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Membership Fees 2008-09At its Annual General Meeting, held on May 31, 2008, the Newfoundland and Labrador Council, Scouts Canada, approved its budget for the period September 1, 2008 to August 31, 2009. The challenges which the Council faces in the coming year are much the same as those we have faced for some time: declining enrolment; increasing costs to provide essential services, including our provincial campsite; and increasing assessments payable to Scouts Canada. After careful consideration, the Board of Directors approved a budget which includes minimal increases in overall spending, but which refocuses our spending on the core areas of Program and Training and Recognition, while maintaining the support and services of our staff. Despite our best efforts to hold the line on membership fee increases, the Board of Directors could not recommend maintaining the fee at last year’s level of $125.00 when faced with a $4.00 increase in the assessment payable to Scouts Canada since September 2006. Last year, the Board chose not to pass on a $2.00 increase in this assessment. This year, we could not absorb a second $2.00 increase and therefore must increase the annual membership fee from $125.00 to $130.00. The Council will receive only $1.00 from this increase. The balance will go to support Scouts Canada at the national level. The "Family Plan" will continue, with the Council fee being $130.00 for families registering one youth and $230.00 for families registering two or more youth. The Board strongly encourages all groups to participate in our annual popcorn fundraiser. This sale produces an excellent return to participating groups and also produces a profit for the Council. Growth of popcorn sale revenue through the participation of all groups represents one of the few opportunities we have to grow revenue without increasing membership fees. I also wish to take this opportunity to remind you that Scouts Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador Council and individual Areas have resources to ensure that no youth is "left behind" due to his or her inability to pay fees. Scouts Canada’s "No One Left Behind" and Canadian Tire’s "JumpStart" program are but two examples of assistance available. Details of these programs can be found on the Scouts Canada website at http://scouts.ca/inside.asp?cmPageID=1625 and on the Canadian Tire website at http://www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart/. If you are aware of a youth needing assistance, please contact the Admin Center or your Area Commissioner for further information and guidance.
Bill Hickey, Council Commissioner |
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