Dear Unit Leader:
The Boy Scouts of America – National Council recently released the 2023/2024 National Membership Fees that will go into effect August 1, 2023. In keeping with Council policy, the Council Board of the Greater Hudson Valley Council met on June 11, 2023 and voted to approve the following fees for the 2023/2024 program year. The following fees will go into effect August 1, 2023.
Youth Members:
- National fee = $80
- Local Council fee = $80
- Total $160
Adult Members:
- National fee = $60
- Local Council fee = $45
- Total $105
Exploring Members (Youth & Adults):
- National fee = $50
- Local council fee = $15
- Total = $65
Merit Badge Counselor Fee (for any MB Counselor that is not a Registered Member):
- National fee = $25
- Local council fee = $0.00
- Total = $25
Other Fee from the National Council, include:
- New Member Joining Fee $25
- Scout Life subscription $15
- Charter Organization fee $100 (paid at Recharter)
The National Council will also end Proration of Fees. So, when you join, you pay for a year and then you will renew the same month the next year. This will mean that the Rechartering Process for this winter will be changing.
Council Board Chair – Ben Mills
Council Commissioner – Jann Mirchandani
Scout Executive – Richard Stockton
More Information from the National Council:
Frequently Asked Questions
BSA Will No Longer Prorate Fees for New Members beginning August 1, 2023
Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled in a 12-month membership cycle and BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting. All proration of membership fees will be eliminated. Each registered member of the BSA will receive an email notice with a registration renewal link beginning 60 days before the anniversary date they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the email and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering.
It is important to note, existing members will renew their membership during their normal registration/recharter cycle through March 2024. Moving forward all members will renew on their anniversary date.
- Existing members’ Anniversary date will be their unit recharter month.
- New members’ Anniversary date will be the month they joined.
This new process will help streamline the rechartering and membership renewal process for units and councils. Additional information on this membership renewal process will be forthcoming in the very near future.
What does the National Membership Fee cover?
The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services to the local council and units. Services include expanded liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, enhanced criminal background checks, a variety of program resources, youth protection and leader-specific training, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. As BSA moves forward, the organization will continue to look at the membership fee structure and how we deliver the Scouting program for future generations.
Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in youth today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow. Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Scouting families make this possible. Thank you for continuing to support one of the most valuable opportunities available to young people today.
What is driving the youth and adult membership fee increase?
- General Liability Insurance costs to protect volunteer leaders, staff, charter organizations, units, and youth.
- BSA restructuring costs.
- Enhanced Criminal Background check processes and investments in Youth protection and safety programs.
What steps has the National Service Center taken to manage costs?
- Completed a new staff structure and streamlined both the professional workforce and the volunteer structure, while maintaining essential services.
- Reduced the National staff workforce to support essential services.
- Reduced expenses throughout the National organization.
What benefits and services are provided with the new fee?
- Expanded GLIP protections for Chartered Organizations and volunteers.
- Enhanced Criminal Background checks.
- Investments in BSA safety resources and training.
- The employment of a new Youth Protection Executive and support staff.
- The National Council provides the following essential services:
- The use of BSA Intellectual Property – Youth Safety, Cub Scouts, Scouts, BSA, Venturing, Camp Standards, Training and Program development etc.
- Legal
- Human Resources
- Information Technology – Rechartering, Scout Book
- Accounting Resources
- Council Services Support
- Membership & Marketing Support
- Crisis Communications and support
- Safety & Membership Standards Support
- A variety of training support for youth and adult leaders
- Health Insurance & Benefits
What benefits and services are provided to the unit with the registration fee?
- Expanded General Liability Insurance protections for the chartered organization and unit leaders in the event of an incident.
- Program research and development including, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring.
- Access to Youth Protection Training, Incident Reporting and Scouts First Helpline: 1- 844-Scouts1.
- Access to leadership specific training for adult leaders.
- Investments in program literature and resource development.
- Ability to purchase Uniforms, Insignia and Recognition for youth and Adults.
- Provides access to Membership, Marketing, and Brand Center resources.
- Provides important technology support including Scout Book, on-line registration, on-line advancement, and rechartering, My. Scouting, BeAScout, and BSA Brand Center for digital assets.
- Access to the four BSA High Adventure Properties including Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier High Adventure Base, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.