Troop Fees & Finances

As do all BSA units, Troop 46 charges dues annually, typically in the fall, when we hold our popcorn and wreath fundraisers. This amount is set by the Troop Committee and collected by our Troop Treasurer. For Scouts that enter into our Troop at different times throughout the year, these dues are prorated for the first year.

Please note that the Troop 46 program provides year round activities. These activities teach skills, independence, leadership, build fitness, and are most of all fun. The Troop Committee is well aware that Boy Scouts competes for time and money with sports, band, church groups, etc. Given the costs of many of these other activities and the limited scope offered we believe Scouting offers a good value. Especially since we offer the youth the opportunity to earn the money themselves.

Q: What does the annual fee or dues include?

A: The annual dues break-down is as follows:

    • Boy Scouts of America Re-Charter Fee (in February)

    • BSA Insurance Fee

    • Troop Program Fee (see information below)

    • Note: The annual fee does not include a subscription to Boys Life. If your Scout wants to subscribe to Boys Life, the fee is an additional $12.

Q: What does the Troop Program Fee include?

A: The Troop program fee covers a portion of customary Scouting expenses such as Troop registration fees for district/council events, site reservation fees (for weekend camping), troop equipment (new/repairs), advancement expenses (ie. rank & merit badges, etc.), Scout/Leader training program fees, court of honor expenses, and more.

Consistent with the Scout law tenet of being “thrifty,” Troop 46 is committed to carefully managing its finances and resources. Hence, the annual dues typically hold rather constant from year-to-year, with only minimal increases from time-to-time.

Q: What fundraising opportunities will my Scout have annually?

A: Troop 46 typically conducts only two main fundraisers per year: a popcorn sale & a wreath sale, both normally conducted in September-November. Via popcorn, wreaths, or a combination of the two, each Scout is expected to sell enough merchandise to reach the program fee in profits.

Typically, most Scouts participate in the fundraisers and, with a reasonable amount of effort, Scouts can cover their profit margin. In the event a Scout chooses not to participate in the fundraising opportunities, we request the family issue a check for the program fee. Checks should be made payable to “Boy Scout Troop 46” and turned in at the end of the November.

Q: What is a Scout Account?

A: Scouts who successfully sell popcorn &/or wreathes that yields in excess of the program fee profit for Troop expenses will have the surplus allocated to his own Scout Account.

Q: What can a Scout use his Scout Account for?

A: The Scout may use his Scout Account to cover typical Scouting expenses including:

    • Summer Camp

    • High-Adventure Programs

    • Activities requiring a special fee (i.e. skiing, climbing, etc.)

    • Boys Life Magazine subscription

Through your Scout’s full participation in the fundraising, he learns how to earn money to help independently pay his way through the Scouting program making the experience all the more gratifying for him.

It is not unusual for some Scouts—typically older Scouts who have developed wreath/popcorn “customer lists”—to independently cover the costs of both summer camp and a high-adventure program.

Q: What if a Scout has a financial hardship?

A: Troop 46 has set up a program of fundraisers to make it relatively simple for every Scout to earn their own way throughout their scouting career. We have been flexible with working with our Scout Families on payment plans throughout the year. Please let us know if you need help.

Camperships are available confidentially for Scouts who may need financial assistance. See Bob Tighe or Steve Kohn for details.