September 2016
Pack Budget: Over the summer the Pack Committee determined a budget based on last year's costs. The budget was calculated on a per-scout basis with some additional, fixed costs pro-rated with an assumed pack size. A per-scout approach has to be taken because it is difficult to tell in advance the size of the pack.
Pack Dues: The dues are $90 this year.
How Dues are Paid: Dues can be paid two different ways: Fundraising or family contribution. Pack 51's primary fundraising effort is the annual popcorn sales as promoted by the Ore-Ida council. If certain requirements are met the pack can keep 35% of the funds raised. Family contributions can be used to pay the dues. The hope is that the scouts will far exceed the minimum needed for pack dues and there are sales incentives both from the pack and from the popcorn manufacturer.
What Dues Cover: The dues are what helps the pack create a successful scout year. Dues cover: scout registration, awards, den budgets, service projects, scout camps, leader registration, insurance, storage, pack meeting supplies, scholarships, etc. Some costs will be scaled back if fundraising was below expectations.
Fundraising Bonus Structure: This year the pack is creating a sales incentive for fundraising. The minimum amount to cover the dues is $260. Additional rewards the pack offers: $400 - Dart Warz Party, top five sales earners pick from a set of prizes. The popcorn manufacturer also has awards the scout may choose from at different levels of sales.
Popcorn Fundraising: The annual popcorn fundraising is the bulk of our revenue and happens every year in September and October. There are two categories for the popcorn fundraising: Show & Sells and Take Orders (which includes Online selling). The Show & Sells are a group effort (but daily sales are split based on hours contributed), and the Take Orders are solo. The more each scout sells, the higher his reward from the popcorn manufacturer.
Friends of Scouting: This is an optional pledge that the Council will request in February. This donation is collected either at the time of the pledge or throughout the year, monthly or quarterly. This money goes to the Council. Each Pack is given a goal, which if attained will result in significant discounts in camp registration fees and the purchase of rank advancement badges, Webelos activity pins, and Arrow of Light awards.