Hi all, I'm new here (so excuse me if I get it wrong!) My son is in a
very good scout unit, and is very happy. I am too, and have been along
to a couple of weekend camps/trips to help out (and having paid my way
on these)

The Troop is after warranted leaders (I think that is the correct
title) and I have been thinking about volunteering.

There is one thing that concerns me, but which I would feel a little
uncomfortable raising with the leaders. Money is very tight in our
household, and I was wondering whether, as a warranted leader I would
be expected to pay my way on the camps etc?

I know this may sound petty, but turning a £40 weekend away for my son
into an £80 one (if I were there) may mean that I can't afford to let
him go so often. I would also need to attend an increased number of
this type of event.

In principal I would be more than happy to pay, but sadly, in reality,
this may stop me being in a position to volunteer.

Hope you don't mind me asking here, you can probably see why I am a
little uneasy about raising it directly.

Any thoughts on this greatly received, Wendy.

What? Your group charge parents that come and help on camps? Thats really awful. They shouldn't be charging helpers, simple as that.

If you want to volunteer, do so, you will love it, and if they expect you to pay to help at a camp or activity, either leave or find a group that appreciate you. I am in a very good group, and I don't recall ever having to pay for any sort of activity, as the group have been generous.

Thanks for your reply Keith, to be honest they never actually asked for payment - but I always offered it as it only seemed fair (and was only an occasional expense)

As I say I would love to be able to offer to pay for any camp etc. that I were to go to, but we struggle to get by financially as it is, and so effectively doubling our scouting costs is not really an option.

I was just wondering what was the 'norm' when it comes to leaders expenses for trips etc.

Thanks again, Wendy

I probibly wouldn't offer, if they would like you to pay, they should ask you for it.

I was under the impression that the Scout movement paid people to work as leaders!! :lol:

It's totally up to the group whether their leaders pay. in my experience most groups leaders go free.

However this isn't the case in our group. Leaders pay for activities such as bowling etc in full and pay half for camps. That has been the way since long before I joined but I am happy with the arrangement as I get every bit as much entertainment out of scouting as the kids do! It keeps down the cost for the boys which is crucial as we are not in a well off area.

Our camps are cheaper mind, never more than £20 per boy for a weekend.

So basically just ask them and see if you're happy with whatever their arrangement is! It's your decision either way :)

The way our group works is, add everything up that will be required, ie, approx food cost, activities, transport, etc. It doesn't matter how many adults are helping, the total cost is divided between the young people attending. At the end of the day, leaders and helpers spare their time to come along, not only that, it is all the background work that no-one sees, we feel it is unfair to ask adults/helpers for anything, as activities are not possible without leaders/helpers.

If the event is a members & parents event, then obviously the parents would pay aswell as the member, but leaders never pay. I understand all groups work differently, but if you were to volunteer, then this is possibly something you could bring up at a Group Exec meeting to see how other leaders feel, they may be in a similar position as yourself. I don't think I would be able to take the beavers away on trips and sleepovers if I had to pay each time, as my daughters (1 a young leader & 1 a scout) come along to help aswell, so I would have to pay for 3!

Thanks for all your replies, it's interesting to see that things are different in various areas (and I'm impressed at the troop that can manage £20 for a weekend!)

I've yet to work out what the local practice is, guess I'll have to ask directly!

Cheers

Hiya,

I'm a Young Leader, but both my parents are Leaders.

In my group leader's normally pay for their own food, which normally isn't too expensive. Activities, transport, camping fees etc. are met by spreading it out across the cubs/scouts.

Much as I can understand why you wouldn't want to raise it directly, I'd suggest talking to the Group Scout Leader, or section leader. If they're any good as a person and as a leader, they'll be perfectly nice about it!

Good Luck! :)