Troop 415 - Empowering Youth through Scouting!

Hello everyone! My name is Jon, and I am thrilled to introduce you to Troop 415, a Boy and Girl Scout Troop we’re planning to establish in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco. We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the wonders of scouting, but unfortunately, there are no existing scout units in this area. That’s why we need your support to make this dream a reality!

By contributing to our GoFundMe campaign, you’ll be helping us create a thriving scout community in Bayview, providing local youth with access to countless life-changing experiences, skill-building opportunities, and lasting friendships. Your generosity will directly impact the lives of these young individuals, giving them the chance to flourish and grow in a supportive environment.

The funds we raise will be utilized in three crucial areas:

1. Supporting Financially Disadvantaged Families: We firmly believe that financial constraints should never hinder a young person’s ability to participate in scouting. By establishing a dedicated fund, we aim to provide financial assistance to families in need, ensuring that no youth is excluded due to economic barriers. Your contributions will directly impact these youth, allowing them to join Troop 415 and experience the transformative power of scouting.

The initial BSA registration and uniform costs are $350 per person and this is where we intend to use the initial funding. This will be managed by requiring families to organise their youth's uniform needs and attend four consecutive meetings, after which the unit will cover the cost of registration and offset the cost of the uniform.

2. Acquiring Camping Equipment: Scouting is all about outdoor adventures and exploring nature. To make these experiences possible, we need to equip our Troop with camping gear, including tents, cooking supplies, and hiking equipment. With your support, we can provide our scouts with the tools they need to embark on memorable outdoor excursions, fostering their love for nature and teaching them valuable survival skills.

Each youth will, as a minimum, need a sleeping bag and ground mat; the average cost of something suitable would be in the order of $150.

The unit will need to procure suitable 2-person tents, which will cost in the order of $150/each for reasonable quality tents.

Attending District and Council summer camps is a significant part of the Scouting program and while not incredibly expensive, can run in the order of $500-600/scout. We will work with the Scouts to undertake fundraising activities as well as help to source funding to match those raised by individual Scouts. The hope is that we can raise sufficient funds for Scouts to attend at least two District/Council Camps each year - one Leadership-focused camp with White Stag Sierra and one traditional Summer camp.

3. Establishing and operating the Troop: Starting a new scout unit requires various administrative costs. Your donations will enable us to create a strong foundation for Troop 415, ensuring its longevity and effectiveness.

Together, we can provide young individuals in our community with a life-changing opportunity. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a tremendous impact on these bright, eager minds. Let’s unite to create a supportive and nurturing environment through the power of scouting. Join us on this incredible journey and help us build Troop 415!

Thank you for your support, and please share our campaign with friends, family, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of scouting. Together, we can make a lasting difference!

Note: We will provide regular updates on our progress and the impact of your contributions. Stay connected and be a part of the positive change we’re making together!