Ed Tucholski,Scoutmaster, Troop 65

Like most non-profit organizations, all Scouting units must raise money to run their program. To paraphrase the old saying, Scouting is one of the "Best things in Life," but unlike many of those things, it isn't free. We generally do not ask the Scouts or families for any money towards the majority of our outings and events, the cost is covered by the Troop. In addition to those costs, there are expenses for awards, Courts of Honor, even the insurance on our trailer. But the funding has to come from somewhere.

Our very modest annual dues of $36 covers the National Council Registration Fee and Insurance Fee no portion of this goes towards the troops expenses. Troop's expenses are paid through the two major fundraising campaigns per year, our annual POPCORN SALE, which kicks off in mid September and our annual SCRAP METAL DRIVE which is held at the beginning of June. All Scouts are expected to participate and sell a minimum amount of Popcorn, currently set at $400.00 in sales per Scout. More sales are always welcome, but if the Scout sells $500.00 the $36 dollar dues will be removed. If the Scout decides not to sell Popcorn, an opt-out option may be taken. In this case, the Scout's annual dues would be $236.00. The majority of our Scouts sell enough Popcorn, and some sell considerably more than the minimum. Scouts who don't sell the minimum amount will have their dues prorated. There is also a $36 council service and operations fee imposed by the Hudson Valley Council starting in 2016 that is in lieu of the Friends of Scouting campaign. This fee will also be waived if the scout sells $600.00 in popcorn other wise it will be the responsibility of the scout and his family. 

We were able to do some great things because of successful fundraising this year.