Effective August 1, 2023, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees which were approved by the Volunteer National Executive Committee:
- $80 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase)
- $60 for all adult volunteers ($15 increase to provide general liability insurance and enhanced background checks)
- $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting (Not prorated and no change in fee)
- $25 for Merit Badge Counselors (New Fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders to cover the enhanced background check)
- $50 for Exploring participants Youth & Adults ($5 increase)
- $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 $45 (youth only) will be effective August 1st.
New Annual Membership Fee Process Announced – 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 notification 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.
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 $60, and the youth membership fee is $80 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.
| Youth Fees | Returning Scouts | New Scouts |
| National Fee | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Council Insurance Fee | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Council Program Support Fee | $45.00 | $45.00 |
| New Scout Fee | $0 | $25.00 |
| Total | $160.00 | $185.00 |
| Scout Life (Optional) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Total w/ Scout Life | $175.00 | $200.00 |
| Adult Fees | All Adults |
| National Fee | $60.00 |
| Council Insurance Fee | $35.00 |
| Total | $95.00 |
| Scout Life (Optional) | $15.00 |
| Total w/ Scout Life | $110.00 |
| Unit Fees | Annually for Each Unit |
| Unit Recharter | $100.00 |