Costs of Cub Scouting
Cub Scouting is a great value!
One of the most frequent questions we are asked by parents of perspective Scouts is "how much will it cost?" That's an excellent question to ask. Since we run a year-round program and accept new Scouts anytime during the year, some of the costs will depend on when you join. We will attempt to explain all of the costs here.
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We hope that after you have reviewed this information, you will agree that Cub Scouting is a great value, especially compared to the costs of team sports or other activities that only operate during a portion of the year.
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Be sure to scroll down to see information about discounts and fundraising that can reduce these costs for an even better value!
New Scouts
When new Scouts join, they will submit their application on-line through the BSA application website. During the application, BSA will collect pro-rated registration fees for the remainder of the calendar year. These fees go directly to BSA and pay for the BSA insurance. None of this money goes to the Pack, so we have separate dues that cover the costs of awards, programming and offsets the cost of our outings and activities.
Dues & Fees
Current dues and fees can be found on our Pack 375 Membership Form.
Boy's Life
Boy's Life is an optional monthly magazine published by Boy Scouts of America geared specifically toward Scouts. Each issue has various articles that appeal to Cub Scout and Scouts BSA aged youth. There are wholesome comic strips, corny jokes, games, contests, articles about the outdoors, gear, hobbies, projects and other fun articles. At $1 / month, this is a great value and is highly recommended by our Cubmaster. Please take a look at the Boy's Life website to get a better sense of the content: https://boyslife.org
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Boy's Life subscriptions run annually. For new Scouts, you will have the option to subscribe to Boy's Life during the registration process. This will cover the subscription for the remainder of the calendar year.
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For returning Scouts and new Scouts registering August - December, Boy's Life subscription fees for the following calendar year must be paid to the Pack by December 1st.
Payment Methods
Pack 375 offers several convenient payment options:
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Cash - please place cash in an envelope with the name of your Scout and a description of your payment
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Check - checks should be made out to "BSA Pack 375" and should have the Scout's name in the memo field
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PayPal - PayPal payments can be submitted to cubtreasurer375@gmail.com
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Credit Card - we accept credit cards with a magnetic stripe in person (processed through Square)
Discounts
Pack 375 offers the following discounts:
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Reduced Pack 375 Dues for additional Scouts in the same family (described above)
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Early Pay Discount
Fundraising
Starting with the 2019 - 2020 season, Pack 375 will split fundraising profits with Scouts and will place the Scout's portion in a "Family Pack Account." Money in the Family Pack Accounts may be used for things that benefit the entire pack such as: paying dues, buying uniforms, paying for trips & summer camp and other items as approved by Pack Committee. Dues do not have to be paid from the Family Account, however dues must be paid in full before the Family Account can be used for any other purpose. Leftover money in the Family Account will be absorbed into the Pack account after a family leaves Pack.
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Note that this policy was updated for the 2020-2021 season. Now 100% of the profits for individual fundraisers (popcorn, subs, etc.) will go to the Family's Pack Account
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Please keep in mind that fundraising is never mandatory or expected. It is intended to help offset the cost of Scouting for those families that want to participate.
Financial Hardship
Pack 375 wants every youth interested in joining our Pack to enjoy the same opportunities regardless of a family's financial situation. If any of the costs associated with Scouting will put an undue financial strain on your family, please let us know so that we can make arrangements.
Other Scouting Expenses
Besides the items discussed above, please be aware of the following periodic expenses:
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Scout Uniform - the uniform is an important part of the Scouting experience. For a detailed explanation of the uniform expectations, please see our Uniform Policy page. For current pricing information, please see https://www.scoutshop.org.
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Pack 375 T-Shirt (Class B Uniform) - this is worn for informal Pack and Den activities. Current pricing is $13 for youth sizes and $15 for adult sizes
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Activities & Outings - The cost of activities and outings will vary. In general, for overnight camping trips, the Pack will pay for the facility / campground and we charge $5-$6 per person, per meal.
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Summer Camp - While not required, Summer Camp is a great opportunity for Scouts. Please see the Juniata Valley Council Summer Camp page for current information.
Disclamer
The dues information provided in the membership form linked above are based on the 2020 BSA Registration Fees and are subject to change for future years. Pack 375 has no influence over these fees, but has included them in our annual Dues. If BSA raises their fees in future years, we will have to adjust our dues accordingly. We will make every effort communicate any changes as soon as we know about them.