One of the least favorite thing for any Scouter is the topic of money. We have a great program in Montana Council, and we are part of National BSA, and it does cost money. Everyone in Scouting is familiar with the annual dues, or membership fee, and that entire fee goes to National because they provide umbrella and leadership for Scouting. Montana Council raises money each year predominately from popcorn sales, community fundraising, and the family giving campaign to fund the cost for each Montana Scout. This brochure explains the costs, and shows that Scouting is still a bargain for what you get, and explains that instead of the family campaign, an annual fee for Montana Scouters will be replacing the family giving campaign.
But why make this change now? The challenge for several years has been that many units don't participate in the annual family giving campaign. Approximately 1 in 4 families contributes anything to the campaign. This is not sustainable financially, and so Montana Council is changing to an annual fee and eliminating the need for any unit to host a fund raising presentation. As one of those presenters, I can only say "Yea!" as it is always awkward and seems to disrupt our ceremonies. We are all in Scouting together, and the Council Fee is a way for everyone to contribute.
Yes, for some families this may be a hardship, which was the advantage of the previous give-if-you-can approach where those families did not have an additional cost. Fortunately, there are some scholarships. Also, some units go all-out with Popcorn and off-set members fees. Units or individual members can still do this! I encourage you to read the entire nicely presented information brochure, and of course talk to our District Executive Renee Stephens if you have any questions.
Betsy Eubanks
Mountain Valley Vice-Chair of Training and Communications
But why make this change now? The challenge for several years has been that many units don't participate in the annual family giving campaign. Approximately 1 in 4 families contributes anything to the campaign. This is not sustainable financially, and so Montana Council is changing to an annual fee and eliminating the need for any unit to host a fund raising presentation. As one of those presenters, I can only say "Yea!" as it is always awkward and seems to disrupt our ceremonies. We are all in Scouting together, and the Council Fee is a way for everyone to contribute.
Yes, for some families this may be a hardship, which was the advantage of the previous give-if-you-can approach where those families did not have an additional cost. Fortunately, there are some scholarships. Also, some units go all-out with Popcorn and off-set members fees. Units or individual members can still do this! I encourage you to read the entire nicely presented information brochure, and of course talk to our District Executive Renee Stephens if you have any questions.
Betsy Eubanks
Mountain Valley Vice-Chair of Training and Communications
RSS Feed