AdamTwo

As a bit of a quick back story - my wife and I just took over our failing pack last year, so we're very new to this. This is our first year doing the popcorn fundraiser with our Pack. It has been an experience, for certain. It mostly went well, with one exception and I hope you can help me. Almost all of the families turned in their popcorn monies with the exception of 2, and I don't know what to do about it. Family 1 - Most of their money has been turned in, with the exception of about $100. When asked about it, they said that they tried to collect, but at least one of their buyers has backed out. They want to continue to try to collect it, but I feel that at some point they need to turn in the money OR the merchandise. Family 2 - They owe about $200. They've turned in NO money. They're very evasive when asked ("Oh yeah, we're working on it"). And we have to pester them for new information, they don't seems to care to try to make an effort to work with us. We've talked to both families in person, we've mailed them, etc. I think that they both need to pay or return the popcorn (not that I know what to do with it if they returned it, but still...). Unfortunately, I ultimately have no power over the situation. It's not like I can dock their wages! The only recourse I can see is to "suspend" the Cub Scouts from attending anything (meetings, parties, etc), until this is resolved. But my wife feels that this is punishing the boys, when it's really the parents that have failed. Our pack is small and struggling and I can't just eat this money. Any suggestions?

Thanks for all your replies. I don't believe that there is any custody issue, this mom was just wondering if another authorized adult could bring the Scout without additional permission. Thanks again.

I had a parent ask this question and I'm not sure how to answer her. She is the designated "guardian" for her son. However, it is likely that other family members might escort him to events/trips/meetings/etc. For instance, dad, grandpa, uncle, and so forth. What sort of documentation do we need here? Does it depend on the event? Thanks A2

THAT is an excellent idea! We're really encouraging Day Camps this year, and footing some of the bill would be a great incentive. It's not tangible, but you're right, I think they could be shown the benefit. Thanks!

I figured the Title would get your attention. I have an odd situation. I was approached by one of our town Trustees, who told me that the town is preparing next years budget, and in doing so they realized that they have money left in the donation budget. Apparently they allocate some funds for groups that ask for donations throughout the year. He said that if I were to make a presentation on a need that the Scouts have, we would likely get a donation of up to $300.00. Here's the thing - I don't really NEED the money for anything. Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy to have the money in our account, but they're looking for something tangible - something I can physically hold and say "this will help our Scouts because..." We have a very small group of boys - 16. Most (if not all) of them have their own camping gear and whatnot. We just got a new pinewood derby track 2 years ago. Any thoughts of something that we might ask for? I should also point out that I'm very new to Scouting (I just became our Pack Committee Chair when no one else would), so I can't really anticipate needs well yet. I know, I'm sure you all wish you had my problems. =) Thanks in advance!

I'd like to have about 25-50 of these: http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=BOOKS_LIT&c3=SUPPLIES&c4=&lv=3&item=34301 Cub Scouts Join the Race Recruiting Flier The problem is, they only come in packs of 2000, which would last me, well, forever. I was hoping that my local scout shop would break down the packages and sell in smaller quantities, but they do not. Does anyone have some of these that they'd be willing to part with? I'd pay for them and the postage. Thanks. A2

Thank you all for the information. I found out that one of my Bears' dads is a veteran, so I'm going to see if he would be willing to work with the boys on this issue. Thanks again!

Hi, Could someone give me some help or point me in the right direction? Our Pack needs something "official" when it comes to the Flag ceremony, Pledge, etc. Is it customary for Packs to have Color Guards? Is it generally Webelos? Is there a standard pattern for the Flag/Pledge opening to a meeting? I'm making this stuff up as I go. =) Thanks A2