Individual Youth Accounts

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Revision as of 11:30, March 3, 2009

Individual Accounts are bookkeeping accounts, not separate bank accounts. Units "..using this method have traditionally had stronger programs with less turnover of youth..." - .scouting.org

The BSA suggests that a Scout's earnings be applied first to his annual costs with remaining money going into the Scout's Individual Youth Account. Some units instead take the boy's earnings and divide them up.

Benefits of Individual Youth Accounts

There are many benefits in using the BSA Individual Youth Accounts program:

1. Scouts learn self-reliance - success come from from your own hard work, not from taking from others.
2. Scouts learn to plan for financial goals such as summer camp, trips, equipment, and uniforms.
3. Scouts learn life skills of personal management through life experiences not lectures.
4. A Scout is more likely to attend if he paid for the event through his own work.
5. A Scout is more likely to stay in Scouts if he has earned the funds he needs for the activities he wants to do.

Basic Expenses

Annual expenses for a Scout typically include:

• National Council Registration Fees are just over $10 a year.
• Boys' Life magazine subscription is about $12 a year.
• Optional Unit Accident Insurance is just a few dollars per Scout and protects you from medical bills from an accident in Scouting.
• Advancement and Recognition costs includes awards, ranks, patches, and more.
• Activities for active Scouts may include:
  • Cub Scouts: Pinewood Derbies, trips, ball games, camping, and much more.
  • Boy Scouts: Camping or other trips, equipment, and other fees and expenses.
• Summer Camp programs are also age-appropriate:
  • Cub Scouts attend Day Camp and Cub Scout Resident Camp and Family Camping.
  • Webelos Scouts attend Webelos Resident Camp tailored to their growing interests and abilities.
  • Boy Scouts attend Boy Scout Summer Camp with even more opportunities for older boys.
• Program Materials includes books and supplies, flags, camping equipment, and more.
• Uniforms are an ongoing expense as Scouts grow through the ranks and sizes.

Participation Fees Do Little to Teach Responsibility

A Scout is Thrifty

Importance to Packs

Importance to Webelos

Individual Youth Accounts are critical for Webelos Scouts to make the Webelos Transition into Boy Scouts. A boy who has learned to work towards his goals will be able to participate in more activities and is more likely to stay in. Plus many Webelos Scouts earn enough to take their savings with them to Boy Scouts to pay for new uniforms, equipment, and their first year at Boy Scout Summer Camp. Packs send the boy on not just with money, but with personal management skills. Some units instead take the boy's earnings and divide them up.

Importance to Boy Scouts

Boy Scout Leaders have the greatest obligation of all to encourage Fundraising and Individual Youth Accounts. The expenses for Boy Scouts include National Council Registration, Boys' Life, and Accident Insurance as in Cub Scouts. But there is so much more a Boy Scout can do. You will need backpacks and equipment and merit badge books. Your activities are better now: Climbing, Hiking, Canoeing, and so much more. Summer Camp adds Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, Snorkeling, and Wilderness Survival. The bigger the fun, the bigger the price, and the more important Individual Accounts become.

A Boy Scout leader has an even greater obligation. You set the example. You need to help the Packs you work with have Individual Accounts so that Webelos bridge with money in their accounts. Otherwise new Scouts may not be able to participate and may drop out. Scouts who learn self-reliance will go far.

See also

• Fundraising
• Friends of Scouting