Finances

Who “owns” the pack, troop or crew? Scouting Charters are held by a chartering organization owns all of the assets of a Scout unit. As for whether or not they will dictate how the money is spent; the chartered organization is responsible to make sure finances are administered properly. In practice most chartered organizations do not get very involved in the management of the finances or the program, they entrust those decisions to the volunteers involved....

We ended up drawing a kind of dividing line … … between adult and Scout responsibilities, and it has a lot to do with Scouts and money. In this podcast, in answer to a listener’s question, I’ll discuss how we decided who would be responsible for Scouts and money. I do think there’s some return in having Scouts be responsible for administrative paperwork (permission slips, collecting money, etc.) but listen in and see if you think differently than I do about the issue....

How do you decide who is right for the job? I think it’s a mistake to select a new Scoutmaster as you would hire an employee with interviews, applications, etc. This is something very, very different. I wouldn’t choose a new Scoutmaster based on knowledge of the outdoors, training, or experience because those are very insignificant aspects of the work. There are lots of trained, experienced, meritorious volunteers who may or may not get the spirit of the work or be particularly well suited to the role....

I’ve been contacted by a number of companies who offer Scout fundraiser opportunities and I’ve turned them all down until today. When Paul Geatches from Country Meats contacted me I had my guard up. Most of the opportunities I hear about don’t meet two very basic personal criteria; value for money, and pricing that corresponds to a normal retail price. Selling a product at an artificially inflated “fundraiser price” has always bothered me....

Next week is Christmas and the following is new year’s, so for the next two weeks the podcast will be on vacation right along with you as you enjoy the holidays with your friends and family . I’ll return on January 5th with Podcast number 249. You can listen to our archived podcasts here Music on this week’s podcast by the Pine Street String Band Banjo Christmas A New Scoutmaster (chapter one)...

What’s the difference between demanding compliance and getting voluntary obedience? The answer may have a lot to do with the tone of your voice (literally and figuratively). In this podcast I answer emails about an particular Eagle Scout Board of Review, where it looks like the Eagle Scout candidate may be being set up for an ambush. I also answer questions about Scouts volunteering to raise funds for other organizations, and a couple of questions about newsletters and backpacking....

A reader asks: I would really like to hear how various troops handle money. While I am certain there is no “one” right way to handle Scouting and money, I feel we can learn from sharing each other’s methods. How is the money collected, who collects it and when is it collected? How much is an average weekend camping trip, how are these fees determined, and does fundraising cover these expenses?...

Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Some great email questions regarding aquatics awards, finances, and working with adult volunteers along with a visit from our old friend Brick Mason! Resources mentioned in this podcast – my Scout accounts article, FISCAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR BSA UNITS from the BSA. Podcast Archive Get The SCOUTMASTERCG APP Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Decisive answers to questions about Scouting finances can be difficult to find. While researching an answer to an email question I found this PDF document: Fiscal Policies And Procedures For BSA Units dated August 2013, that provides answers to most common Scouting financial questions. The short story is there are very specific policies that are applied in concert with national, state, and local laws. Every unit committee should review their practices and make sure they align with the policies described....

Sponsored By ScoutmasterCG.com Backers Scoutmaster Podcast 202 In this podcast we end the year with some thoughts on striving to serve, an email question on finances and your messages in the mailbag! Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

This question got me thinking about Canoes, Troop Trailers, & Buses. Julus Pahl writes: Clarke I am wondering how to go about getting canoes for a troop? The troop I am working with only camps and the current SM is training me to take over. In the past the boys pretty much only camped and this has taken a toll on the older Scouts! They want something more…something different! My troop growing up tended to canoe and backpack so I am eager to introduce the boys to both....

During my early years as a Scoutmaster fundraising for Scouts was a miserable task I dreaded. We tried selling stuff offered by fundraising companies with marginal success. What we finally hit on was a spaghetti dinner that has been a great money earner and event for the past decade or more. There is no ‘right’ fundraiser for Scouts. Some will find success where others fail; but here are a few guidelines that have served us well:...