The Singing Scoutmaster: The Savings Goal

Summer camp costs money. Good hiking boots cost money. A quality pocketknife costs money. You could wish for these things, or you could save for them.

When you set a savings goal - putting away a little each week from allowance, birthday money, or a small job - something interesting happens. You start thinking differently about spending. That impulse purchase at the store suddenly competes with your goal. Is this candy worth delaying camp by a week?

A Scout is thrifty, and that means we plan ahead for the things that matter most. We learn to delay small gratifications for bigger rewards. And when we finally reach that goal - when we hand over the money we saved and register for camp or buy that gear we wanted - it feels different than if someone just gave it to us. It feels earned.