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Financial Assistance for Youth
in Hamilton-Wentworth Scouting
A Guide for Leaders & Group Committees
Baden Powell, in July 1933, said, "[Scouting] must increase our membership to take in more boys, including the poorest."
OUR PHILOSOPHY
- A fundamental belief of Scouting is that all children and youth can benefit from membership in our Movement. The Hamilton-Wentworth District Council seeks to remove all economic barriers to youth membership by waiving fees upon request.
- Groups should seek alternate sources of funding before approaching the District for support. Many group sponsors provide financial assistance to members of their groups. This should be explored within your group.
- Groups can cooperate by waiving their fees and by ensuring that uniform, camp and other expenses are administered in a fair and responsible way.
- It is this cooperation and trust that ensures those truly in need receive access to scarce resources.
- While our commitment to the youth not changed we have introduced a more formal application process
OUR POLICY
- No youth will be denied membership in Scouting because of an inability to pay the membership fee.
- The District Council will waive all or part of the membership fee upon written request of the parent or guardian.
- Council will not waive membership fees for Leaders, Group Committee/Scouting Auxiliary members. These fees are the responsibility of the group.
THE PROCESS
- Leaders play an important role in ensuring those in need are aware of the help available and in maintaining confidentiality.
- Parent or guardians requesting financial assistance must complete a Financial Assistance Request Form.
- The completed form must be attached to the original youth Application for Membership and must accompany the completed group registration documents to the Scout office. Registrars should note whether a partial fee or no fee is paid.
- Requests for financial assistance must be treated with utmost confidentiality, both by the group and by the Scout office.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
- Even though Hamilton-Wentworth waives membership fees for youth members in need, there is still a significant cost involved.
- For every individual (Youth, Leader, Group Committee, Scouting Auxiliary, Sponsors & Chaplain) registered in Hamilton-Wentworth, we forward $33.00 to senior councils. These fees pay for field staff service, liability, accident and dental insurance, program material development, adult training, World membership fee, support for remote Scouting areas, "The Leader" magazine and administrative services.
- Failure to register someone to avoid paying the fee is serious error of judgement and would be considered fraudulent.
The Scout Law
A Scout is:
Helpful and Trustworthy, Kind and Cheerful, Considerate and Clean, and Wise in the use of all resources. |
Posted with permission of the Hamilton-Wentworth District Council.
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Last updated: August 31, 2000
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