Boy Scouts of America (BSA) camp cards are a unique and effective way for local youth to fund their scouting adventures while providing tangible value to their communities. These small, wallet-sized cards are packed with discounts and special offers from local and national retailers. When you purchase a camp card, you are doing more than just saving money on your next grocery bill or oil change; you are directly investing in a young person’s ability to attend summer camp, participate in high-adventure programs, and learn vital leadership skills.
Understanding BSA Camp Cards
A camp card is a discount product sold by Scouts to help offset the costs of their scouting activities. Each local BSA Council designs its own card, meaning the discounts available in one city might be different from those in another. This localized approach ensures that the offers are relevant to the people living in that specific community.
What is a Camp Card?
Typically, a camp card consists of several “break-off” coupons and a larger section featuring multiple-use discounts. The break-off coupons are usually high-value, one-time-use offers at major retailers, such as five dollars off a grocery purchase or a percentage off at a hardware store. The remaining portion of the card often features ongoing discounts that can be used repeatedly at local restaurants, automotive shops, or entertainment venues throughout the year.
Why Scouts Sell Them
The primary purpose of the camp card program is to make scouting affordable for every youth. Scouting provides incredible opportunities, but summer camps, uniforms, and equipment can be expensive. By selling these cards, Scouts learn the value of “earning their own way,” a core tenet of the scouting movement. It teaches them responsibility, goal setting, and the satisfaction that comes from hard work.
How the Fundraising Program Works
The camp card program is designed to be a win-win-win for the Scout, the community, and the local businesses involved. It is one of the most popular fundraisers because the value proposition is very clear: the card often pays for itself after just one or two uses.
The Cost and Commission Structure
Most camp cards are sold for a flat rate, usually between five and ten dollars. One of the most appealing aspects of this program is the commission structure. In many councils, the Scout’s unit (their Pack, Troop, or Crew) keeps 50% of the proceeds. This money goes directly into the Scout’s individual account to pay for their specific camp fees or into the unit’s general fund to purchase gear like tents and cooking equipment.
Timeline for Sales
Camp card sales are typically a springtime activity. Most councils launch their sales in late February or March, concluding in May. This timing is intentional, as it allows Scouts to collect the funds they need just before the summer camp season begins. Because the cards usually have an expiration date at the end of the calendar year, buying them in the spring ensures you have many months to take advantage of the discounts.
How to Purchase BSA Camp Cards
If you are looking to support a Scout and save money, there are several ways to find and purchase these cards. Because the program is run at the local level, your options will depend on your specific location.
Buying from a Local Scout
The most common way to buy a camp card is directly from a Scout. During the spring, you will often see Scouts set up at “show and sell” booths in front of local grocery stores, hardware stores, or pharmacies. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the youth in your community and hear firsthand what they are raising money for.
Locating a Council Office
If you do not personally know a Scout and haven’t seen any selling in public, you can contact your local BSA Council office. Each council covers a specific geographic region and manages the camp card program for all the units in that area. They can direct you to a local troop that is currently selling cards or, in some cases, allow you to purchase them directly from the council service center.
Online and Digital Options
In recent years, many councils have introduced digital versions of the camp card or online portals where you can purchase a physical card to be mailed to you. These platforms often allow you to credit a specific Scout or unit for the sale, ensuring the money goes to the right place. Check the official website of your regional council to see if they offer an online purchasing option.
The Benefits of Buying Camp Cards
While the discounts are the immediate draw, the impact of purchasing a camp card goes much deeper. It supports a cycle of community growth and youth development that benefits everyone involved.
- Supporting Youth Development: Your purchase helps a child attend a week-long summer camp where they will learn outdoor skills, build confidence, and forge lifelong friendships.
- Local Business Support: The businesses featured on the card receive increased foot traffic and the opportunity to build loyalty with local families.
- Household Savings: For the average family, using the card just a few times a year can result in savings that far exceed the initial five or ten-dollar investment.
Tips for Scouts and Families
If you are a parent of a Scout or a Scout yourself, maximizing the camp card sale requires a bit of planning and a friendly attitude. Success in this program is a great way to build confidence.
Setting Sales Goals
Before the sale begins, sit down and determine exactly how much money is needed for the upcoming year. Whether it is $300 for a week at a resident camp or $100 for a new sleeping bag, having a specific goal makes it easier to stay motivated. When a Scout can tell a customer, “I am selling these to help me go to Philmont Scout Ranch this summer,” people are much more likely to support them.
Safety and Etiquette
Always follow safety guidelines when selling. This includes selling in pairs or with an adult, never entering a stranger’s home, and staying in well-lit, public areas. Scouts should always wear their uniform, as it identifies them as members of a trusted organization and shows that they take their commitment seriously. A polite “thank you” is essential, whether the person buys a card or not.
Common Questions About Camp Cards
Do the cards expire?
Yes, most camp cards have an expiration date, typically December 31st of the year they were issued. Some national discounts on the back of the card might have slightly different terms, so it is always a good idea to read the fine print on the card itself.
Can I use the card in other cities?
The local discounts are usually specific to the council where the card was sold. However, many cards feature national partners (like major pizza chains or oil change franchises) that may honor the discount at various locations across the country. Always check with the specific vendor if you are unsure.
What happens if I lose my card?
Because the cards are treated like cash and contain unique coupon codes, they generally cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. It is best to keep your card in your wallet or a safe place where you will remember to use it frequently.
Conclusion
BSA camp cards represent a simple but powerful way to support the next generation of leaders while enjoying significant savings on everyday expenses. By understanding how these programs work and where to find them, you can make an informed decision that helps a local Scout reach their goals. Whether you buy one card to save on your weekly groceries or several to give as gifts, your contribution makes a meaningful difference in the lives of youth in your community. To get started, reach out to a local scouting unit or visit your regional council’s website to see what offers are available in your area this year.