Cost Break Down

I compiled this list based on our 2016-2017 year. I spread the expenses out over two years to better account for the cost of the Starter Kit, which is good for two years. Some expenses may be more, however it is likely to be less. It really depends on the activities the girl chooses to participate in and how well we do with our cookie season. It's just to illustrate possible expenses beyond the Starter Kit and GSUSA Membership. After your daughter's first year of cookie sales it is likely the troop will pick up all or part of the registration fee depending on cookie sales and if there's a fee increase. Also, there is Financial Aid available through the GS Diamonds Council. Information for FA is available during online registration. This information isn't to dissuade participation, rather to illustrate how the costs could break down. We will always try to work with anyone who may not have the funds available for a particular activity and strive to have the troop funds cover as many expenses as possible.

Please note that in order for a parent to participate in Service Unit level activities or above OR any overnight activity, they too must register with GSUSA for $25.00 annually. This includes a background check. While we won't require it for troop involvement, it will be needed to attend Council level activities, such as, Girl Fest, SU activities, and during Troop use of a Council Owned Property. Adults can register online when registering their girl(s), or the registration may be added later by logging into your Girl Scout Diamonds account. Any scout over the age of 7 is welcome to attend trips/overnighters without adult accompaniment. However, the opportunity to join us is there, if so desired.

The ONLY required cost to get started is the $25.00 GSUSA membership.

While GSUSA membership is required, it is not necessarily needed to begin attending Troop meetings. However, it is required for overnight trips, meetings away from the normal meeting place, SU or Council events, and Fundraisers (Candy/Nut Sales or Cookie Sales).

Second to this cost would be Dues and incidental event fees.

The Starter Kit/Uniform is NOT required, however, is usually desired.

Girl Costs for 1 level (2 years, i.e. Brownies)			Other Costs to Troop (cookie money)
Starter Kit*	$60.00		Last Year we made $1300 that's $108/girl
Membership Year 1*	$25.00		Roughly 24 meetings
Membership Year 2*	$25.00		1-2 Troop Camps
Dues Year 1 (cost of patches)	$48.00		Camp Equipment
Dues Year 2 (cost of patches)	$48.00		Camping Food
Journey Books	$21.00		Trainings for Leaders
			Cost of Additional Insurance
SU Fall Camp Year 1**	$10.00		Supplies for Activities
SU Fall Camp Year 2**	$10.00		Cost of Activity (i.e. pottery badge)
SU Spring Camp Year 1**	$10.00		Bridging Ceremony (food/decor)
SU Spring Camp Year 2**	$10.00		Thinking Day (presentation/food/SWAPS)
			1/2 Registeration Expense
Girl Fest Year 1***	$30.00		SU Camps Registration Spring
Girl Fest Year 2***	$30.00		SU Camps Registeration Fall
Workshop Year 1***	$15.00		Take Action Project Expenses
Workshop Year 2***	$15.00		Event/Party Expences (i.e. Christmas Party/Tea Party)
Money for food during travel***	$40.00		Door Prize SU Cookie Rally
	$397.00		Halloween Candy for SU Booth
	$198.50	Total cost per year

*There may be Financial Aid available to help with the registration fee through the GS Diamonds Council.

**Last year the troop was able to cover these costs.

***These activities are very much optional.

Possible Additional Expenses

Parent GS Registration to Attend SU or Council Events

Personal Camping Supplies and Equipment

SU Halloween Haunted Town Event

Possibly other SU Events

Maximum participation cost spread over a year comes to around $17.00 per month.

Minimum participation (items listed in the first section only), cost spread over a year, comes to around $10.00 per month.

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