A subscription fee is also required to cover the cost of  equipment, badges and certificates as well as the 'normal' expenses like electricity, insurance etc.

For 1st Gordon, the Group subscriptions is $280 per year. Pro-rata calculated from the joining date. One off joining fee is $20.

Uniform
A uniform is also needed and can be purchased from Snowgum stores or Scout Outdoor Centres/Scout Shops etc. By buying the uniform through these stores you are helping Scouting across Australia.

Uniforms can also be bought through second hand clothing pools which many Groups and even some Branches run.

Note. When buying an uniform, you do not need to purchase any badges, as these are provided free of charge at the appropriate time by your Scout Group (covered by your subscriptions).

Equipment
Your local Scout Group will either own or have access to a large range of extensive camping and adventure equipment such as tents, ropes, cooking gear and possibly canoes and/or boats. The  cost of this equipment is met by community donations and money-raising events. When your child joins Scouts, he or she will be benefiting from the efforts of community over the years to acquire these resources.

As a family, you will be expected to do your bit to support fund-raising activities toward the continuing purchase and maintenance of this equipment and other resources in your local Scout Group.

Personal Equipment
Eventually you will need to equip your son or daughter with items of personal equipment such as a mess kit, sleeping bag, rucksack, sleeping mattress and so on. The older your child gets the more of this type of equipment he or she will want. However, there is no rush to buy these things and they make great ideas for birthdays and Christmas.

It is always worth buying good quality equipment that will last and continue to be suitable for many years. Seek advice from  your Section Leader or make your purchases from a Snowgum store. Snowgum is Australia's largest chain of outdoor suppliers and is wholly owned by Scouts Australia. The staff at Snowgum are very often Leaders themselves and will help you to choose equipment that is both suitable and will last.

In summary...
In summary there is a cost to Scouting as nothing comes free in this world, but be assured that you don’t need to buy it all tomorrow.

If you have a problem meeting the costs of Scouting for your son or daughter don't be afraid to have a chat to their Section Leader as there are ways in which we can help you out.

What is more important is that you support your son and daughter throughout their time in Scouting, not just with money but with love and encouragement. We encourage you to get to know your child’s Section Leader, and other parents of children in the Section. Don’t be surprised if we ask for your help in running a number of events and activities throughout the year, as we cannot survive without your help.