From: Scoutmaster John

To: Troop Committee for Troop 316

Re: Fundraising

Date: 4/19/00

We have had some discussion about the appropriateness of having adults participate in fundraising projects for the troop and the extent to which the Scouts should be involved in such projects. I am writing this memo to summarize what I have found in BSA materials regarding these issues.

First of all, the BSA Troop Committee Guidebook for Successful Troop Operations states explicitly that it is the duty of the Treasurer to "Supervise money-earning projects, including obtaining proper authorization." We are especially blessed in having a Fundraising Specialist who works as an assistant to the Treasurer to fulfill this duty of the Treasurer.

The Troop Committee Guidebook also states that the troop committee is "responsible for finances, adequate funds, and disbursements in line with the approved budget plan."

I think both of these quotes from the Troop Committee Guidebook make it clear that the responsibility for fundraising lies with the Troop Committee. There are, however, some principles which I believe need to be kept in mind with respect to the involvement of the Scouts.

Chapter 17 of the BSA Scoutmaster Handbook, which is entitled "Troop Finances", states that a "Scout troop must have a budget and a treasury. The money to operate the troop comes from the Scouts and their parents or guardians. Self-reliance is part of the character development spelled out in the aims of Scouting, a goal that can be achieved by encouraging each Scout to pay his own way for dues, uniforms, and personal equipment, and to take part in money-earning projects to meet the troop's needs."

The section of Chapter 17 entitled "Fund-raising Projects" states that ideally "fund-raising projects not only earn money, they also advance the cause of Scouting by giving boys involvement in meaningful activities. Scouts building and selling bird houses, for example, can learn about bird species in their area and master carpentry skills in addition to trying their hand at marketing a product of real use to the public."

The section of Chapter 17 entitled "Incentives for Scouts" states that a "key to successful fund-raising is to make the effort satisfying and rewarding for the boys themselves. The activity itself can be fun and at the same time a good learning experience. The boys should also have a clear understanding of how the money will be used. Some troops help Scouts earn their way to summer camp or save for personal camping gear by crediting dollars or points to each boy based on his participation in the fund-raiser."

I believe that these quotes from the Scoutmaster Handbook make it clear that the BSA program aims to have the Scouts actively involved in meaningful fundraising projects that help to fulfill the character building goals of the BSA program, while providing the crucial funds needed to deliver the promise of Scouting.

This aim of the BSA program is also reflected, I believe, in BSA guidelines for the Troop Planning Conference, which is conducted by the Patrol Leaders Council, the main arm of the junior (i.e. Scout) leadership of a BSA Troop. The BSA Troop Program Features article on Troop Program Planning lists developing troop goals as one of the agenda items for a Troop Program Planning conference. The article states that the "Scoutmaster leads a discussion on goals for the coming year. These could deal with such topics as advancement, service, or troop money earning."

Chapter 8 of the Scoutmaster Handbook, which is entitled "Troop Program Planning", recommends five steps for a Scoutmaster to prepare for the Troop Program Planning Conference. The first step is "Do Your Homework". One of the items listed under this step is to "write down the priorities you see for the troop in the coming year." One of the suggestions which is given for the Scoutmasters list of priorities is to conduct "a fund-raising activity to help pay for new tents and other camping gear."

I believe that these quotes regarding the Troop Program Planning conference indicate that the BSA program aims to have the Scouts actively involved, particularly through the Patrol Leaders Council, in planning fund-raising activities for the Troop.

In summary, I believe that the BSA program places the responsibility for fund-raising with the Troop Committee, but aims to have the Scouts actively involved in fund-raising activities, both in planning and execution, in order to advance the character building goals of the BSA program. I don't believe, however, that this goal of the BSA program prohibits the Troop Committee from taking the initiative in developing meaningful fund-raising projects for the BSA Troop. Nor do I believe that this aim prohibits adults from being actively involved in the execution of fund-raising projects. As long as we do not lose sight of the benefits which can accrue to the Scouts by their involvement in fund-raising projects, and strive to keep the Scouts actively involved in these projects, I think that the Troop Committee should feel free to take the initiative in planning and executing such projects.