Dues, Fees, and By-laws

WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW ENROLLMENTS AT THIS TIME.

This is NOT a Leave at Daycare Service organization.  Not everyone is just accepted because you apply.  Please read through all of this websites Dues, Fees, and By-laws and our About us and FAQs to see if we might be a good fit for you.
On 09/14/2021, there were 20 Boy Troops within a 10 mile radius of Orem, UT listed on beascout.org.
On 06/29/2022, there were 14 Boy Troops within a 10 mile radius of Orem, UT listed on beascout.org.
In a city with over 95,000 residents, those few Troops cannot fulfill the needs of all the eligible youth in a city that size.  We are only allowing a limited number of applicants to join (we have limited resources).

If you are interested in joining, please email bsatroop2020@gmail.com with a subject line of "Interested in Joining" (include information such as the age of the youth to be added and a little about them).  We will contact you for an interview to see if we would be a good match for you.  We may also have recommendations of other Troops if we are not a good match.


Troop 2020 was formed on January 30th, 2019.
We are proud to be sponsored by Artist Corner (380 Orem Blvd, Orem, UT 84058).

We welcome you to our scouting family where we believe youth leadership is essential.

As adult leaders we promise to provide:

  • a fun, safe environment,
  • passionate knowledge about interesting subjects,
  • an overwhelming desire to help youth grow and succeed in life, and
  • opportunities to help your scout grow leadership skills through the youth-led programs of Scouts BSA.

A Brief Overview of Scouting

  • In Cub Scouts, the program involves the parents heavily.  The parents can sign their youth off on requirements.
  • When they go to Scouts BSA, parents are no longer allowed to sign off their own youth.
    • During the ranks of Scout - 1st Class, the Scouts will work heavily with the Scoutmaster to pass off requirements.
    • Through Star, Life, and Eagle, the youth are put in more of a leadership position.  The Scoutmaster no longer is the main person working directly with them.  They now get to work with multiple adults called merit badge counselors.  This phase is very similar to the real world where you interview for a job.  You don't interview with the same person every time.
  • If they choose to continue with the Venturing program, the program is entirely youth led with Advisors to advise them in their planning and help them out when they ask for it.

Dues

First of all, you should be aware that it is entirely possible for the youth to pay for all dues and fees by themselves.  This burden should not fall on the parents.  Simple mowing lawns for a summer could easily pay for dues for an entire year - a scout pays his own way.  Also see the note under fundraisers whereby selling a handful of things they can pay for the entire year in less than a week.
  • $72 twice a year (January and July)
    OR
  • A single one-time payment of $120 for a year (due in January)
If you join in a month other than January, you will pay to the end of the next cycle within that year (either to the end of June or the end of December - you choose).
For example, if you were to join in March, you could pay the months of March through June at $10 each ($40) and then pay the $72 for the next 6 months ($112 total).  OR, you could pay the months of March through December and pay $100 which would save you $12 off the cost of the 6 months).

Twice a year, we will evaluate our dues to see if we need to increase or decrease it based on the needs of the organization.


Dues are used for Troop operations and pays for things like (but not limited to):
  • Organizational Registration fees (not individual youth registration)
  • Equipment (not limited to):
    • Camp Stoves
    • Lanterns
    • Pots, Pans, Cooking Utensils
    • Consumable goods such as: Dish Soap, Lysol Wipes, Paper Towels, etc.
    • Tents
    • Tarps
    • Camp Kitchens
    • Dutch Ovens
    • Pie-Irons
  • Patrol patches, Troop neckerchiefs, Troop & Patrol flags
  • Registration for trailer used to transport camping equipment
  • Teaching materials
    • Latest Scout Handbooks (for leaders)
    • Latest Merit Badge Requirements handbook
    • Merit Badge books for the Troop
  • Incentives
  • Leader Trainings such as:
    • First Aid and CPR certification (currently $104 with Red Cross)
    • NRA Range Safety Officer (required for going shooting)
  • Operating Costs
  • Propane for stoves
  • Troop equipment
  • Wood and fire starters for Campfires


NOTE: When a youth decides not to attend, they must pay ALL dues for months that they have missed.
  • For example, a youth decides to join in January and stops coming in May then decide to return in September - they will need to pay for June, July, August, and September when they return.
  • If their registration has expired then they do not have to pay for missing months (if they have exceeded 6 months of not attending). 

Fees (Separate from Dues) 

  • Yearly registration (these are set by the council and change every year - here are examples of changes received from national 2020, 2021 - later, council added their own fees so it was more than these articles):
    • $78 registration fee per year (mandatory)
    • $12 for Boys Life magazine (not sure if they will change this name to Scouts BSA Life?)
    • $3.59 per year to cover the cost of liability insurance (mandatory)
      • I've seen this at $6 for some people (this is required of leaders as well).
    • $25 one-time joining fee
    • $51 for Adults
  • Typically $250-$800 for Scout Camp depending on where we choose to go.
    • These fees will be broken down to show the cost of the camp itself, cost of gas, cost of food, etc.
  • $XX for your youth for any activities costing money
    • For example, in order to go to Summer Camp, they must take the BSA swimmer’s test (which is done at a local recreation center with a certified lifeguard signing it).
  • $XX for all awards your youth earns.
    • A merit badge patch alone costs $2.
  • $XX Scout Uniform
  • $XX Scout Handbook
  • $XX Merit badge books
  • Fees for Campouts
    • $8-$25 per Campout for Food
    • $20-$45 per Campout to cover costs of transportation (gas)
    • $5-$30 per Campout if the area we are going to has camping fees (ex. Little Sahara campground costs $18 a night per vehicle)
    • So, you can plan on between $33 and $90 per campout (we've been averaging around $40-45 per campout).
    • NOTE: If we are going to a council camp (or any other activity which requires registration or pre-payment for an individual youth), we will not register the youth until their fee has been fully paid for.  If the camp or activity fills up and they haven’t paid, they will not be able to go.
    • NOTE: You need to pay two weeks in advance for a campout (food, gas, etc).  If you can't come, that money goes into the troop.

How camping fees will be calculated for food, gas, etc.

  • The fees per campout will be determined as follows: we will use 9mpg for each truck going.
  • We will take the number of youth and determine how many leaders and vehicles will be needed in order to make it on the campout.  We will take that number of vehicles and using the info above, determine based on distance how much estimated gas will be needed.  This total cost will be divided between those youth that are coming.
  • The same type of calculation will be done for food and camping fees.
  • While we will try to keep this cost as close to the actual amount of gas we can, there may be a slight amount of money left over.  This money will go to the "general" fund.

When a new person joins, we want to give them time to evaluate whether they would like to join our group.  As such, dues for the first month are waived.  Their second month, they must pay the registration fee and all dues.  They are expected to pay ALL the "other" fees during that first month if there are any. NOTE: If they are not a registered scout, they will not be able to attend activities such as campouts which require liability insurance for the scouts.

NOTE: If you look up how much someone will pay for a Football experience that lasts only for 2 months, they are expected to pay for their full uniform as well as pay a fee of $250.  A 6-week Tennis experience is $150.  At those rates, you'd pay $1300-$1500 per year for those activities.  Parents have no issues whatsoever with this.
A common issue in Utah County is the mindset that the LDS church will pay for everything BSA related.  This mindset will need to be changed for those expecting a free program (as they've grown accustomed to).  At a Court of Honor in 2018 for a local non-denominational troop, over $200 in patches was purchased out of the Scoutmaster's own pocket when there wasn't enough troop funds to award the youth; with 4 recognition nights a year, that is not sustainable.  The Scoutmaster spending $3000-$5000 a year of their own money in that troop was not uncommon.  A real effort has been made to keep things affordable while making the organization sustainable.

It is highly recommended to have the youth themselves earn their own way.  Doing Fundraisers, mowing lawns, or doing odd jobs each month can easily come up with all of the dues and fees.

Fundraisers (This is under review - due to Covid, many fundraisers are no longer being done)

The Troop used to hold onto money in a special bank account for each of the youth; this is no longer being done at this time, for now any monies raised will go to the general fund and the boy that helped for them to use as wanted.  We will only maintain a general fund until further notice.  

Fundraisers fall into the following categories:
  1. Those the scouts do as a Troop.
    1. Those scouts who attend will have a portion of the proceeds donated to their dues.
    2. Proceeds will be divided for each fundraiser as 1 portion per leader (goes to the general fund) and 1 portion for each youth in attendance.
    3. Depending on the activity, parents, siblings, friends may be welcome to donate their time in helping us but will not receive additional allocations for the scout.  Activities which require full uniform (most of them) may require full uniform for those helping (it will depend on the individual activity).
    4. This is the best way for you to avoid having to pay dues.  The money earned at these fundraisers can pay for merit badges, rank advancements, dues, camping fees, scout camps, uniforms, etc.
      1. FYI, these monies belong to the troop.  Even though allocated to an individual for their use, they are troop funds.  If you choose to leave the troop, these funds  remain with the troop (we thank you for your donation).  They will be reallocated to the general fund.  (This is under review - due to Covid, many fundraisers are no longer being done).
  2. Those that are done by individuals without leaders involvement (and there is no need to spend any money to fund the fundraiser).
    1. Any funds earned in this category stay with the scout that earned them.  They will not be turned into the Troop and do not involve leaders helping with them.  The scout can decide what they want to do with the money - pay dues, keep it themselves, use it on non-scouting related activities.  It's theirs to do with as they please.
      1. An example of this is selling tickets to the Scout Expo (with Super Saver card - it’s like a Starving Student card) where you typically sell a ticket for $30 and $15 is yours to keep.  Doing this one thing alone you could sell 8 tickets and pay all dues for the entire year.
        1. The longer you wait to do this, the less money you will get.  After a while, ticket sales go down to $20 with the scout keeping $10.
        2. As a sidenote, with this endeavor, any tickets you take must be returned or you will be responsible for the full amount (5 tickets = $100).
  3. Those that are done by individuals with leaders involvement or where there is money needing to be spent to fund the fundraiser.
    1. These fundraisers have a higher level of leader involvement (tracking who did what, arranging the fundraiser, attending, etc).
    2. And/Or, there may also be a higher level of risk of losing money.
    3. An example of this is selling popcorn.  We can only return up to 10% of what we can't sell.  When we commit to selling $1000 of popcorn, if it can't be sold by the youth the Troop is still responsible for paying the remaining amount ($900 in this case if nothing was sold).  That burden of responsibility falls on everyone within the troop.  For this reason, these fundraisers will be allocated to both the troop and the youth (just like #1 above).  The rate of allocation would be 30% to the troop and the remainder to the youth.
      1. Using a $10 package of popping corn for reference, the popcorn company keeps $3, the council gets the remaining $7 (the council gives us around $2.80 to $3). (That data is from here and here).  These follow the same rules as #1 above with the money belonging with the troop but a portion allocated to the individual that did the fundraiser.  Using this scenario of $3, the youth would get allocated $2.10 for every $10 package sold and $0.90 would be allocated to the troop general fund.

Fund Raisers currently being done  (This is under review - due to Covid, many fundraisers are no longer being done).

Ticket Sales to Big Outdoor Expo (January - March)
RC Willey hot dogs and drinks
Scout popcorn

Size Limit of how many youth will be allowed.

10 youth

Attendance 

  • Uniforms will be worn to ALL activities unless told otherwise.
    • The Scout uniform is a symbol of the BSA.  It tells others that you are a Scout and represents Scouting's history of service to the nation and the world.  By wearing uniforms, Scouts show that they are equals and that they share values and beliefs.  Your uniform is also a sign that you are a person who can be trusted and that you will lend a hand whenever help is needed.  When you are dressed as a Scout, you will want to act as a Scout. (BSA Handbook 13th edition)
    • We may not send you home if you are not in uniform.  But, a Scout should "Do Their Best" so we highly encourage you to show up in uniform. If we are doing an activity participating in front of the public, you will not be allowed to participate without the uniform.
      • If you went to a Soccer or Football game without your uniform on, you wouldn't be allowed to play.  The Field Uniform (Class A) is the BSA's uniform. It is as much a part of Scouting as the activities, campouts, and awards you earn.  It should be respected.
    • Field Uniforms (Class A) to ALL activities unless told otherwise.
      • A full field uniform includes: the official shirt, shorts/long pants/skirts/culottes, socks, and belt.  A neckerchief, slide, and baseball-type cap are optional.
    • Activity Uniforms (Class B) will only be worn when specifically told to do so (examples include certain portions of long term campouts, activities where we will get dirty, or activities where we are active and outdoors-BSA Handbook 13th edition).
      • A full activity uniform includes: a BSA T-shirt, shorts/long pants/skirts/culottes, socks, and belt.  A neckerchief, slide, and baseball-type cap are optional. (This also comes from the BSA Handbook 13th edition)
  • In order to be considered active in the Troop, a youth must be there at least 75% of the time over a 2-month period.  Attendance also includes campouts.  Events outside of our normal meeting time (and monthly campouts) are not included in being considered active (ex. Fundraisers).
    • You will not be allowed to advance with our Troop if you are not active.
    • If you do not attend for 2 months in a row (or you are no longer able to come - ex. moving out of state, etc.):
      • You may be put at the end of the waiting list of those that want to join.
      • If there is an opening for you, then after paying dues for all months you missed, you can join again.
    • NOTE: If you have been gone for more than a year, you will not be required to pay back dues.
  • If a youth has paid for Scout Camp or High Adventure Camp and is no longer able to attend (for any reason), those funds are non-refundable.  If funds are able to be retrieved from the Camp, they will be placed in the "General" fund.
    • Fees for camp will be collected when registration occurs.
    • NOTE: Some camps are registered for a year in advance.  Most are about 6-8 months before the camp.
  • Leaders and any parents that have been asked to drive anywhere must show up with their gas tank already full - we will not be stopping for gas on our way out.
  • Parents are welcome on every campout but will not be reimbursed for gas money unless specifically asked by the leaders to drive (they can carpool with those driving).


Policies 

  • No texting or emailing anyone within the group after 9:30pm - this could be grounds for dismissal.
  • No adult (including leaders) will email youth directly.  Parents must be included on every email to a youth member.  This is part of Youth Protection.
  • Only registered youth (or prospective youth of the appropriate age) may attend meetings and campouts unless specifically invited (such as Cub Scouts visiting from packs to complete advancement requirements, Court of Honors or a special family night).  We will let you know if it's OK to bring the rest of the family.  Otherwise; please leave your young children at home.
  • Cell phones and electronics should be left at home on all campouts and meetings (parents can contact leaders for emergencies).
  • One of the youth will be given a camera on a campout to take pictures.  This is a leaders camera and will be given back to the leader at the end of the campout.
  • NO PETS.  Pets need to be left at home for ALL activities.
  • By joining and participating in our Troop, you are consenting to your photos (and videos) being used for marketing purposes and social media.  We will not be posting last names of the youth but may post their first names.
  • This is a youth program. We want the youth to participate in discussions. When the youth are teaching or learning, it is the visiting adults/parents responsibility to be quiet and let that happen.
    • The advisors will step in when there is a problem.  It may be at the end of the night when something taught incorrectly (or differently from the way you learned it) will be addressed by the advisor.
    • Parents who are unable to remain quiet while the youth are learning will be asked to leave.
    • If the Parent/adult feels something is incorrect, please quietly pull aside a leader and quietly voice your concern for them to address if needed.
      • For example, did you know that CPR is performed differently whether you go by the Red Cross or the American Medical Association.  And, they review it and change it every year.  What you learned last year may no longer be current.
    • Cell phones need to be on silent (not vibrate) in pockets or packs during Scouting activities (this includes parents).  If it's an emergency, contact the Venturing Crew Advisor or Scoutmaster.
  • Venturing is for youth ages 14-21 and is not limited to one gender (as Scouts BSA currently is).  Due to this, there are enhanced policies in place for the Venturing Crew which will be strictly adhered to.  These policies are strictly enforced.  One incident and you will be dismissed from the crew.  We will be sorry to see you go and will recommend other Crews in the area.  You will forfeit any dues you have paid as well.
    • Anyone caught entering the area set aside for the opposite sex, entering their sleeping quarters (whether they are there or not), kissing, petting, fondling, holding hands, or in any other way having romantic dealings with any other member of the crew or crew leadership while at any crew activities will be dismissed on the first offence.


Forms (NOTE: The latest versions of these forms can be found here - note, these forms were updated)

  • A BSA Consent form will need to be signed for every activity.
  • A BSA Activity Consent and Medical form will need to be signed for every activity that lasts less than 72 hours.
  • A BSA Activity Consent and Medical form with Doctor's examination form will need to be filled out and signed by a physician for any activity where we will be gone for 72 hours (3 days) or more.
    • This form is REQUIRED at all Scout Camps.
    • If we left on a Wednesday at 6pm and were back home on Saturday by 4pm, then this form would not be needed.
    • If we left at 3pm on Wednesday and got back home at 6pm on Saturday then this form would be needed.
    • I highly suggest you make a scanned copy of this after having it done at the physician's office.  Then, if you lose it you will always have the copy.  Don't send the originals - always send a copy.
    • More information can be found about these physicals here: faqs, risk factors, & annual health and medical record.
  • BSA youth can fish for free in Utah if this Youth Organization Exemption Form is filled out and a leader has a valid license: 

Serious issues 

  • Any issues at all involving the following will result in "We Will Talk and Then You Will Walk"
    • Any pairing off - being alone with members of the opposite sex on a campout. We expect youth to follow Youth Protection requirements. There is no dating or romantic involvement between members.
    • Hazing of any kind.
      • NOTE: Practices which were once considered acceptable are no longer permitted in Scouting.  For example, "The Announcement" song that used to be sung anytime a youth accidentally said the word announcements is now considered a form of hazing.
      • Singling someone out or interrupting the person presenting for any reason can also be a form of harassment.
      • Unwelcome comments (even though deemed funny by the person giving them) create a hostile environment that is not acceptable.  A Scout is courteous.  When a comment needs to be made, a Scout , parent, or leaders should be respectful and raise their hand until called on.
  • Any issues at all involving the following will result in "We Will Miss You". Under Youth Protection guidelines these issues must be reported to the proper authorities.
    • Any inappropriate touching with members of the opposite or same sex.
    • Any type of cameras being used in bathrooms, tents, or personal areas. 

We Welcome Everyone

  • "When asked where religion came into Scouting and Guiding, Baden-Powell replied, It does not come in at all.  It is already there.  It is a fundamental factor underlying Scouting and Guiding."
  • We support people of all religions, ethnicity, cultures, and value diversity within our group.
    • As a side note, diversity does not refer to the color of skin, it refers to all of the attributes that make up a person - whether they are artistic, analytical, problem-solvers, peace-makers, etc.
  • As leaders, we try to be aware of what is acceptable to your youth.  However, we don't have all of the knowledge.
    • As parents, we strongly encourage you to help us as leaders to be aware and become educated of anything that could cause any discomfort for your youth.  Our goal is to create a fun and safe learning environment.
    • For example, in some cultures, uncovering your head to pray is extremely disrespectful. In others, it is acceptable.  We will not tell someone to uncover their head for a prayer (that is a lesson reserved for parents to give).  Similarly, we will not tell someone to pray differently than they know how to do as prayers are done differently in all religions.
  • We value all of these differences and similarities and want to help the youth build relationships with all within our group in a fun safe environment 


Board of Review for Advancement

As needed, with at least 3 weeks notice given to the committee before it is needed.  All requirements and Scoutmaster Conference should be completed before the scheduled Board of Review date.

Court of Honor

One per Quarter with all advancement and merit badges awarded that night.


Parents will be given essential committee roles that they will be required to do. 

It has been our experience that the youth that advance the furthest do so when their parents are actively involved in their Scouting careers.  The ability to bond with your youth during these activities is an amazing experience that you will not want to miss.

In order for troops to function effectively they need the support of a well-functioning committee. These positions vary in responsibility and duties. You will be informed of the duties of your position as you accept them. It is essential that you complete the requirements of your position, the advancement and safety of our youth may depend on it.

For example, the transportation coordinator isn't a meaningless title.  They will be in charge of making sure everyone has a ride to and from an activity or campout.  They will be in charge of collecting release forms throughout the year.  They will also be in charge of making sure a trip itinerary is prepared for every campout.  It will list locations we will be, expected times we will be there, contact information, etc.  They will be responsible for making sure all the parents know where their youth will be.  Parents will contact that coordinator to get ahold of their youth if there is an emergency.  If the transportation coordinator is not available (for example, they are on the campout with us), they must assign a backup coordinator for parents to get ahold of.  The coordinator or backup coordinator will also be expected to be available to drive to where we are camped to get a youth if there is an emergency in which a parent cannot make the trip (remember two-deep leadership with this).

Communication 

Our calendar is a Google calendar that you will be given access to upon joining.  If you do not have a Google account to access it, you can create a free account with them.  If an activity changes within less than 6 days, an email update will be sent otherwise it is your responsibility to check the calendar yourself.


Signing this document signifies that you will follow the guidelines of our Troop.


__________________________________________
Parent / Youth / Date


For information on joining Troop 2020, contact:
BSATroop2020@gmail.com
OR
Contact the Orem Scout Office
801-437-6222
748 N 1340 W, Orem, UT 84057



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