Costs
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Costs
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Who Pays For Cub Scouting?
Groups responsible for supporting Cub Scouting are the boys and their parents, the Pack, the chartered organization, and the community. Packs also obtain income by working on approved money-earning projects, like our annual popcorn sale. The community, including parents, supports Cub Scouting through the United Way, Friends of Scouting enrollment, bequests, and special contributions to the BSA local council. This financial support provides leadership training, outdoor programs, council service centers and other facilities, and professional service for units.
On an annual basis, each boy (or his family) pays his Pack, Council, and BSA dues, which go toward supporting pack and local activities. These dues are approximately $75 for the entire year of scouting (September through August) and are due in the fall. Because of these contributions, the Pack and Council are able to provide activities all year long to scouts and their families either free of charge or at nominal cost, free advancement patches and pins to scouts, trophies for special events such as the Raingutter Regatta and Pinewood Derby, and much more.
In addition to the Pack and Council dues, each den may choose to charge their own monthly dues to help pay for crafts and other items used at den meetings. Den dues are generally between $3 and $5 per month and are paid directly to the den leader each month.
Uniform costs are highest when the boy first joins scouting. Typically, the scout's uniform (see Uniforms page) will cost approximately $50 when he first joins. Pack 421 tries to economize on uniform cost by allowing scouts to wear any pants or shorts of the appropriate color (navy or olive/forest depending on rank), and by requiring Tiger scouts to have the same uniform as other ranks (so the boy doesn't have to purchase another uniform later). Then, with each subsequent year that the scout advances in rank, only a new cap (approximately $10) must be purchased. If purchased wisely, the formal uniform shirt (the highest cost item; approximately $25) should last the scout three years.
Families who wish to participate in scouting but have financial need are encouraged to contact the Pack Committee Chairperson, as scholarship funds or a payment plan may be available to help families in need to defray the costs of dues and uniforms.
When compared with other youth activities in our community, scouting is extremely economical and the benefits provided, both material and personal, far exceed the monetary cost.
If you have any questions about scouting costs or would like to support the Pack with a donation, please see the Committee Chairperson. |