Dues and Fundraising

Scouting, like most extracurricular activities, costs money.  We strive to keep our dues as low as possible while still providing the best experience we can.  After all, a scout is thrifty.

Dues

How much are they?

2024 dues are $175 per scout

If you're brand new to scouting, there is a $25 new scout fee, too.

If your scout is interested, you can include an annual subscription to Scout Life magazine for $15.

When are they collected?

Our pack collects dues annually in the November and December pack meetings. Our dues cover a full calendar year, so dues collected at the end of the year (ex. December 2023) cover dues for the following year (ex. Jan - Dec 2024).

If you join our pack in the middle of the year you'll pay when you join.  That amount will be prorated for the months remaining in the current year.  For example, if you join in August 2023, you'll owe dues for August through December of 2023.

What do they cover?

Our dues cover 2 big things:  

1. Scouts, BSA dues, which are sometimes referred to as "national" dues.  The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, criminal background checks, youth protection, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs.

2. Pack dues.  These cover the actual costs of your scout participating in the program.  They pay for things like:

   • Awards and patches

   • Pack 296 Activity Uniform (Class B) shirt

   • Neckerchief and slide when you advance to the next rank

   • Raingutter Regatta and Pinewood Derby kits

   • Den/Pack meeting supplies

   • Blue & Gold Banquet ticket for the scout

   • Various pack supplies, such as camp cooking equipment, pack flags, etc.

What isn't covered?

Although our dues cover a lot, not everything is covered.  

• Class 'A' or dress uniform*

• Handbooks (Pro tip....the e-book is cheaper)

• Entry fees for outings.  We realize that not all scouts will be able to come to all events.  Therefore, these are a-la-carte.

• Meals on campouts

Fundraising

Our pack sells popcorn through Trails End, usually September through mid-November.   Proceeds from these sales contribute to keeping our dues as low as possible.