Costs and Fund raising

The cost of Scouting is made up of a number of factors. Historically in Troop 166 most costs are paid “a la carte” on a per use basis. Our fund raising is used to subsidize the cost of summer camp and monthly outings. The Troop committee annually sets the amount Scouts pay for each and the amount the Troop subsidizes. The national organization charges a separate, modest amount of dues and provides a good magazine- Boy’s Life. These costs are rolled into the troop dues as explained below.

On average (not including clothing and equipment which can vary all over the map), it costs slightly more than $500 per year to keep a boy in scouting. Costs and participation vary, and some costs are subsidized by the Troop, so almost no one actually spends $500 in a year. A look at about 8 years of Troop financial statements shows that the $500 breaks down roughly as follows:

* per boy Outing and Camp Costs $307,
* per boy Troop Operating Costs $64,
* per boy Total Costs $372,
* plus per family FOS Goal $80,
* Total per boy Cost $452,
* plus a Contingency $48, for a
* Total Budgeted Cost of $514.

Each February, there is an annual fund drive for the Chief Seattle Council called Friends of Scouting. While participation in this annual fund drive is not required, it is strongly encouraged at a level that averages about $80 per boy. If our Troop reaches its participation and financial goals, it saves the Troop a considerable amount in the purchase of supplies and awards from the official source of supply. Proceeds from this council drive fund many staff and facilities costs in this region that are not funded by United Way or any other agency.

The Troop itself runs several fund raising events of its own such as compost sales, and car washes to replenish our treasury. Participation by both boys and parents in these is required because they are the primary source of income for the Troop.

 

 

 

Troop 166 requires that all boys pay dues and subscribe to Boy’s Life. The annual dues are $36.00. This goes to the local and national BSA organizations and to our troop. It includes:

* $ 9.00 per year for a subscription to Boy’s Life magazine
* $12.00 per year for national administration costs, etc.
* $15.00 per year for Troop 166 dues for our administration costs

The $36 is based on a January 1 to December 31 calendar year. If a Scout enters in mid year, the costs are prorated. Our Assistant Scoutmaster will work out the details with new members so that if, for example, a Cub Scout has already paid their council dues and Boy’s Life subscription, the “expired” portion of that payment will be deducted or rebated back to the family (i.e., you won’t have to pay twice).