Popcorn and FOS and HOW TO KEEP CAMP COSTS DOWN

You have the power!

First of all, click on the following link for a chart that Compares Camp Costs in our region.  As you review how the Gulf Ridge Council camps compare to similar youth camps in our area, you’ll find that the Scout camps are always less expensive and, many times, significantly less expensive.

But, the real KEY message here is what’s in the box at the top of the page. Let us draw your attention to the following points:

• The council generates 14% of our income from Camp and Activity fees (see the family FOS brochure)
• The council spends 36% of our budget on Camping and Outdoor programs (see the family FOS brochure)
• Support of Popcorn Sales, Family FOS and our Scout Shop gives us the income to underwrite camp costs so WE can CHARGE LESS and make it more affordable for our Scouts to attend.
• The average church camp, sports camp or for-profit camp does not have the underwriting so their camp fees are many times higher than ours.
  

Consider it another way. Based on the 14% - 36% ratio, we are spending $2.57 for every $1.00 received in Camp and Activity fees to provide those camps.   We could actually charge those fees (and still be competitive with other youth serving organizations, incidentally) but we don’t want to do that.  Our goal has always been to provide high quality camps and activities that are affordable for as many youth as possible.

We deeply appreciate the support of our families and our units as demonstrated through the unit-level FOS presentations and your participation in the popcorn sale—it helps ALL of us to continue to enjoy the outdoor program at a very competitive price.