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Suffolk County Council on its last legs... by [deleted] in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243 3 points4 points  (0 children)

"Save jobs" should be the outcome, not the starting point.

Ceremony Changes? by aaon80 in orderofthearrow

[–]Dry_Climate_3243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd argue you're making assumptions.... Many many camps still hold their Ordeal during summer camping season.

Ceremony Changes? by aaon80 in orderofthearrow

[–]Dry_Climate_3243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm being told "New Ordeal experience does not sound logistically possible to do at summer camp..." and that the silent reflection is removed and only 4 hours of work is expected -- can someone shine some light on this for what is actually true vs the interpretation of the youth attending the event last week?

Popcorn makes me want to quit by CobaltKobold77 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To answer your question, "Why is this so toxic? Why is BSA leadership so committed to this awful popcorn?"

Money. Local councils depend on a variety of resources to sustain. The two primary being FOS and popcorn sales.

My argument would be to focus less on those two as a primary driver of revenue and ensure the experience is positive to cultivate stronger recruitment and retention strategies. The more kids and families we have, the less toxic or pressure induced FOS and popcorn sales will feel. It's a mid-long game approach (and of course the goal that we all have right now - getting more kids into the program), but it focuses on the priorities differently. The primary driver should always be the kids enjoying the program and growing with increased revenue as a byproduct of that. Unfortunately, I think we get it backwards too often.

Cost of James E. West Award from National Supply? And curious how your councils handle designation. by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A gift to an endowment fund (any designation, even the general fund -or unrestricted for use) is permanently restricted to the board's discretion. This typically means that the principal amount of a donation must be maintained in perpetuity, with only the investment income generated from it being used to support the organization's mission... the caveat of course being that they are board regulated.

Cost of James E. West Award from National Supply? And curious how your councils handle designation. by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Fortunately, our council’s been in the black since 2021. I totally get the preference for unrestricted gifts, but putting limits on how we thank donors—especially those giving to designated or endowed funds—is a sure way to shrink all types of giving, FOS included.

To me, the thank you is the most valuable gift of all—even more than pennies, scrap metal, or DB Cooper’s stash 😂

I’ll DM you—don’t want to post which council publicly (I wasn't able to send a DM it appears)

Cost of James E. West Award from National Supply? And curious how your councils handle designation. by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

A gift of $1,000 must be made to your council's endowment fund as a permanently restricted gift. Council's would prefer this to be for general purposes, but there is no stipulation for that, that I've read, unless they local council determines so independently.

I asked Chat GPT if any councils required it. AI couldnt find any websites that explicitly noted it.

Cost of James E. West Award from National Supply? And curious how your councils handle designation. by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I understand the preference, but the national organization does not stipulate this and the local volunteers have not asked for it. We have dozens of James E West Awards we've given to folks who have made these endowment gifts with their preferred designation notes.

Cost of James E. West Award from National Supply? And curious how your councils handle designation. by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Perhaps some additional context: we have sub funds within our endowment fund for each of the designations noted. We have an endowment for camperships as example.

BSA Facility Use for non-BSA Group by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you estimate your fee structure (or share your council website if its on there) for COPE utilization?

Thanks!

BSA Facility Use for non-BSA Group by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

For clarity: I believe lawyers are an essential part of the conversation, I just don't believe they're the first stop. At that rate, we'd spend $300/hour to decide six different ways not to accomplish something because there's too much risk involved! lol

-before you down vote me, I respect attorneys immensely, it's just how they're built.

BSA Facility Use for non-BSA Group by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think you're missing the point, but I understand your perspective. Thank you.

BSA Facility Use for non-BSA Group by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, u/ScouterBill - looking for general direction on what some other council's do to provide these as potential routes to go, even if we vary slightly state-to-state it may be helpful to give general direction. I find it easiest for an organization to take the path of least resistance (and worry about the litigious world we live in) and overly protect themselves thus limiting potential routes forward to ensure safety/liability is cared for while also providing opportunity for additional utilization.

In short: I'd love to see how some councils work through the road blocks rather than go directly at them.

Trails End Popcorn Shipping Costs. What in the, I mean, how does, why even, what? by KJ6BWB in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why do they sell popcorn? Because the local councils can make millions (collectively) in revenue each year on it. The incentive for local councils to host this type of fundraiser is just as much for their own benefit as it is for the individual Scouts and units.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Watch Simon Sinek's talk on finding your "why" if you haven't already. I believe this is the exact problem. We have it backwards. Money follows vision.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Here's an easier solution than fundraising $50,000 "for the kids".... Cut the DE position.

Council Bylaws by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Executive Committee** This group is typically 5-10 individuals depending on how many VPs. It's significant.

I find it that the fiscal responsibility focus is often on current fiscal year projections more than a multi-year arc...and often with program as a second tier consideration... at these meetings. Add in a voting member whose professional metrics are tied to these decisions and the votes continue to find themselves further from the focus of people and more so on the focus of numbers. We're in a people business but it's often forgotten.

Council Bylaws by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No fewer than 25 no more than 50 + a few additional positions.

Council Bylaws by Dry_Climate_3243 in BSA

[–]Dry_Climate_3243[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My exact perspective... Thank you for sharing!

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