Parents With Past-Due "Accounts"

[Billiken]

I need help/ideas re this problem.

There is a boy who is very active and loves scouting. He was in my WEBELOS den and, now, in the troop we just joined.

His family has owed the Pack just over $150 for popcorn sold last October (7 months ago). Both the Pack Treasurer and I have asked for the money numerous times.

Before last month's cross over I sent all families a note reminding them of the event and that all past-due fees MUST be paid. In addition the registration fee for the Troop was due ($40).

The father of this boy called me two hours before the ceremony. He embarrassingly mentioned that "...as you can tell I'm having some financial problems." I told him we would, obviously, let his son cross over. He said he would try to get the funds by the end of that week (4 weeks ago).

Neither the Pack nor the Troop has been paid.

This past Saturday we had a conservation project and near the end I noticed the boy in question using a cell phone.
It turns out that it was HIS cell phone (he's 11 yrs old).

I gave the boy a ride home (my son was in the car too). The boys were discussing the fact that this boy had just gotten a new PSP (Play Station Portable). The last time I saw a PSP it was priced around $250.

The father has not lost his job (executive with large company)....his work e-mail still works.

This weekend is a District Camporee. The father told me he would have the funds by tonight's departure. If the boy shows up without the funds, I'm not going to let him go.

[wagionvigil]

I agree it must stop somewhere.

[evmori]

Sort of had the same thing happen in our Troop. What we did was tell the dad the money was due by x & we expected it to be there. If you are waiting to collect from people, then you will have to shell out your own money till those people pay you. If we don't have the money for your order, it won't be turned in. Dad had the cash in when it was due.

It's time to stop funding this family.

[ASM-142]

If the money owed the pack is for popcorn that was sold then this is clearly stealing. You may approach the family with either pay up or it will be reported to the police. (I also would consult council first)

[Lynda J]

We have something like this. One of our boys is very very low income.
Live with grandparents, mom is a doper, step dad in now back in prison.
Step dad took $200 in popcorn money. Mom doesn't have it, grand parents don't have it. Step dad is now back in prison. Kid is a great kid.
and works hard. We are going to ask our CO for help in sponsoring him.

I would tell this dad that your CO is asking for an audit of the books for the troop. They do have that right. See what happens when he thinks that people from the CO will know that he hasn't paid his popcorn money.

Had that happen years ago with a GS troop. Mom didn't pay for the cookies until I told her that we were going to have an audit. The next day I had her money.

[Billiken]

I would tell this dad that your CO is asking for an audit of the books for the troop. They do have that right. See what happens when he thinks that people from the CO will know that he hasn't paid his popcorn money.

Audit..........brilliant idea.

If the funds don't make it tonight...that's what will happen.

[Lynda J]

He probably won't want anyone knowing he is a deadbeat. Especially if others in the community find out. And believe me they will.

You might actually talk to your COR and let them know what is happening and what you are going to do. Then if he tried to check with someone from there they are already alerted.

[evmori]

These are the type of adults you want to take out back & leave there.

[Woodbadgegirl]

The audit is a great idea, but I would deliver this message to his home, that way you can leave with check in hand.

I hate to punish the kids for their deadbeat parents, but not allowing the boy to attend anymore events until this bill is paid, is not a bad idea. I would hate to lose a boy from scouting because of money though, so be careful.

[diamondbackAPL]

[edited WV
I agree.

[commish3]

[quote]evmori wrote:
Edite WV
I am curious Diamondback, what do you think evmori meant by that?

[evmori]

I'll tell you exactly what I meant by that. These type of people give fundraising a bad name. They think the money is their's until they turn it in. Wrong! It belongs to company supplying the product. The boys will get their % after and ONLY AFTER the money is turned in.

Edited Wagion Vigil

[riverwalk]

Since we are speaking of an adult, many of the suggestions might work. One method we use at the firehouse, for fireguys that don't pay their grocery fund bill, is put their names on the blackboard for all to see. This way they are facing all others that have paid their dues, not just making excuses to one book-keeper person.

[commish3]

I am not really concerned with what you meant evmori. I am concerned about what a youth who reads it thinks was meant by the phrase Edited WV
I think most people who read that phrase, both youth and adult alike, recognize the term edited as slang for beating someone up. Whether that was intentional or not is for another discussion. The image was certainly present.

That such action was suggested by an adult leader about a parent of a cub scout and supported by a scout, troubles me.

That we should even have the impression given to a boy that a scout leader sees violence toward a parent as viable solution to a problem (even if just an offhanded jest) should concern every other leader and parent who read that.

If that was no the intention. then I have to wonder what could possibly have been meant? Take them out back of where, and do what with them that would keep them from returning that night or another? Take only the parents out back and do whatever you were thinking with them? What was the scout going to be doing? Or was the scout going in back of where ever and being left as well?

What specifically did Damondback think he was agreeing to? I would really like to hear it from him.

As far as what to do, as a leader I would not even worry about it. My job is to serve the youth. Leaders should not get involved in such squabbles.

As a committee member I wouldn't worryabout it. Money is the responsibility of the finance chair and the committee chair.

If I was the committee chair I would have a lawyer draft a letter regarding the popcorn money and insist that all a funds due the pack be returned to the pack within XX hours or that a reasonable explanation for the missing funds be given to the the committee chair to avoid the pack pursing legal options. I would explain that the pack will not deny a scout the benefit of the program but that parents (unless personal difficiculties are explained in confidence to the Comittee chair) share an equal obligation to help finance the activities of the pack in a timely way.

[wagionvigil]

I have made some edits as I got a couple of e mail complaints. Remember there are alot of scouts on this forum.

[Woodbadgegirl]

I have made some edits as I got a couple of e mail complaints. Remember there are alot of scouts on this forum.

Thank you for being such a sweetie and looking after the youth!!

[commish3]

Thank you wagionvigil.

[Eamonn]

I don't see that the cell phone, play station is even worth thinking about. I don't think it is any business of anyone.
The Commish Guy has the right idea. Let everyone do the job that they ought to be doing.
The money does need to be recovered, there are small claim courts and debt collectors that could be put to use.
Maybe a call from the Troop Committee chair would resolve the problem.
I don't think we ever need to resort to telling lies. Sure if there is an audit that's fine.But inventing one and telling lies is never an option.
Reading between the lines??
I do think that we need to remember that we took the Scout Oath and that we are Scouts 24/7 and always need to act as Scouts. To lose that or push that aside for a few hundred bucks? No Way!!

[evmori]

OK maybe that was a little rough. Sorry. Meant no harm. But these type of people really get my goat!

[wagionvigil]

Ed They get to all of us that care about the Kids!