Why does fundraising and solicitation on post still occur?

2015-06-15T08:37:08-04:00

I enjoy a Girl Scout cookie from time to time. As a civilian, I was being hit up all the time by well-meaning kid$ (and their well-meaning parent$) trying to raise funds for this and that. I understand soliciting anything on post is not allowed. But why have I seen it continue on at least two posts? I love and support Scouting, but I don't like the idea of pushing sales to servicemembers on post. I've also seen FRGs sell lots of baked goods. I understand supporting the unit's family readiness group. I'm just not that clear on the difference in buying cookies from one group versus buying cookies from another. Your thoughts?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 8:49 AM

2015-06-15T08:49:30-04:00

I don't think it will ever go away. There are a lot of military parents supporting Scouting as well as local sports teams. Its like frequent flier miles. You used to not be able to accumulate them on official travel but the rules were broken so rampantly that we wouldn't have any federal employees left if we prosecuted them all!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 8:50 AM

2015-06-15T08:50:54-04:00

I think scouting is viewed similarly to JROTC in that it develops our youth and guides them on a path to potential future service in the armed forces. As such, it would indirectly benefit any post to allow scouting activities (for future recruiting purposes). FRG events are self explanatory in that they directly benefit the tenant units on post.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 15 at 2015 8:58 AM

2015-06-15T08:58:41-04:00

I agree with CW4 Westbrook. As long as kids are involved in certain activities parents will continue to support their kids and others buy bringing them on base and sit outside the PX/Exchange and even bring to work to help out. I personally don't mind as long as they make everyone aware they have items and tell them when the fundraiser will end. The problem I have is when they start to become a pain and continue to pester you for orders.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 15 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-06-15T09:46:32-04:00

Because there are still Boy / Girl Scouts on the post?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-06-15T12:38:22-04:00

Anyone who tries to get between me and my Thin Mints, regardless of location, is going to have a Very Bad Day (tm).

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-06-15T13:12:45-04:00

My son was in Boy Scouts, and the popcorn sales offset the adventures his troop did as they were a high adventure troop. He has been ice fishing in MN, NYC, DC, and helped build animal shelters in NOLA after Katrina. Thanks to the popcorn sales every boy in the troop got a chance to take part in activities regardless of parent's income. I'll gladly support scouts any day.

Girl Scouts are somewhat different, but the sales fund things such as the patches, activities, etc similar to Boy Scouts.

As a parent, I would support Scouts over a FRG bake sale but that is my personal preference.
When I had my business, I ordered the Girl Scout cookies and gave them as a thank to clients. Except for the thin mints. I coveted them. lol

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 6:39 AM

2015-06-18T06:39:23-04:00

I was unaware that this was not allowed on military installations. I personally don't agree with that. It still goes on regularly at the installation that I recently left and with the organization that I am currently with now.

Response by SPC Andrew Murray made Apr 29 at 2020 12:51 PM

2020-04-29T12:51:18-04:00

If it bothers you bring it up to the commander.