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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to be frustrated chasing unpaid Girlguiding subs Every. Single. Term?

79 replies

brownieleader · 15/04/2026 15:34

I run two Girlguiding units who started back this week. Like every term, subs are due before the first meeting of term.

So please tell me why I am still waiting for about 15 children’s subs!

I am a volunteer. I do not want to chase you for money. I want to spend my prep time planning fun trips and activities for your children.

So if you are one of these parents who forget to pay despite several reminders please tell me how I can get through to you! I won’t turn children away for non payment, but equally I have a 2+ year waiting list so perhaps I should….

And if you are a parent who always pays for your children’s clubs on time thank you!

We are in a very diverse socioeconomic area and there is no correlation between who haven’t paid and those who might struggle to pay. But if anyone does struggle, if they let us know we can access funding from county.

Anyone who hasn’t paid by next week is being named and shamed in the parents WhatsApp group

OP posts:
Washingironingfoldingrepeat · 15/04/2026 15:46

My dc have left scouting now but the leader got so fed up he gave all dc a letter. It said you have till the end of the month to pay or let us know your struggling as we won't be able to afford next terms rent if people continue not to pay. Then apologised to those that had paid but then said going forward from the next term subs would be via standing order and dc will be asked to leave if no payment and parent not contacted them if struggling to access the support fund.
I think give parents a warning/timeframe and let them know of the consequences and go through with them. Your a volunteer and dont need the stress. Its not the dc fault but parents have to realise that their actions have consequences.

Talipesmum · 15/04/2026 15:46

Ours are now all set up on online scout manager to pay automatically each term. If you can get an option like this, look into it.

Also, it helps if payment works with Apple pay /
paypal etc so people know it’s just a button click.

Anything you can do to automate reminders etc.

SweetRedJam · 15/04/2026 15:36

I feel irritated on your behalf. Volunteers rarely get the recognition they deserve.

DiscoCherries · 15/04/2026 15:36

My kids are in Beavers and I get such an emphatic thank you email when I pay my subs as soon as they’re requested (or I’d forget!). I don’t envy you at all!