Question for scout leaders?

Streck-Fu · 09-25-2013, 17:43

I know several members are involved in the BSA. I am a new Cubmaster for our Pack....I was a den leader last year so am still pretty new to this.

As you know, the BSA announced that the registration fees are increasing from $15 per year to $24....I know we had our program defined and our budget set as well as had our recruiting night before the announcement.
We told all existing parents that the fees were the same and heavily sold the value of our program using the $15 fee.

Now we have to pay the $24 rate for the recharter next month.

The District leadership and Council are issuing no recommendations for how to handle the fee increase. I have a email from our district rep stating, "It's up to you...."

We have the cash to cover the difference and we probably will but this really irritates me.

How is your unit addressing the increase?

For perspective, in 2000, the fee was $7; in 2003, $10; in 2010, $15; now in 2013, $24.

**The Reaper** · 09-25-2013, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streck-Fu

I know several members are involved in the BSA. I am a new Cubmaster for our Pack....I was a den leader last year so am still pretty new to this.

As you know, the BSA announced that the registration fees are increasing from $15 per year to $24....I know we had our program defined and our budget set as well as had our recruiting night before the announcement.
We told all existing parents that the fees were the same and heavily sold the value of our program using the $15 fee.

Now we have to pay the $24 rate for the recharter next month.

The District leadership and Council are issuing no recommendations for how to handle the fee increase. I have a email from our district rep stating, "It's up to you...."

We have the cash to cover the difference and we probably will but this really irritates me.

How is your unit addressing the increase?

For perspective, in 2000, the fee was $7; in 2003, $10; in 2010, $15; now in 2013, $24.

Probably laying in some funding before the inevitable lawsuits for sexual assault begin.

Wow, is there any way to break the news of the rate increase to them gently?

We have a lot of drop and roll parents, maybe tell them it is the best price around for babysitting during date nights...

Best of luck!

TR

2018commo · 09-26-2013, 04:42

We have fund raising projects for those families who need help. One of them is headed to Philmont with me next summer. Popcorn sales is another way the scouts can raise money for their own Scout accounts, had one scout pay his way last year from popcorn alone. Most are just coughing up the extra coin though.

**Pete** · 09-26-2013, 05:06

Scout Dues will soon make SFA Dues look like a good deal.

Streck-Fu · 09-26-2013, 05:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2018commo

We have fund raising projects for those families who need help. One of them is headed to Philmont with me next summer. Popcorn sales is another way the scouts can raise money for their own Scout accounts, had one scout pay his way last year from popcorn alone. Most are just coughing up the extra coin though.

We are exploring other fundraising ideas to help out. In our area popcorn sales are slowing quite a bit. It doesn't help that the costs were raised and people have noticed. Sales are down but donations are up. We are seeing that people want to support the organization but are less willing to spend $15+ on 6oz of popped popcorn. They prefer to give $2-$5 in a donation.

My issue is less about the financial impact than the way in which it was passed down. We were told that the increase is for the upcoming charter renewal and are told to just deal with it. For an organization that includes language in all leadership training materials guidelines about how organization and communication are essential to unit success, this fee increase notification after program start is absolutely counter to those values.

Their explanation is 'unexpected administrative costs'....which prompted me to review their financials (it's been a while, I admit). According to the last 990 available (2011) they took in $218M and had $72M in salaries and benefits with Chief Executive making $980k in pay and benefits alone.....

I know the Scouts are private organization but I have a hard time accepting a 60% late notice increase to make total increases in registration fees 257% from 2000 to now.

Because it is the right thing to do, we will absorb the cost this year and raise costs next year.

albeham · 09-26-2013, 05:53

A lot of good men on this...

We just told them about the increase and that we all need to help sell popcorn, but that's not just the one thing we do.

My direction with my troop has been to look for other options to raise funds.

We have the popcorn, Rita ice-cream cards, and company's that one of our members work for. i.e. Verizon.

Look for it, its out there...

One thing I learn working with folks when bad news comes in. Bad news don't get better over time. Just let them know during a committee meeting and what you staff did to cover it and see who steps up to make sure that this is covered next time.

One thing you don't want to be is a fund raising troop, it takes away the fun of scouting.

timely information would have been nice from your leadership..

SM AL Troop 119 Odenton,MD

Streck-Fu · 09-26-2013, 05:57

Quote:

One thing you don't want to be is a fund raising troop, it takes away the fun of scouting.

No doubt about that.

Quote:

timely information would have been nice from your leadership..

Our first committee meeting since the announcement is Monday so we'll address it then.

When were you notified?

albeham · 09-26-2013, 06:24

My wonderful wife was on Nations Capital district web page and saw it. I also got a email from the yahoos group page I belong to.

I need to find the site to let you know which one I belong to.

BTW..a few months ago , 4 rivers just sent out an email about a week or two ago.

AL