the time they were in Daisies until this last year when they finished Juniors.

I suspect the leader wants to make sure parents are doing their fair share but i would think with you ebing the cookie mom your commitment ends there.

I am also concerned about parents running the meetings and paying for the supplys. in my troop the girls participated in the cookie sale as well as the magazine sale. the money earned from that was used to pay for supplys for the try its, etc. I did charge meeting dues but they were $2 per child and if someone forgot it, i didn't make a big deal about it. this was to teach the girls more responsibility then anything else.

parents were responsible for snack. I did not give anyone an option for that. i would assign a parent as the snack family for the meeting and they ahd to bring a snack for 10 girls and something to drink. usually it was a gallon of water. i had cups and napkins that were the troops.

i wuld talk to the leader and see what is going on. or i would not be the cookie mom next year. being the cookie mom is ALOT of work and that should be what your do.

Lastly, i am bothered by the fact that you had to pay for those extra boxes. when that has happened in my troop the troop pays for the boxes and each parent was given the extra boxes (so if you ahve 10 girls each girl has to pay for an additional 3 boxes). i did give the families the option of keeping those boxes or we would donate all 30 to the local food bank or shelter.

lara

 

[DVCBELLE]

To be honest - on the extra cookies - I didn't make a big deal out of it. But I will this year!!

I am not the type of person to say no but to honest - I am just really starting to feel overwhelmed by her troop!

 

[descovy]

Yeah, when you are dealing with a volunteer organization you get it run a bunch of crazy ways...

I am with saying no, when needed. If it is too much a problem, maybe consider joining a different troop, odds are it is run very differently.

I would want to know where all the money from cookie sales is going? In my troops (I have 2) the cookie/fall product money, and $1/meeting dues cover ALL troop expenses. The girls have a say in what field trips they want to spend their money on and what badges/try-its they want to work on.

It is the girls' troop, the girls' money and the girls' decissions. If the girls want to attend a trip they can't afford, that is a "life lesson" We budget, and plan what outings we CAN afford. We talk every meeting (takes just a moment in the opening business) what is in your account, what we spent it on.

Girls want to go to the zoo? We say, that will cost $15/girl or $150 for the troop. You have $400 in your account. Is that what you want to spend it on?

 

[stm61]

nope, never heard of a troop like that. DD's are in a combined brownie/jr/whatever the other group name is, which is also unusual but the only way we could do it. The leader plans all the activities with input from the parents. If we can't do it, we can't do it. She doesn't schedule anything that costs any amount of money without asking first. The leader and her asst. are in charge of all meetings and bring all materials unless she's asked a particular parent for something. We told her we would pitch in for snacks but so far the leader has brought everything.

 

[Nicolepa]

Nope, not normal. Our troop is one meeting a month. This is the first year (juniors) that the parents/girls have planned the meeting. We took money from our cookie sales last year to cover dues this year. Each girl has a budget of $4/girl ($40) for their meeting. Most of the girls have opted to do field trips but they have been thinks like the dance studio where they go (free), humane society (free), etc.

 

[mjkacmom]

Honestly, dd8 has a meeting run by leaders after school once a month, as does dd7. They go on maybe 6 low key field trips a year. Cubscouts, brownies, and daisy's cost me way less time and money combined than any other single activity!

 

[stsomewhere]

My DD troop meets every Tuesday exc ept the second one of the month ( her leader attends a leader meeting that night). They go on one field trip a month and an overnight at the end of the school year. We pay $1 a meeting to cover supplies. The rest is taken out of product sales. The troop pays for half the $ of a field trip with the scout paying the other. Adults pay the full price.

This has worked out well. DD joined this troop as a first year Daisy and will be bridging to jrs in the spring.

If the leader hAS A craft or activity that cost more, she will ask for supply donations or extra money. This is not too often.

 

[crisi]

I run a troop - its five girls and I do it all. I'm the troop leader and the cookie mom.

Every other week we have meetings, takes maybe three hours, including my prep and cleanup time. Dues are $2 per girl.

The opposite weeks we have "badge night" - its isn't an "official" girl scout meeting - they come to my house and work on projects. They supply most of the stuff (they raid the kids costume box to do plays for their theatre badge, I supply paper and scissors and crayons). I'm around, but I can do laundry or dishes while they meet. Girl Scouts are supposed to be "self directed" after all.

We do one big "field trip" a year using cookie money. This year its a weekend troop camp. Last year it was the service unit winter camp.

So my parents are investing drop off and pick up time and $4 a month. Plus whatever help their girls need selling and delivering cookies.

(Oh, they are also on the hook for the council patch and troop numbers. I bought the sashes from cookie money as a bridge gift. We don't do snacks - unless someone is working on a cooking badge or we have GS cookies to sample. Extra cookies I purchase and donate to a food shelf for a tax write off - some I hang onto and donate to girl scouts for snacks - they freeze well).

 

[jcgonczi]

I am a leader of a new Brownie troop. The one thing I will say in defense of your leader is that I do not think having each parent plan and run a meeting is unfair. As the leader I can not tell you how much of my time the troop takes, and planning and running the meetings are only a part of the time commitment. I plan on having parents each take a meeting next year.

Now the money is a different thing. That is what dues and cookie sales are for. What I did was get all of the parents together and had a very open, candid discussion about how much money everyone was willing to put into events, recognizing that the more money they were willing to put in, the more fun things the girls could do. We came to an agreement that was comfortable for all. The troop would pay for all regular meeting supplies (I am very frugal and require any money spent on troop supplies to be very reasonable), a few low cost field trips, and possibly a more expensive big event if cookie sales go well enough. Otherwise the parents must pay any expenses. Since we have one regular meeting and one field trip a month, field trips that cost money will not be allowed as part of the meetings the parents plan next year. They may be allowed as the field trip for the month, but the parents will still have to plan a regular meeting that will hopefully tie into the field trip. I do try to keep field trips that cost $ to a minimum and plan as many free events as possible. If a parent does not want to pay for a field trip, they do not have to have their daughter participate. But bottom line, there will be some expense but I try to keep it to a minimum.

 

[allison443]

I have three dd's and was a girl scout leader for all three of them, a few years there I was running two troops at the same time. Sometimes I had co-leaders, a few years I did it alone.

In those years I have seen troops run so many different ways. It really is up to the leader. For example I know leaders who were also cookie mom. That is something I never did. (I knew if I did it once, I wouldn't be able to get anyone to volunteer again ) For one of the troops, we did one meeting a month and one trip/guest speaker per month (during our regular meeting time though). Also, my younger dd's troop always met in the evening, even in Daisies. My co leader and I both worked full time (actually she worked two jobs-that usually quieted any parent's complaints).

I have seen troops do what you describe as far as the meetings-where each parent comes in and leads a meeting. Honestly, usually that occurred when the official leader got talked into volunteering because no one really wanted to be the leader.
My niece is in a troop like that. My sister is assigned a meeting to do badgework. I don't know if the leader or the parent or the girls pick the badge. Off the top of my head, some of the easy badges that don't require expensive supplies are "Colors and Shapes" and the "Senses" try-it. The badge book has suggested activities and you can also google badge activities or brownie try-it activities to get easy suggestions. I would hope the leader is giving the parents guidance/suggestions for what to do. Another thing we did was use the parent's talents. Example, one mom was a dential hygienist, she came in for one of the health-related badges, talked about dental health, gave out toothbrushes

I have also seen troops with many events and field trips outside their regular meeting time (weekends, etc.) I have other kids and other commitments so personally there was only so much time I as the leader could give to girl scouts. Other leaders, their whole lives and schedules revolved around the troop. It worked for them.

If you were in my troop, I wouldn't expect more beyond cookie mom. I was so thankful to the moms who volunteered for that.

 

[allison443]

For the people questioning why the troop doesn't use cookie money, keep in mind that OP said cookies are just coming in now. The troop doesn't usually get their profits till after they deliver the cookies.

My council used to do the cookie sale in September so we had our cookie money by November. Now the sale is January so no profits till March I believe. It is hard to run a troop from September to March without getting money from the parents.

Going back a few years we charged $6 per month. We collected it in September ($24) and again in January ($30 for Jan-May). For events we found we had to charge something, even $5, otherwise girls wouldn't show up and it would cost the troop money.

 

[WDmommyof4]

I definitely feel for you although I have all boys and my experience was with boy scouts. When my oldest was in first grade I signed him up for boy scouts and was suckered into being the tiger scout den leader. At that age the parents were required to come to each meeting with their child and stay for the duration. Technically each meeting was supposed to be led by a different scout and their parent and as the leader I was just supposed to supervise. However, they quickly made it clear they did not wish to do that. So, I was left planning every meeting, buying all the necessary materials, as well as setting up and cleaning up after every meeting. It got very old and very expensive very quickly.

 

[Leajess99]

For the people questioning why the troop doesn't use cookie money, keep in mind that OP said cookies are just coming in now. The troop doesn't usually get their profits till after they deliver the cookies.

My council used to do the cookie sale in September so we had our cookie money by November. Now the sale is January so no profits till March I believe. It is hard to run a troop from September to March without getting money from the parents.

Going back a few years we charged $6 per month. We collected it in September ($24) and again in January ($30 for Jan-May). For events we found we had to charge something, even $5, otherwise girls wouldn't show up and it would cost the troop money.

Just curious but if it is a troop from the previous year than why do they not have cookie money left from then??

As for the OP, my daughter gave Girl Scouts a try for 2 years with 2 different leaders and in the end I pulled her from doing it anymore. I was not impressed with what was going on and her second year the leader changed the meeting days to the same day my DD had a prior activity scheduled. Are there any different activities your daughter may be interested in??

 

[Magic Mom]

I think it's fair for parents to help with meetings and cookies. When I led a troop, my co leader and I did everything. At times it was exhausting to hold a full time job, manage my kids activities and lead a troop. I requested parent involvement, but got answers like, "If I wanted to help out, I would have been a leader, that's your job not mine."

Your leader probably didn't check with you about the rescheduled meeting because it's easier just to push things back a week than try to accommodate everyone's schedules.

 

[ceecee]

I was my daughter's leader from Daisy to Cadettes...8 years. Of those years 4 of them I had up to 14 girls and 1 co-leader. I was the cookie mom every year because no one would help. I also asked parents to help with a meeting and I got two moms that stepped up. We couldn't do many field trips due to no one wanting to drive!
Sounds to me like you have a very pushy leader and you need to put your foot down. I needed to be a little more aggressive looking back. I did it all! Last year since DD no longer wanted to do it, we went bankrupt and took a great last trip. Luckily I only had 6 girls (8th graders) and we could all go in my van since no other mom wanted to come (I would have liked an addt adult). We had a blast!!! 3 nights at Great Wolf, a Riverboat, King's Island and an Aquarium visit, we went out with a bang and the girls are still talking about it, so it was worth it.
This year, I am having cookie withdrawal...just kidding!

 

[tommya60]

I was the Leader for DD's troop for 7 years, she's currently in a great Senior troop. I am the troop Cookie Mgr, SU Cookie Mgr, and volunteer for the council wide Product Sale Committee, I have held various other SU jobs, led events, etc. I love Girl Scouts and believe in the Girl Scout program.
That being said, I think it's time for a parent meeting. When the girls were Brownies, the moms did take turns leading meetings of their choice, but that was something that was decided in the parent meeting. And being the Cookie Mgr is a lot more work, so you could ask to be exempt. If next week doesn't work for you, say so....sorry, next week won't work. I look forward to seeing everyone at the cookie shop at XXXX time in XXX place. If you want to do the meeting, have they earned both cookie try its? There is one in the try it book and one online http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/online/cookies/brownie_smart_cookie.asp or the cookie pin http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_cookies/cookie_activity.asp
Both of these are all about the cookie sale, so they should be fairly easy to pull off, and shouldn't cost much--poster board and crayons or markers, possibly some copy paper. The cookie companies have online activities, so if the girls will have access to a computer at your house, that is another portion of the meeting. (If you don't know who bakes your cookies if you sell Samoas it's Little Brownie Bakers, if you sell Carmel DeLites its ABC Cookies)
Seriously, Girl Scouts is the most cost effective activity my daughter participates in, I haven't paid out of pocket for much in years (DD does sell a ton of cookies). Her troop is traveling to New York in June, it shouldn't cost us anything. Your problem isn't with Girl Scouts, it's with the Leader. Talk to some of the other moms, see what they think about the frequency of meetings/overnights. It might be hard to change for the remainder of this year, but next year is a blank slate. Call your Service Unit Manager (the person you turn in your cookie paperwork to should be able to help you contact her) or the Girl Scout Council Rep and get some advice. One overnight a month is too much for Brownies, and who would schedule one on Mother's Day. Volunteering at events is optional...especially during the Cookie Sale.

 

[ldrprn]

I do understand, Ideally in Scouts there should be a balance between leaders and parents, especially when the scouts are younger. It doesn't always work that way. It sound like the leader is afraid she is going to wind up with the responsibility for everything. I think a lot depends on the age of the scouts.
I have boys and am very involved in Scouting. When they started first grade there was a Cub pack recruiting at the school open house. We joined a Tiger Den and attended the meetings with the boys. We went through 2 leaders in 4 months, and that is when my husband and I took over. It is as much work as you want to make it. As leaders we encouraged our parents to participate and plan a meeting if they could. Everyone has something different to offer and the kids benefit by being introduced to things they might not otherwise.
The one thing I always stressed was that everything is optional, and not everyone attended every activity. We all have other obligations. We also met every week, which can make it overwhelming if you are the only person planning an activity for 6-10 kids every week.

I definitely feel for you although I have all boys and my experience was with boy scouts. When my oldest was in first grade I signed him up for boy scouts and was suckered into being the tiger scout den leader. At that age the parents were required to come to each meeting with their child and stay for the duration. Technically each meeting was supposed to be led by a different scout and their parent and as the leader I was just supposed to supervise. However, they quickly made it clear they did not wish to do that. So, I was left planning every meeting, buying all the necessary materials, as well as setting up and cleaning up after every meeting. It got very old and very expensive very quickly.

I applaude you on your committment. yes it does get old, but the payoff is huge. My twin boys are both working on their Eagle, and the have become outstanding young men. Keep encouraging your parents. There has to be a balance so that the leader is not completely responsible, that is how Scouts loose leaders through burn-out.

 

[clh2]

I will echo what others have said.

1. It is not unreasonable to expect parents to help out and lead 1 meeting thoughout the school year.

2. The cookie parent should be exempt from the helping out at 1 meeting requirement. (Cookie moms are an important part of the troop! And it is time consuming. - I know I was cookie mom for 4 or 5 years.)

3. Tell the leader that next week isn't convenient for you. PERIOD. No need to reschedule...you are busy with cookie stuff. You are giving up 3 weekends for cookie booths. You are a cookie mom...not a super hero.

4. One advantage of cookie mom is - you know exactly how much money is raised from cookie profits. Keep a mental note of how the money is spent. If it seems like there are too many requests for money for trips...question it, vs. how much money is in the troop account.

5. take your pick for next year...either tell the leader you would LOVE to be the cookie mom next year, but will plan and pay for meeting supplies...OR...she can find another cookie mom, and you can do the meeting like the regular parents.

NOW - moving on to the fact that you felt obligated to buy 30 boxes of cookies...UHMMM...NO don't do this. That is a responsibility of the troop - NOT YOU! (When I was CM - my neighbor was one too...we "traded boxes" before the order forms were turned in to minimize the "leftovers". Any leftovers that are not purchased...can simply be used as a snack at future meetings...(any leftovers would be great snacks for the Daddy/daughter dance)

AND...except for initial dues...to cover expenses until the first cookie sale...we did not have to pay for anything out of pocket EXCEPT for uniforms.

NOW...moving on to the Daddy/daughter dance. Tell your leader that you will be happy to help...you'll be bringing your DS with you, and suggest you could be the ticket-taker, so you can keep an eye on DS. Explain that a sitter is prohibitively expensive. In all seriousness...your volunteering as Cookie Mom could/should exempt you from this too. OR - if you don't want to 'tip your hand" that you do not want to be there...maybe you'll have a sudden migraine...cramps...etc...oops sorry can't make it...am puking my guts out...

Good Luck! I was cookie mom while DD was in brownies. And...I was leader for Juniors (and cookie mom for 2 of the junior years.) Cookie mom was a piece of cake (IMO) compared to leader. But I also know how time consuming Cookie Mom is at this particular time of year. I would have told my Brownie leader what to do if she would have wanted me to lead a meeting at cookie time...