UNIT MONEY EARNING APPLICATION AND PROCEDURES

10 Guides to Unit Money-Earning Projects

The way in which a unit earns money to carry out its program is of great importance in the education of youth members in basic values.

Whenever your unit is planning a money-earning project, this checklist can serve as your guide. It will be helpful to you as you fill out the application. If your answer is yes to all the questions that follow, it is likely the project conforms with Scouting's standards and will be approved.

• 1. Have your unit committee and chartered organization approved your project, including the dates and the methods?
  
  There should be a real need for raising money based on your unit's program. We should not engage in special money-earning projects merely because someone has offered us an attractive plan. It's important to remember that individual youth members are also expected to earn their own way. The need should be over and above normal budget items covered by dues.

• 2. Do your plan and corresponding dates avoid competition with money-raising efforts and policies of other units, your chartered organization, your local council, and United Way?
  
  Check with your chartered organization representative to make certain that your chartered organization agrees on the dates and type of fund-raiser. The chartered organization representative can also clear the other dates by calling the council service center.

• 3. Does your plan comply with local ordinances; is it free from any association with gambling; and is it consistent with the ideals and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America?
  
  Money-raising projects that include the sale of raffle tickets are in violation of this policy.
  
  This question can be answered only in terms of specific proposals. If there is any question of its suitability, contact your local council service center for assistance.

• 4. If a commercial product is to be sold, will it be sold on its own merits and without reference to the needs of Scouting, either directly (during sales presentations) or indirectly?
  
  Teaching youth members to become self-reliant and to earn their own way is an important part of training our youth members.

• 5. The official uniform is intended to be worn primarily for use in connection with Scouting activities. However, the uniform may be worn in connection with council-sponsored product sales programs.

• 6. Even when sales are confined to parents and friends, will they get their money's worth from any product they purchase, function they attend, or services they receive from your unit?
  
  Here again is the principle of value received--a sale standing on its own merit--so that the recipients are not in any way subsidizing either Scouting or the member. Youth members must learn to pay their own way and to honestly earn the money to do it. You cannot permit anyone to use the good name of Scouting to sell a product.

• 7. If a project is planned for a particular area, do you respect the right of other Scouting units in the same neighborhood?
  It's a courtesy to check with neighboring units or the local council service center to coordinate the time of your project and to see that you aren't covering their territory. Your unit commissioner can help you with this.

• 8. Is it reasonably certain that people who need work or business will not lose it as a result of your unit's plan?
  
  Your unit should neither sell nor offer services that will damage someone's livelihood. If possible, check with the people who may be affected.

• 9. Will your plan protect the name and goodwill of the Boy Scouts of America and prevent it from being capitalized on by promoters of shows, benefits, or sales campaigns?
  
  Because of Scouting's good reputation, customers rarely question the quality or price of a product. Unchecked, the network of Scouting units could become a beehive of commercial interest to the neglect of character building and citizenship training.

• 10. If any contracts are to be signed by your unit, will they be signed by an individual without reference to the Boy Scouts of America, or the chartered organization to any agreement of financial responsibility?
  
  Before any person in your unit signs a contract, he must make sure the venture is legitimate and worthy. If a contract is signed, he is personally responsible. He cannot sign on behalf of the local council of the Boy Scouts of America, nor he bind the chartered organization without its written authorization. If you're not sure, check with your local council service center for help.
  

From the Guide to Safe Scouting

Unit Fundraising

Include these safety considerations when planning a unit fundraiser:

• 1. Money-earning projects should be suited to the ages and abilities of youth participants.
• 2. Proper adult supervision should be provided.
• 3. Youth should engage in money-earning projects only in neighborhoods that are safe and familiar and should use the buddy system.
• 4. Leaders must train youth members to never enter the home of a stranger and to know whom to contact in case of an emergency.
• 5. Youth participants should be familiar with safe pedestrian practices and participate during daylight hours only.
• 6. Compliance requirements:
• Check local statutes regarding solicitation rules and permits.
• A Unit Fund-raising Permit must be obtained from the local council service center.

Please Note: Local councils may not authorize any group or chartered unit activity for or on behalf of its members, units, or district to sell fireworks as a fund-raising or money-earning activity.

Unit Money Earning Applications can be found at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34427.pdf and should be submitted to two weeks before a scheduled fundraiser.

Applications are not required for council-coordinated money earning projects such as popcorn sales or candy sales.

UNIT BUDGET

Cub Scout Pack's Annual Budget Plan

Sample Budget

What is the "ideal year of Cub Scouting" plan? It is implementing the elements of a complete annual Cub Scouting program for youth, committing as a pack to incorporate these elements, and then providing adequate funding for them. Even more, it is committing to implementing the plan with the entire pack: Cub Scouts, leaders, and families, by raising enough dollars to fund the "ideal year of Cub Scouting." The result is a well-managed, well-financed unit.

The steps to an "ideal year of Cub Scouting" are:

• 1. Plan the pack's complete annual program.
• 2. Develop a budget that includes enough income to achieve the program.
• 3. Identify all sources of income (den dues and any traditional pack activities), and then determine the amount of product sale and the sales goal per youth member that will be needed to reach the income goal.
• 4. Gain commitments from parents, leaders, and all Cub Scouts.

If you like to raise money every month, plan your program as you go, limit your activities based on the unit's income, or not involve the youth members in the planning process, then this format might not be for you! Those leaders who want a meaningful, exciting, and comprehensive youth program that achieves the objectives of Cub Scouting will find this format the ideal way to go.

BASIC EXPENSES

1.Registration Fees. When a boy joins, normally the unit asks him to pay the full $15 national registration fee* regardless of the number of months remaining in the unit's charter year. The unit sends to the council the prorated amount for those remaining months.
Note that fees are figured on a monthly basis:
1 month 1.25; 2 months $2.50; 3 months $3.75; 4 months $5.00; 5 months $6.25; 6 months $7.50; 7 months $8.75; 8 months $10.00; 9 months $11.25; 10 months $12.50; 11 months $13.75; 12 months $15. The balance of the boy's fee is kept in the unit treasury to supplement his dues in paying the next full year's fee. This procedure ensures prompt registration at charter renewal.

2. Unit Charter Fee. Packs are required to pay an annual charter fee of $20. This fee is submitted with the pack's annual charter application and helps to defray the expenses for their general liability insurance.

3. Boys' Life. Boys' Life magazine, the official publication of the Boy Scouts of America, is available to all members at $12, which is half the newsstand rate. (Prorated fees are available for youth who join a unit during the year.) Every boy should subscribe to Boys' Life because of the quality reading and the articles related to your unit's monthly program. It is part of a boy's growth in Scouting, and research proves he will stay in longer and advance farther if he reads Boys' Life.

4. Unit Accident Insurance. Protecting leaders and parents from financial hardship due to high medical bills from an unfortunate accident is a must for all involved in Scouting. Specific details on insurance programs are available from the local council.

5. Advancement and Recognition. Every Cub Scout should earn and advance a rank and receive the patch for that rank each year. Active Webelos Scouts will earn multiple activity badges in addition to their rank advancements. The Cub Scout advancement program has many elements that include Arrow Points, immediate recognition patches, outdoor awards, and Academics and Sports belt loops and pins.

6. Activities. Critical to the successful "ideal year of Cub Scouting" is a complete program. Traditionally, such activities as Cub Scout pinewood derbies®, field trips, and district or council activities are financed by the boy and his family over and above the dues programs. It is suggested that the complete cost of these outings be built into the unit's budget.

7. Cub Scout Day Camp, Cub Scout Resident Camp, Family Camping. Central to a complete Cub Scouting year are summer camping experiences. Local council opportunities abound for Cub Scouts and their families to have exciting, program-rich summer experiences.

8. Program Materials. Each pack needs to provide certain program materials. Depending on the type of unit program, these could include den meeting supplies, Den Meeting in a Box kits, craft tools and supplies, U.S. flag, pack and den flags, camping equipment, videos and books, or ceremonial props. (Note: Packs may not hold title to property. Only chartered organizations or the local council legally can own property.)

9. Training Expenses. Trained leaders are key to delivering a quality and safe program. Adult and youth leader training should be considered an integral annual pack expense.

10. Full Uniforms. Traditionally, the individual pays for the uniform. We suggest that these expenses become part of the total cost of the Scouting year. Using "individual youth accounts," units can determine a fund-raising goal for new Scouts who need uniforms, etc. The full Cub Scouting program includes the full uniform!

11. Reserve Fund. The reserve fund might be established by a gift or loan from the chartered organization, by members of the committee, or by a unit money-earning project. The reserve fund should be intended for unexpected expenses. A new member's initial expenses may be met from the fund.

12. Other Expenses. These could include a gift to the World Friendship Fund, meeting refreshments, and/or contingency funds.

TROOP BUDGET AND RECORD KEEPING

TROOP FINANCES

Proper Management of the troop's finances will allow your troop to achieve its program goals. The recording, disbursing, and budgeting of troop funds, along with unit money-earning project assistance, is the responsibility of the troop committee and its treasurer.

TROOP BANK ACCOUNT

Every troop should have a checking account at a local bank. An account that requires two signatures on each check, those of the committee treasurer and Scoutmaster, is recommended. Troop funds need to be recorded and deposited weekly into the troop's checking account. The Troop/Team Record Book is an indispensable tool for this purpose. Disbursements from the checking account are made on the recommendations of the Scoutmaster with the authorization of your troop committee.

THE ANNUAL BUDGET

The troop budget is a plan for receiving and spending troop funds. Immediately after approval of the troop's annual program plan, the Scoutmaster and committee treasurer should start the preparation of the annual budget. The Unit Budget Plan and the Troop/Team Record Book are useful guides.

Troop Expenses may include:

• Registration fees

• Annual charter fee

• Boy's Life Subscriptions

• Advancement and rank badges

• Program materials and supplies

• New equipment purchases

• Summer camp fees

• Camping fees

• Rentals (some troops may rent cargo or boat trailers for special outings)

• Reserve fund (for unexpected items)

SOURCES OF INCOME

When the cost estimates for expenses have been calculated, the next step is to identify sources of income. These include:

• Dues

• Money earning projects

Registration fees are not included as income since they are directly paid to the local council. The fees are then transferred to the national office.

CAMP OPPORTUNITY FUND

Local councils use every opportunity and means available to keep summer camp cost to a minimum. But despite their best efforts, many boys and their families will have difficulty paying the average camp fee. The Cascade Pacific Council has a fund of limited resources to help Scouts pay their way to summer camp. All funds are made available through generous contributions to the fund. Families with limited means or families funding several boys to camp should take the advantage of this fund. Adults can only apply for the fund for Woodbadge (Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting) or Powder Horn (Venturing).

Application form:

http://www.cpcbsa.org/phocadownload/camping/summer_camp/2011_opportunity_fund_app.pdf

FRIENDS OF SCOUTING

What is Friends of Scouting?

Friends of Scouting is the annual fundraising campaign of the Sunset Trail District and the Cascade Pacific Council. The Friends of Scouting Campaign volunteers ask Scouting families, businesses and civic-minded citizens to support our mission of providing the Scouting program to Scouts in the Beaverton area. The money raised is used to support summer camp and office maintain, staff support, leader training, Roundtable, district programs, and much more.

Why should I give to Friends of Scouting?

Friends of Scouting provides roughly 35% of the money needed to operate the Cascade Pacific Council's Scouting camps, programs and facilities for a calendar year. These camping and training facilities are the "outdoor classrooms" in which Scouts have fun, learn leadership skills and develop into better young men and women. The Cascade Pacific Council spends approximately $150 per Scout each year to deliver these benefits and much more.

I already paid my child's registration and his unit collects annual dues. Haven't I already supported Scouting?

Your child's registration fee goes directly to the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America. If your child's Scout unit collects dues, that money stays with the unit to help pay for trips and other activities. None of that money helps the Cascade Pacific Council pay for facilities, staff, council programs, and the many services of the district and council.

When will it start and how do I get involved?

Each January, the Sunset Trail District conducts a Friends of Scouting Kickoff and Training to train unit chairman. Each unit selects a unit chairman to conduct a campaign for their unit. Most unit chairman make a group presentation and encourage participation from all Scout families. The district Friends of Scouting team will make contact with every unit and offer them assistance and encouragement. The campaign operates from January to April of each year. For further assistance, please contact Gavin Salaski, Family Friends of Scouting Chair for full details.

2011 District Friends of Scouting Team

Jerry Robinson, Finance Chair
Jerald_W_Robinson@KeyBank.com

Gavin Salaski, Family FOS Chair - 503-644-3370
gwsilaski@gmail.com

Dave Anderson, LDS FOS Chair - 503-628-1428
david.b.andersen@intel.com

2011 Friends of Scouting Update

2011 FOS Campaign

2010 was the best year in many years in the Friends of Scouting Campaign (FOS). We sincerely thank our leaders, parents, and the many contributors of the FOS program. Our properties, program, materials, and staff are funded for another year due to your efforts. Thank you.

We are beginning to plan for the 2011 Friends of Scouting program. Every pack, troop, and crew should begin to select a FOS Chairman. We will be asking for the name and contact information of your unit chairman when you turn-in your recharter.

It's time to begin to consider your plans for the 2011 FOS Campaign. Planning at the district level has already begun. Every unit should select an FOS Chair and be ready to kick off your pack or troop in January. The target date for most packs is February at the Blue and Gold Dinner and for troops at the first court of honor in January.

Every unit needs to have an FOS presentation in January or February. Start planning now and when you receive your packet, you’ll hit the ground running. When you have your unit’s FOS chair designated, please send that information on to Eric Hearn at ehearn@cpcbsa.org. The FOS Training and kickoff will take place on January 13th and the LDS FOS Training will take place on January 5th for the Beaverton and Beaverton West Stakes and January 19th for the Cedar Mill Stake. More information will be available through bishops and Stake Young Men's Presidencies.

Friends of Scouting is an important fundraising program in Scouting. Friends of Scouting funds our camp facilities, office, district and council programs, the Sunset Trail District, our staff, school night flyers, adult and youth training, Roundtable, and many other items. It is important that every unit participate the Friends of Scouting program. It is how the financial needs of the council are met. Please continue to present the Friends of Scouting to your Scout families.

We thank you for your support.

Gold Award Deadline: March 31st

Silver Award Deadline: April 30th

Bronze Award Deadline: May 31st