Effective May 1, 2024, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees which were approved by the Volunteer National Executive Committee:

    • $85 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting participants 
    • $65 for all adult volunteers 
    • $25 for Merit Badge Counselors
    • $50 for Exploring participants Youth & Adults 
    • $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (no change in fee)
    • $15 for Scout Life magazine 

    NOTE: Greater Los Angeles Scouting Insurance Fee of $35 (youth and adult) & Program Fee of $50 (youth only) will be effective May 1st.

    National Membership Fee Frequently Asked Questions

    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 is the new membership fee for youth and adults? Will the fees go up again?

    The new adult membership fee is $65, and the youth membership fee is $85 annually.
    The BSA will continue to evaluate the membership fees and keep our councils and unit leaders informed of any further changes to the fee structure.

    What benefits and services are provided to the local council 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 to councils:
    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.