Registration: how do you handle costs "off season"?

[Laurie]

We have not recruited at any time but in the fall. Our pack is gaining a good reputation, the DE would like to promote it, and recruiting is beginning. I received a call today that alerted me to an area that is new and unfamiliar to us: the cost of the program when not registering during roundup.

 

Giving the BSA membership fee was easy; I have the chart with pro-rated costs. However, how do you handle prices for those who come into a unit late in the year? We are pretty much wrapping up most of the advancements, getting ready for summer activities and the beginning of new ranks, but we work with a September to August fee calendar. Guidance from those with experience should would be appreciated. TIA!

[Twocubdad]

I simply try to be fair to both the new Scout and the unit. Think about what you are going to spend on the Scout between now and re-registration time in the fall.

 

As an example, for my pack we only have two money-spending events between now and then, our year-end picnic and our luau/pool party in August. With food at the two parties and that we give the boy his next-year's neckerchief at the year-end party, I'd probably ask for $15 in addition to the national dues. Normally, it's unlikely that the Scout is going to have a lot of advancement, but I'd ask. I wouldn't want to low-ball it and then find out the Scout has completed 12 beltloops and 9 Webelos pins.

[eisely]

Every unit I have been affiliated with, either pack or troop, collected a small fixed amount for such new registrants. As Twocubdad says, you need to estimate what pack level expenses you might incur until the fall rechartering time and put that forward as your standard fee.