Tim, while you do make some valid points please tell the whole story. I met one of your friends Thomas at the Nationals with his two little girls who both entered the contest and won awards in the junior category. I am sure Thomas also told you that he had his family membership refunded due to the fact that another IPMS member payed it forward. There was another junior that his membership taken care of the same way. He also had entered in to the contest and won several awards. Marie the Office Mgr made sure to seek out juniors to pay there membership from the kindness of the anonymous member.
I also personally gave a young modeler a kit that I won in the raffle that I would have never built, it was a 1/32 scale P-51 Mustang that he was more than enthusiastic to get. I also gave another a book on helicopters and they were just as appreciative to get it.
As far as entry in to the convention, there has always been a reduced charge.
I know it doesn't seem like much, but there are people (including E-board members) who try to do things to encourage younger modelers. I also took time to talk to Thomas and the mom of the other young modeler.
Mike Van Schoonhoven
IPMS/USA 2nd VP