Cost of Scouting

Membership and Subscription
You will be asked to pay a membership fee which assists in the running of the Scout Association of Australia. With an organisation containing around 90,000 members, administration and training expenses are substantial.
See Membership Fees below

A subscription fee is also required to cover the cost of  equipment, badges and certificates as well as the 'normal' expenses like electricity, insurance etc.
Each Scout Group works out its own budget for subscriptions and chooses its own method of charging subscriptions. However, as a guide, the combination of Group and Section subscriptions fees typically averages at $3-5 per week.
See Subscriptions below

Uniform
A uniform is also needed and can be purchased from Snowgum.
For more details see UNIFORM

Equipment
The Scout Group own or have access to a large range of extensive camping and adventure equipment such as tents, ropes, cooking gear and possibly canoes and/or boats. The  cost of this equipment is met by community donations and money-raising events. When your child joins Scouts, he or she will be benefiting from the efforts of community over the years to acquire these resources.

As a family, you will be expected to do your bit to support fund-raising activities toward the continuing purchase and maintenance of this equipment and other resources in your local Scout Group.

Personal Equipment
Eventually you will need to equip your son or daughter with items of personal equipment such as a mess kit, sleeping bag, rucksack, sleeping mattress and so on. The older your child gets the more of this type of equipment he or she will want. However, there is no rush to buy these things and they make great ideas for birthdays and Christmas.

It is always worth buying good quality equipment that will last and continue to be suitable for many years. Seek advice from  your Section Leader or make your purchases from a Snowgum store. Snowgum is Australia's largest chain of outdoor suppliers and is wholly owned by Scouts Australia. The staff at Snowgum are very often Leaders themselves and will help you to choose equipment that is both suitable and will last.

In summary...
In summary there is a cost to Scouting as nothing comes free in this world, but be assured that you don’t need to buy it all tomorrow.

If you have a problem meeting the costs of Scouting for your son or daughter don’t be afraid to have a chat to their Section Leader as there are ways in which we can help you out.

What is more important is that you support your son and daughter throughout their time in Scouting, not just with money but with love and encouragement. We encourage you to get to know your child’s Section Leader, and other parents of children in the Section. Don’t be surprised if we ask for your help in running a number of events and activities throughout the year, as we cannot survive without your help.

Enrolment/Membership Fee

New Members

Group Levy

An annual Group levy is not charged by our Group as we have sufficient fundraising activities to run the Group.

Subscriptions

These are paid to the section leader to cover items such as craft, badges etc.
Subscriptions are currently $50.00 per Term:

Sections Leaders will give you an invoice for the Term which is for 9-10 weeks. Usually at the beginning of the term.

Camps

There are a number of camps and other activities that will incur a charge. Camps are usually about $25.00 - $60.00 for the cost of the food and camp site fees for a weekend.
Joeys and Cubs may have a craft fee also.

Parent/Guardian Interviews

This is a short interview with the parents/guardians to discuss section and answer questions. This is preferably held prior to the child's first day at a venue and time to be arranged.

Enrolment

On the first day parents will complete the enrolment form during the interview with the Group Leader or Assistant Group Leader.