As with any organization, successful financing enables this Troop to operate at a high level of efficiency. The Troop Committee decided that the most effective financing is through the active participation of each family at an equal level. The Troop uses the funds to purchase tents, stoves, awards, patches, fuel for camping and trips, and other items needed to provide a quality program. As a condition of joining the Troop, parents must agree upon and fully meet all of their financial responsibilities.
Our Troop conducts one major fundraising activity a year to help support our program. We sell BBQ plates (usually in May), which has been very successful for us over the past years. Each Scout is given a number of tickets to sell. The Scout is responsible for selling all of his assigned tickets. A Scout may ask for additional tickets if he sells his allotted amount (which frequently occurs).
Other fundraising activities include the sale of popcorn and Camp Cards. These two activities are voluntary to participate in. A portion of the sales of popcorn and camp Cards are will go into an individual account for each Scout. This money is to be used to help pay for Summer Camp or other Troop high-adventure activities. The balance of this account is ongoing until used by the Scout. When a Scout leaves the Troop, any balance in the account will revert to the Troop’s general fund. Even though voluntary, we encourage participation in these two fund-raising activities. This is an excellent way to teach a Scout to learn to pay his own way.
While fundraising is a huge help, annual dues are collected. As of Sept. 2025 the troop annual dues are $228 + Scouting America's membership fee of $85 per year.
You may also consider a subscription to Scouting America's Scout Life magazine. For information and to subscribe, please visit Scout Life.
Here is the breakdown of costs per year:
Scouting America membership: $85
Troop 234 dues for Jan-Dec: $228
TOTAL DUES $313
We ask that you choose one of the following payment options:
1 payment
due by Feb 1 $313 ($228 Troop + $85 Scouting America)
2 payments
1st due by Feb 1 $199 ($114 Troop + $85 Scouting America)
2nd due by Sept 1 $114
4 payments
1st due by Feb 1 $142 ($57 Troop + $85 Scouting America)
2nd due by April 1 $57
3rd due by Sept 1 $57
4th due by Oct 1 $57
Campouts will usually require no additional cost for your Scout. The Troop pays for food, campsite fees (if applicable) and transportation cost. Food for the adult leaders does not come from Troop funds, as they pay for their own. Some activities may have an extra cost associated with them (e.g. high adventure activities or rafting) that go beyond the Troop’s budget. We will communicate these costs ahead of time.
Summer camp is not funded by the Troop. Troop 234 has typically had a very high participation rate for summer camp, and the cost is considered by many as a bargain compared to other week-long summer sleep-away camps. Again, each Scout can pay his own way by selling Camp Cards and/or popcorn.
If there is a financial hardship, please contact the Troop Committee Chairperson or Scoutmaster. The troop has several ways of helping.
Checks should be made payable to BSA Troop 234.
Thanks,
Treasurer, BSA Troop 234