Effective August 1st, 2023 the Boy Scouts of America, National Service Center will be implementing new registration fees and a new registration process.

FAQ’s

Q: Why is proration being eliminated?

A: BSA is an annual program and has incredible value for youth and families. By eliminating proration this allows the BSA to keep the annual membership fee low for all families. The annual membership fee went from $75 to the new fee of $80 starting August 1, 2023.  

Q: We prorate many of our youth in the Fall every year, will that still be a possibility?

A: No, there will not be any prorated fees. All new members and all renewals will be on a 12-month membership renewal.

Q: When will the new annual membership fee be implemented?

A: Starting August 1, 2023, any new member or renewing member will pay the new non-prorated registration fee. 

Q: We want all of our members to renew in December each year, can we still do that?

A: No, the membership renewal will be in the month the person joined. In the first few years of this new process, most of the renewals will be in the month you historically rechartered your units in, but over time we expect that will shift to the September – November period as these are the month’s most new members join.

Q: We have a highly organized charter renewal process in our council, how will this change?

A: All scout units will still charter annually, they will need to meet the leadership and members standards of the BSA. Payment of the unit charter fee and COR approval will still be required. All adult leaders must be approved by the COR and the council. Membership renewal is a separate process and done annually by the individual/unit. 

Q: How will membership renewal work?

A: All members will be sent an email 60, 45, 30, 15, and 7 days out from their anniversary month. Upon joining, the person will be asked to enter their Credit Card information and then in future years the renewal will be an “opt-out” process similar as a subscription or recurring gift. You will be reminded of your membership expiring and you can opt-out, renew your membership or the unit will have the ability to pay for their members. 

Q: How will the unit leadership know who is due to renew and who has renewed in their unit?

A: Both youth and adult leaders will be included in email notifications to the unit Key-3 monthly as to who is due to renew and who has renewed. In addition, the roster in Scoutbook and My.Scouting will indicate the registration status of the member.

Q: What happens if someone’s email bounces and is undeliverable?

A: Email notifications are sent to the individual, COR, Committee Chair, and the Key Leader (Cubmaster/Scoutmaster/Advisor/Skipper); the unit should be able to identify that an individual is due to renew and can work with the individual to complete their renewal. Units are encouraged to update email contact information in Scoutbook. Should someone miss this process the council can pull a Non-Renewed Membership Report in My.Scouting. 

Q: How will the “Unit Pays” option work and not double collect fees?

A: The unit will have the option to change the setting in My.Scouting which will tell the system that member renewals are due, and the unit will pay for it, like many units do today with recharter. The unit would have a Credit Card or ACH pre-set and each month membership fees are due; they would automatically be paid. A “pay at the council office” option will also be available. This will only be for renewals, not new members. The unit will have an “opt-out” option to not renew a member too.

Q: After the two months of email notifications, a Scout/Adult doesn’t have their registration paid for by the individual or the unit, will the unit leader and individual get contacted stating that they can no longer participate?  

A: There will be a one-month lapse period and then the Scout/Adults will be dropped. A notification will go to the individual/parent and the unit indicating that the person is dropped. 

Q: Will a Scout be covered by insurance if they still show up to meetings after their registration period expired for lack of payment? 

A: It is important that all youth be registered in a timely manner. This ensures coverage for both general liability insurance and secondary accident and sickness insurance. All youth participating in BSA programs are covered by insurance. A Scout must register to continue participation in the program.  

Q: A member is a month late with their annual membership renewal…will they need to complete another application to “rejoin”? 

A: There is a one-month lapse period. Those who fail to register will need to complete a new application for membership.

Q: Are Merit Badge Counselors now required to pay for membership? 

A: Yes, Merit Badge Counselors are required to register, take Youth Protection, and pay an annual $25 fee (if not already registered in a unit). Merit badge counselors are not registered in a unit position and therefore are not allowed to attend overnight Scouting activities/events. 

Q: Does a Merit Badge Counselor qualify as a unit position?  

A: No, the Merit Badge Counselor is not a unit position. If a merit badge counselor wants to participate in unit activities and camp overnight activities, they must be registered in a qualified unit position. 

Q: Can someone register as a Merit Badge Counselor for $25, and then multiple as an Assistant Scoutmaster for free instead of the $60? 

A: No, an adult must register in a qualified unit position and then they can multiple as a Merit Badge Counselor, the Merit Badge Counselor position is not a unit position and therefore are not allowed to attend overnight Scouting activities/events.  

Q: Will there be a guide or tool kit to explain the new renewal for leader?

A: The National Service Center will create a video that will walk leaders and charter organizations through the new charter process.