Frequently Asked Questions About Troop 280
Tell me about Troop 280?
Troop 280 started with five committed boys, and grew to nine by our first meeting. We started as we felt there was a need for a new Troop in JCP, as the others were geographically far for many of our boys, and were very large. We now have 31 registered members, comprising mostly younger scouts and expect to have four complete patrols by summertime. We meet at River of Life UMC, in the heart of Julington Creek every Monday, with a gathering at 645 PM and adjournment at 830 PM.
My boy wants to join Troop 280. What makes you different?
We are committed to the philosophy of “fun with a purpose”. We have moved to a boy led Troop, even when it is painful for the adults to watch, and feel the boys are better because of it. We believe that rule #1 is that scouts is for the boys, and rule #2 is when in doubt, see rule #1. We accept the fact that boys lead lives other than scouting, and if they decide to take time off to play a seasonal sport, that’s fine with us. We would rather have well rounded boys involved in the program, than not involved at all. Much like in life, there is a balance that boys get from participating in as many activities as they can handle. Another tenet is that we feel that scouting is an opportunity for learning and leadership. We have seen some troops operate like paramilitary organizations; that is not our purpose. We are out to produce Eagle Scouts, not military officers (though both are leaders, we feel the armed services does a far better job of military training than does Scouts). We also have one outside activity per month (usually camping), offer at least one merit badge course per quarter (through parent volunteers).
Why does Troop 280 have dues?
The only way that Troop 280 is funded is through dues and through fundraising. We receive no support from any other organization. There are costs to running a Scout Troop, and those costs must be paid by raising cash. We feel that our way of funding the Troop provides parents and boys a choice. Those that are willing to work for their funds are given that opportunity through establishment of a fundraising bank. Those that wish not to are given the opportunity to pay through either their parents funding or the boy perhaps funding through working a part time job.
Some Troops don’t have dues? Why not?
Some Troops have a legacy of funding to support themselves, or have been subsidized in some other way. We are not. There are Troops that have different philosophies of Scouting than we do. Some take all or most of the money raised in fundraising and direct it to the Troop. The way we have chosen to fund is just one of those differences. Remember also that we are still a new Troop. Dues may be adjusted yearly based on the financial health of the Troop. Also remember that we are a year round activity, and operate every Monday with the exception of Christmas and New Years weeks.
What is the cost for a new Scout?
$60, which covers dues and a one time equipment assessment to cover the Troops cost for a boy.
If we change our mind, is any of this refundable?
$20 is not. The balance would be refunded on a pro-rated basis based on where we are in the six month cycle.
What are the dues thereafter?
$40 assessed semi annually, in March and September
What do dues cover?
Costs associated with the basics; awards, patches, registration fees, adult leader training, common equipment purchase and maintenance and other expenses incurred by the Troop. Note that registration and rank badges comprise well over half of this cost (estimated at $45/year/scout)
What other expenses can I expect?
Uniform costs. We insist upon boys having one full uniform with all proper insignia attached. Boys must have a Scout Book. If wearing shorts, boys must wear official scout socks. No open toed shoes, flip flops or sandals allowed. We do not insist on “official” scout pants, but jeans are not permitted as part of the uniform. Shorts or pants must be “close to” the official BSA colors, but it is acceptable to wear alternatives to the official pants.
For Class B’s, we do not insist on an official Troop 280 T shirt, but we do buy these once a year and offer for sale at our cost. Other official BSA (not Cub) shirts are acceptable as Class B’s for projects, camp, etc.
Uniform costs can cost approximately $50-$150 a year, depending on the number of shirts and T’s you have. A lot of what you need is dependent on whether or not you go to summer camp (one t probably won’t survive a week at camp!)
Equipment costs: Boys are expected for personal gear, including a mess kit, water bottle, utensils, folding knife, sleeping bag or pad, and a small backpack. Many have tents. We INSIST boys SHARE tents during campouts (buddy system). They work out sleeping arrangements on their own during patrol time prior to camping. The Troop provides tarp, stoves, propane, firewood, and food purchased out of the camp fund.
Camping Fees: Camping is important to scouts. We offer 11 opportunities to camp each year, plus plan a group summer camp week. Camping fees are approximately $20 per campout, which will include a budgeted amount for food.
Summer Camp: This is a variable. We would suggest budgeting $300 plus transportation plus any extra Merit Badge Fees (some like Rifle have additional charges). We do want boys, once old and experienced enough, to go to Philmont, Sea Base or Northern Tier. These adventures are limited to First Class/14 years old and above. They are expensive, costing anywhere between $1000-$1600 per person.
What is the Scout Bank?
Each member has a bank with the Troop. The majority, approximately 80%, of all fundraising money goes to the boys who have participated in the fundraiser. Money is allocated based on either individual sales (where the scout receives a commission, such as with mulch or popcorn sales) or based on the hours worked (5 scouts do a fundraiser, the fundraiser nets $100, each scout earns $20 in their bank. We feel this recognizes individual achievements and rewards those who put the most effort into fundraising.
What can money in the Scout Bank be used for?
Virtually anything related to scouting. Dues, camping, summer camp, can be deducted from the scout bank simply by letting the Treasurer or Scoutmaster know. For uniform or equipment, simply provide a receipt and you will be reimbursed.
About how much fundraising can a boy be expected to offset?
On average, by participating in our three major fundraisers, we estimate a boy can earn up to $300 per year by being active. We have some boys that have earned over $400 in less than a year by participating in fundraising activities.
Is there a cost to become a leader?
No. Leader registration fees are paid by the Troop. Leaders are responsible for their own uniforms, just like boys. Leaders also pay their own way to summer camp and camping fees. All leaders, however, must be trained.
Can any adult go camping with the Troop?
No. You must be registered and trained to go camping with the Troop. You are also expected to camp with the “adult patrol” and leave the kids to work out most issues on their own. That is how they learn. We are there to provide for their safety and well being, but not to be a scout.
As a leader, do I get to go to summer camp?
There are a limited number of slots for adults to attend camp with the boys. We want to maintain a ratio of about 1 leader for every 3-4 boys. We always will have more adults who will want to go to camp over the number of slots we have. Priority is assigned by the committee chair, and there are specific means for assigning the priority (it is NOT arbitrary).
All leaders going to camp do pay their own way (it is usually at a reduced rate, per the camp), are expected to be in full uniform or class B’s, and are expected to work by monitoring merit badge classes, take extra training, and most of all, take direction from the Scoutmaster.
Troop 280 started with five committed boys, and grew to nine by our first meeting. We started as we felt there was a need for a new Troop in JCP, as the others were geographically far for many of our boys, and were very large. We now have 31 registered members, comprising mostly younger scouts and expect to have four complete patrols by summertime. We meet at River of Life UMC, in the heart of Julington Creek every Monday, with a gathering at 645 PM and adjournment at 830 PM.
My boy wants to join Troop 280. What makes you different?
We are committed to the philosophy of “fun with a purpose”. We have moved to a boy led Troop, even when it is painful for the adults to watch, and feel the boys are better because of it. We believe that rule #1 is that scouts is for the boys, and rule #2 is when in doubt, see rule #1. We accept the fact that boys lead lives other than scouting, and if they decide to take time off to play a seasonal sport, that’s fine with us. We would rather have well rounded boys involved in the program, than not involved at all. Much like in life, there is a balance that boys get from participating in as many activities as they can handle. Another tenet is that we feel that scouting is an opportunity for learning and leadership. We have seen some troops operate like paramilitary organizations; that is not our purpose. We are out to produce Eagle Scouts, not military officers (though both are leaders, we feel the armed services does a far better job of military training than does Scouts). We also have one outside activity per month (usually camping), offer at least one merit badge course per quarter (through parent volunteers).
Why does Troop 280 have dues?
The only way that Troop 280 is funded is through dues and through fundraising. We receive no support from any other organization. There are costs to running a Scout Troop, and those costs must be paid by raising cash. We feel that our way of funding the Troop provides parents and boys a choice. Those that are willing to work for their funds are given that opportunity through establishment of a fundraising bank. Those that wish not to are given the opportunity to pay through either their parents funding or the boy perhaps funding through working a part time job.
Some Troops don’t have dues? Why not?
Some Troops have a legacy of funding to support themselves, or have been subsidized in some other way. We are not. There are Troops that have different philosophies of Scouting than we do. Some take all or most of the money raised in fundraising and direct it to the Troop. The way we have chosen to fund is just one of those differences. Remember also that we are still a new Troop. Dues may be adjusted yearly based on the financial health of the Troop. Also remember that we are a year round activity, and operate every Monday with the exception of Christmas and New Years weeks.
What is the cost for a new Scout?
$60, which covers dues and a one time equipment assessment to cover the Troops cost for a boy.
If we change our mind, is any of this refundable?
$20 is not. The balance would be refunded on a pro-rated basis based on where we are in the six month cycle.
What are the dues thereafter?
$40 assessed semi annually, in March and September
What do dues cover?
Costs associated with the basics; awards, patches, registration fees, adult leader training, common equipment purchase and maintenance and other expenses incurred by the Troop. Note that registration and rank badges comprise well over half of this cost (estimated at $45/year/scout)
What other expenses can I expect?
Uniform costs. We insist upon boys having one full uniform with all proper insignia attached. Boys must have a Scout Book. If wearing shorts, boys must wear official scout socks. No open toed shoes, flip flops or sandals allowed. We do not insist on “official” scout pants, but jeans are not permitted as part of the uniform. Shorts or pants must be “close to” the official BSA colors, but it is acceptable to wear alternatives to the official pants.
For Class B’s, we do not insist on an official Troop 280 T shirt, but we do buy these once a year and offer for sale at our cost. Other official BSA (not Cub) shirts are acceptable as Class B’s for projects, camp, etc.
Uniform costs can cost approximately $50-$150 a year, depending on the number of shirts and T’s you have. A lot of what you need is dependent on whether or not you go to summer camp (one t probably won’t survive a week at camp!)
Equipment costs: Boys are expected for personal gear, including a mess kit, water bottle, utensils, folding knife, sleeping bag or pad, and a small backpack. Many have tents. We INSIST boys SHARE tents during campouts (buddy system). They work out sleeping arrangements on their own during patrol time prior to camping. The Troop provides tarp, stoves, propane, firewood, and food purchased out of the camp fund.
Camping Fees: Camping is important to scouts. We offer 11 opportunities to camp each year, plus plan a group summer camp week. Camping fees are approximately $20 per campout, which will include a budgeted amount for food.
Summer Camp: This is a variable. We would suggest budgeting $300 plus transportation plus any extra Merit Badge Fees (some like Rifle have additional charges). We do want boys, once old and experienced enough, to go to Philmont, Sea Base or Northern Tier. These adventures are limited to First Class/14 years old and above. They are expensive, costing anywhere between $1000-$1600 per person.
What is the Scout Bank?
Each member has a bank with the Troop. The majority, approximately 80%, of all fundraising money goes to the boys who have participated in the fundraiser. Money is allocated based on either individual sales (where the scout receives a commission, such as with mulch or popcorn sales) or based on the hours worked (5 scouts do a fundraiser, the fundraiser nets $100, each scout earns $20 in their bank. We feel this recognizes individual achievements and rewards those who put the most effort into fundraising.
What can money in the Scout Bank be used for?
Virtually anything related to scouting. Dues, camping, summer camp, can be deducted from the scout bank simply by letting the Treasurer or Scoutmaster know. For uniform or equipment, simply provide a receipt and you will be reimbursed.
About how much fundraising can a boy be expected to offset?
On average, by participating in our three major fundraisers, we estimate a boy can earn up to $300 per year by being active. We have some boys that have earned over $400 in less than a year by participating in fundraising activities.
Is there a cost to become a leader?
No. Leader registration fees are paid by the Troop. Leaders are responsible for their own uniforms, just like boys. Leaders also pay their own way to summer camp and camping fees. All leaders, however, must be trained.
Can any adult go camping with the Troop?
No. You must be registered and trained to go camping with the Troop. You are also expected to camp with the “adult patrol” and leave the kids to work out most issues on their own. That is how they learn. We are there to provide for their safety and well being, but not to be a scout.
As a leader, do I get to go to summer camp?
There are a limited number of slots for adults to attend camp with the boys. We want to maintain a ratio of about 1 leader for every 3-4 boys. We always will have more adults who will want to go to camp over the number of slots we have. Priority is assigned by the committee chair, and there are specific means for assigning the priority (it is NOT arbitrary).
All leaders going to camp do pay their own way (it is usually at a reduced rate, per the camp), are expected to be in full uniform or class B’s, and are expected to work by monitoring merit badge classes, take extra training, and most of all, take direction from the Scoutmaster.
