Deviating from this thread slightly (the title caught my curiosity) Just a thought on waterproof kit, but isn't a lot of 'cheap and cheerful' inexpensive kit now, what was once 'gucci' kit about ten years back? I don't see many crisp packet waterprooves like I had as a kid in the 80's nowadays?

Another thought as well, if you need loans kits for your juniors, have you considered approaching some outdoor/sports manufacturers or shops for some 'sponsorship' in the form of their items they can't shift (the other half works in outdoor retail and whilst her company doesn't give discount as a policy, she remarked that although the sales get rid of some items, there are still a few years and years items they struggle to shift even at discount)? For the publicity they may well be more than willing to give you some old stock? Who knows they might even be willing to sponsor all your juniors with new kit rather than just donate some old loan kit?

Finally as a suggestion re first aid have you considered getting involved with a voluntary organisation such as St John Ambulance, Red Cross, or Mountain Rescue? They will often give free training to volunteers (naturally you have to pay back in terms of hours on duty but it's not a considerable commitment), and may provide some kit.