I.	Uniform Update
1.	New Shirt
a.	Existing Shirt is a polycotton blend
b.	Nylon microfiber shirt “Supplex” now available
c.	Softer and more breathable than current shirt and resists stains
2.	New Socks
a.	Dry quickly and are softer than cotton
b.	Thorlo also makes a very comfortable Scout sock and the scout white crew sock is still acceptable
3.	Regular pants
a.	If you don’t want to wear zip-offs, there’s now a polywool option or “real pants” as part of what I’d call the “pretty boy” uniform.
II.	Klondike Derby
a.	Weekend of February 9th
b.	Continuing to ask for one adult leader per sled
c.	9 AM to 3 PM with hour long lunch break
d.	Do you want any program added?
e.	What kind of event mix do you want?
f.	Is there an element you’d see as a value-add?
g.	What about the station difficulty level?
III.	Fundraiser Outline
a.	Start with an established purpose
i.	Kids need a goal, this is important as it shows the fundraiser as a means and not an end
ii.	When you apply for the fundraiser, you’ll be asked to explain your purpose
iii.	Purpose shows that the fundraising is needed to accomplish a goal that couldn’t otherwise reasonably be done.
iv.	Overfund raising
1.	Can burn out kids and parents
2.	Detracts from the core activities of the unit
3.	Provides a new metric along which people can judge each other
b.	Alternatives
i.	Grants
1.	Pa Department of Community offers grants to community service organizations.
2.	Proposal must indicate how community will be helped but is a reasonable option
3.	Other organizations like your charter organization may be able to help especially if they’re helped as well.  “We’d like to buy a troop trailer so we can clear out the closet you let us use and give it back to you”
ii.	Donations
1.	I’m constantly impressed by what units can get away with by asking.  You never know who has a soft spot for Scouting and Scouting is a surprisingly good networking opportunity.
2.	Requests from other units – units periodically retire things like patrol boxes, cooking equipment and tents.  While no one wants hand me downs they’re better than nothing.
iii.	Ask Troop for small purchases
1.	Some small troop items may be best acquired without fundraising, which requires a minimum level of time and effort to set up and run.  Building small purchases and equipment maintenance into trips.
c.	First Steps - Get application to fundraise (unit money-earning application form 34427)
i.	You can’t do anything on behalf of another in Scouting
1.	Contracts are endorsed specifically by the person signing them and can’t hold the unit, council or other Scouting branch liable.
2.	Can’t say you’re with Bucks County Council if you’re not participating in an explicit Scouting fundraiser.
ii.	Can’t trade on the name of the BSA
1.	The BSA is a respected organization and does not endorse products.  Implying such would be a violation of fundraising rules.
2.	Products should be somewhat reasonably priced and should not be veiled cash donations.
a.	LL Bean standard, popcorns
b.	Candy is reasonably priced compared to many vending machines.
iii.	Can’t gamble
1.	Feed the monkey
2.	50/50 raffles
3.	Boy Scouts is a principled organization and activities must pass the sniff test
d.	Know your options
i.	Avoid what local units are doing
1.	Some activities would directly compete like a product sale tied to a specific location or a fundraiser on a specific day
2.	Some activities though will synergize like product sales where there’s a benefit to bulk ordering or a fundraiser that requires a minimum number of people that a specific unit can’t provide
ii.	Avoid what other charitable organizations are doing
1.	The Boy Scouts often work with other charities and competition could harm both
2.	Once again, look for synergies
3.	Look at what any feeder units are doing.  If a pack does a product sale a Scout may have an established group of people that always buy wreaths or candles from him and saying no would cause harm in these cases.
4.	Consider council fundraisers like popcorn or magazines.  Not everyone can participate in one-day event fundraisers and again there may be an existing buying network around the Scout.
e.	Ideas
i.	Team up with your charter organization
1.	They may have a fundraiser that needs support and doing such promotes good ties.
2.	Troop 64 in Carversville teams up with their local fire department for a turkey dinner where the firemen cook and the Scouts serve.  Money is split.
3.	If you’re not sure if this would break fundraising rules, ask Daryl.
ii.	Team up with a local business
1.	I hate fundraising most of the time, this is a passive option
2.	20% or 10% of checks goes to the unit
3.	Some service organizations will do the same like auto repair shops and barbers
4.	Steer clear of letting owners leverage Scouting, prices shouldn’t change because it’s a fundraiser.
iii.	Product sales
1.	If soliciting, be reasonable.  Observe the buddy system and get parents involved.
2.	Know what’ll sell in your area
a.	Luminary bags and vigil candles sell well in denser areas, bad for apartments
b.	Some items are higher priced and should be avoided in areas that can’t support that product
3.	Know what makes sense to your Scouts
a.	Zoroastrian don’t bury their dead, grave blankets don’t make sense