The Cost of Scouting

There are three major components to funding scouting. The fee that you pay to apply online pays the National and Council (State) components. The infographic below helps explain some of the benefits you get from being a Scout. The Pack (the program you see the most often) doesn't see any of these funds and are expected to raise funds on their own. Pack 773 offers an approach where each scout pays their share by fundraising and out of pocket (see below).

National and Council

The fee you pay online provides some key services like building out the program, software, insurance, experts, and access to camp sites.

What do Pack Dues Cover?

Your Pack dues are a yearly fee that helps us provide you the fun activities and benefits available with Pack 773. A few examples of where this money goes are advancements loops/pins/patches, reserving the facility, Class-B Shirts, Pinewood Derby Cars, Pinewood Derby Trophies, Blue & Gold Ceremony, Special Guests, and most of the fun activities you experience as part of the Pack.

We believe in transparency, so a breakdown can be found below. If anyone is interested in the details behind these numbers please come to a Parent meeting and we'll walk you through the general ledger.

Cost to Run the Pack (2024-2025)

Each year we build a plan and then forecast how much it will take to execute the plan. The above is the forecasted expenses for the upcoming scouting year.

2024-2025 Pack Dues

For the 2024-2025 Scouting Year, we expect each scout to contribute $265 so we can fully fund the program. This can be out of pocket or can be from participating in our fundraiser.

Tell me about this fundraising!

The Pack sells popcorn every year to help offset our costs, receiving 35% back for each sale. We track how much each scout sells, and allocate those earnings to the scout. (See Scout Accounts for more information)

During the past few years a scout earned about $250/hr working a store front shift. This means that most scouts can cover their Pack dues with just two 2-hr shifts!

What about if I sell more?

Historically we have used these funds to improve the pack by purchasing things like the pinewood derby track or offset camping events. We will continue to do that (as shown in the capital expenses line item), but we want to help you experience more scouting with the funds you raised selling popcorn.

In the 2024-2025 scouting year we will create a "scout account" for each scout who fund raises. We will keep track of your balance and let you use that for scouting activities. Some ideas are paying for summer camp or the other optional events we organize.

Are there other costs?

Each scout is expected to have a uniform for their specific rank and also a book to help guide them through the year's program.

Michigan Crossroads Council has a great resource about where to find a uniform. Most of our scouts only wear the short sleeve uniform shirt, neckerchief, slide, belt and hat.

Pack 773 does has a scout closet that has limited supplies available for trade or half/off. Check it out before purchasing a new uniform!

Scholarships?

Pack 773 hasn't historically provided scholarships because most families are easily able to cover their Pack Dues via fundraising. If you do have financial hardships, contact us for details so we can work something out.

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