Dear Scouters and Parents,

There are some important changes to BSA National membership fees that we want to share with you.

Effective August 1, 2023:

Youth Members

$80 National membership fee ($5 increase)

$36 French Creek Council Fair Share fee ($0 increase)

$25 First Time Joining Fee (Paid by the French Creek Council)

$15 Scout Life subscription (optional and no change)

Adult Leaders

$60 National membership fee ($15 increase)

$21 French Creek Council Fair Share fee ($0 increase)

Merit Badge Counselors

$25 National membership fee (this new fee is only for those who are not already registered in Scouting and offsets some of the cost of background checks)

$0 French Creek Council fee

Exploring Youth and Adults

$50 National membership fee ($5 increase)

$15 French Creek Council Fair Share fee ($0 increase)

Charter Renewal

$100 Charter/Affiliation fee (no change)

BSA Will No Longer Prorate Fees for New Members 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 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 through French Creek Council’s normal registration/recharter cycle which is due by December (Oliver Perry District), January (Chief  Kiondashawa District) or February (Colonel Drake District). Moving forward all members will renew on their anniversary date.

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.

 

Yours in Scouting,

 

Patty Meehan                          Thomas Dunmire                               Steven Dunn

Council President                   Council Commissioner                      Scout Executive

 

 

 

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
• Enhanced Criminal Background check processes and investments in Youth protection and safety

 

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
• Reduced expenses throughout the National

 

Will the fees go up again?

• The BSA and French Creek Council will continue to evaluate the membership fees and keep our 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
• Enhanced Criminal Background
• Investments in BSA safety resources and
• 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
• Access to Youth Protection Training, Incident Reporting and Scouts First Helpline: 1-844-
• Access to leadership specific training for adult
• Investments in program literature and resource
• Ability to purchase Uniforms, Insignia and Recognition for youth and
• Provides access to Membership, Marketing, and Brand Center
• Provides important technology support including Scout Book, on-line registration, on-line advancement, and rechartering, 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