Troop 477 has established scout accounts within the Troop Treasury as a method of helping Scouts to "earn their own way in Scouting". The program assists scouts in proportion to a scout’s participation in the troop’s fundraising activities. Scout accounts reward scouts for participating in fundraising activities and help them pay for scouting-related activities and equipment. The following questions and answers help explain the scout account program.

Q: What is a scout account?

A: Scout accounts contain money that has been earned through a scout’s participation in troop fundraising events. Funds are reserved by the troop to help scouts pay for scouting-related expenses. The troop keeps track of an amount available to each scout. The money in a scout account is available to the scout for approved uses as long as the scout remains active in the troop. Please submit a written request to the Troop treasurer.

Q: Whose money is it?

A: The money belongs to the Scout as long as he is a member of the Troop, and uses the money for Scouting related expenses.

Q: How can I get money into a scout account?

A: The troop has historically had at least one major fundraiser each year, most recently the "Trail's End" popcorn sale. 

Q: How can I use the money in my account?

A: Two types of expenses may be paid from scout accounts. First, scouts may use their account to pay for annual registration fees, high adventure trips and summer camp. To use a scout account to pay for these fees, send a written request to the event coordinator letting him know how much of the fee you would like to have paid from your scout account.

The second type of expense that may be paid from a scout account is the purchase of uniforms, merit badge supplies, Eagle project supplies, and camping equipment (tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, cook sets, water filters, etc.). Scouts may request approval of these expenses before making a purchase. To receive an expense reimbursement, the scout must send the troop Treasurer a store receipt. The Treasurer will make a preliminary determination of whether to accept the request. A check will be sent in the mail for approved expenses. Any requests that are denied by the Treasurer will be reviewed by the Troop Committee.

Q: What happens when I leave the troop?

A: Money left over in a scout account after a scout is no longer active will be used by the troop to help offset the cost of equipment purchased by the troop. The Troop Committee uses three criteria to determine whether a scout is active: (1) payment of membership dues, (2) attendance at troop meetings, and (3) active participation in rank advancement activities.

Q: Will the troop provide financial assistance when I don’t have money in my scout account?

A: Special cases will be considered by the Troop Committee. Requests for assistance that would result in a negative balance in a scout account are not encouraged. The goal is to help the Scout earn his own way.

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This web site was last updated on July 23, 2003.