Overview
The pack collects dues, outing fees, and popcorn-related fees from Scouts and families throughout the year. The Treasurer oversees all collections, maintains records by Scout, and follows up with families who have difficulty paying.
Annual Scout Dues
Annual dues are set by the committee as part of the budget process. Dues cover the BSA national and council registration fee plus the pack’s operating expenses.
How dues are collected:
- Primarily through WooCommerce (online) at the start of the Scouting year
- Square (in-person card) or Venmo at pack meetings for families who prefer in-person payment
- Checks made out to “Pack 232” are also accepted
Tracking:
- Each Scout is credited in QuickBooks Online when dues are paid
- Den leaders may collect dues at den meetings in sealed envelopes (old BSA method); if so, Treasurer opens envelopes in the presence of the den leader and issues a receipt
Outing Fees
Fees for specific events (camping, ValleyCats game, Blue & Gold, etc.) are collected in advance through WooCommerce or at pack meetings.
Process:
- Activity coordinator determines event cost and sets fee
- Treasurer confirms the fee covers costs (or notes any subsidy from general funds)
- WooCommerce product or manual payment collection opened for the event
- Treasurer tracks who has paid via WooCommerce reports or manual log
- Treasurer closes payment collection after event and reconciles
For checking payment status: see docs/.../Finding Who Paid and Who Owes for Something.md
Popcorn Proceeds
The annual popcorn sale is the pack’s largest fundraiser. The Popcorn Coordinator manages the sale logistics; the Treasurer handles the money.
Treasurer’s role in popcorn:
- Receives money from the Popcorn Coordinator (collected from Scouts/families)
- Records popcorn revenue by Scout for Scout account credit
- Pays the district by check by the council’s deadline
- Issues invoices for “donations in lieu” — Scouts who did not meet their popcorn target may owe additional dues
See: docs/Training/Positions/Treasurer/PACK 232 TREASURER GUIDE.md
Scout Accounts
Individual Scout accounts track each Scout’s fundraising credit (primarily from popcorn). This credit can be applied toward:
- BSA annual registration fees
- Pack dues
- Outing fees
- Summer camp or other Scouting expenses
Scouts cannot use Scout account funds for non-Scouting purposes and cannot take the money if they leave Scouting.
Full guide: docs/.../Pack 232 Treasurer Guide to Scout Accounts Treasurer.md
Hardship / Non-Payment
If a family is unable to pay dues, the Treasurer:
- Meets with the family to understand the situation
- Works with the Cubmaster and Committee Chair to develop a plan (Scout can earn dues)
- Applies any available Pack subsidy funds or assistance per BSA policy
No Scout should leave Cub Scouting due to inability to pay. BSA has scholarship resources available through Twin Rivers Council.
Membership Fee Context
BSA national and council registration fees change periodically. Reference for 2023 changes: docs/.../2023-06-22 - Membership Fee FAQ.md