Families of Troop 204 Boy Scouts:
The Troop entered its next fiscal year on March 1st, and your Committee has been diligent in reviewing finances and our fundraising plan. The benefits of the Boy Scouting program are well known, and we have all witnessed the tremendous growth our sons have experienced as a result of these offerings. Together, we intend to advance this program for their benefit, in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
The actual cost to support a boy in the Troop for a twelve month period is about $/year. Even though costs continue to rise, we have been fortunate in our ability to “freeze” the re-charter fee for the last three years, and count on the strength of our fundraising program to make up the difference. This year, we are targeting the following efforts to close the gap:
- Holiday Luminaria donations: $40/Scout
- Holiday Wreath & Garland sales: $70/Scout
Please note that the majority of the fiscal year’s income has historically been derived from Luminaria and Wreaths, and doesn’t materialize until 75% of the way through our year – this is risky. So, we must count on 100% participation by all boys in those two programs. Your family’s commitment to these efforts is essential to our success. In addition to the obvious financial outcome, the objectives of a Troop fundraiser include instilling responsibility for the program, and teaching our youth how to develop and execute a plan. And of course, there will be opportunities for you to volunteer for service within these programs, as we drive to maximize their success.
The annual Holiday Luminaria program is structured as a service project for the Town of Cary. The Scouts assemble kits and distribute them within designated neighborhoods, accepting donations along the way. There are at least 6 opportunities for you and your Scout(s) to participate in Luminaria preparation and distribution between Thanksgiving and Christmas. After offsetting the cost of the kits, all donations flow directly to the Troop.
The Holiday Wreath & Garland program is actually an opportunity for the Scouts to pay his own way. Whether the money earned goes to cover their annual dues or other activities, Scouts get more for their hard work from this sale than most fundraisers. The sales price is divided 50% to the wholesaler, 30% to the Scout and 20% to the Troop.
Our final fundraising opportunity is Camp Cards. Each card sells for $5 and half of the money for each card goes to the scout to pay their camping experiences. The other half goes to the council to provide for their operating costs and provides Camperships for Scouts unable to afford a summer camp experience. This fundraiser teaches the scouts goal setting, time management and salesmanship. The scout also learns self-confidence, and gives the Scout the chance to improve public speaking skills.
We are grateful for your ongoing support of Troop 204, and appreciate the faith you have shown in us by entrusting your son to the care of our Leaders within the Boy Scout program.
Troop 204 Committee
BSA Troop 204 