Cost of Scouting
While most extracurricular activities are seasonal, Scouting is a year-round program that remains one of the most valuable investments we can make to support young men and women today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow. For our scouts, the investment is less than $40 per month, which is an enormous value when you consider that many seasonal extracurricular activities often start at $100 for programs that last a few weeks.
Most importantly, we (Pack 749 Leaders) strongly believe any child who wants to be a Scout should be a Scout. Money will NEVER be a reason we turn away a Scout from our unit. If your family needs financial assistance, please speak to a Pack Leader and we will work with you to ensure it's a non-issue.
One Time Costs
One Time National Dues & Uniform
National BSA Dues for Jan-Dec ..................... $85*
National BSA Enrollment Fee .......................... $0*
Uniform:
Shirt w/ Patches ............................................... ~$50
Belt .......................................................................... $15
Neckerchief & Slide ............................................. $21
Rank Handbook ............................................ $13-24
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TOTAL: approx. $200
*Effective April 1, 2024
Recurring Costs
Pack 749 Program Costs
(Separate from National Costs)
Pack Dues for Sep-Dec ................................. $200
Pack Dues for Jan-Aug .................................. $250
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TOTAL $37.50/mo. or $450 for 12 months
Sibling discount: $50 for 2nd, $100 on 3rd,
$150 on 4th...
Pack dues are prorated based on month enrolled
Optional Items
Optional Add-Ons
Camp Outs (Fall & Spring) .......................... $0-165
Nat'l BSA Adult Registration ......................... $65*
Additional optional uniform accessories:
Shorts/ Skorts ............................................... $20-35
Pants ............................................................... $25-55
Hat .......................................................................... $25
Socks .................................................................. $8-12
Fundraiser Offsets
**Popcorn (Fall) ..................................................... $ Limitless
Spring Fundraiser (Spring) ................................... $ Limitless
** Selling $1,800 pays for Pack Dues which, on average, a scout earns in approx. 10 hours over 3 months (Aug-Oct)
Scholarships & Camperships
Easily obtainable upon request.
Note:
Used uniforms are frequently sold on Ebay, NextDoor, Facebook, etc. Recommend starting with facebook.com/BuyNothingProject
Also, buy a short sleeved shirt that is 1-2 sizes too large so they can wear it for several years (for instance: Tiger-Bear and Webelos-Troop).
Buy the generic Cub Scout belt buckle and neckerchief slide (instead of rank specific)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Pack Program Costs?
Our pack believes you should know the annual cost for scouting upfront. We try hard not to ask for additional funds each month and to roll it into one annual fee. The exceptions are any above & beyond events such as Day/ Twilight Camp, one-time pack overnighters, etc. When these are announced, attendance is optional and the additional costs clearly communicated.
Dues are typically paid for by the Popcorn fundraiser and/ or with 6 monthly payments from Sept - Feb. Extensions granted per request.
Below is a list of items included in your yearly dues:
$100 National BSA Unit Recharter Fee
Scout Life magazine subscription ($15/ youth/year) - Pack pays recurring fees on your enrollment anniversary.
Recurring Youth National Dues ($85/youth/year) - Pack pays recurring fees on your enrollment anniversary.
Recurring Leader National Dues ($65/Leader/year) - Pack pays recurring fees on your enrollment anniversary.
Pack Activity Uniform (1 pack branded t-shirt per youth/ leader)
Adult Leader Training (up to $75/leader/year)
Adventures Belt Loops/ Pins (at least 6/youth/year)
At least 8 pack meetings
Event/ Activity Patches
Popcorn Training
December Holiday Party
Pinewood Derby Car, Workshops, & Race Day
Blue & Gold Banquet
AOL Recognition & Crossover
Advancement Ranking Ceremony
Two Pack Campouts
Stocked den bins for each den leader
Pack meeting & camping equipment
What is covered in the National Dues?
The national membership fee helps pay for the cost of essential services, including background checks, program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.
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 does National & the Pack have different start/ stop dates for dues?
Pack Dues
Our pack aligns with the school year (September 1 to August 31).
National Dues
Effective 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. Pack 749 will then pay the annual membership fee on your behalf by your annicanniversary date.
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 (January for Pack 749).
New members’ Anniversary date will be the month they joined.
Prior to August 1, 2023: National ran on a traditional January 1 to December 31 fiscal year. Membership dues were prorated based on month of enrollment. During recharter (annual unit re-enrollment in National BSA program) in January, the pack paid the full cost of dues for Jan 1 - Dec 31 for each registered youth and adult leader.
What is the difference between a Scholarship and a Campership?
Scholarships are granted to assist in covering the cost of dues or uniforms. Scholarships are provided by both Circle Ten council and our pack.
Camperships are granted to cover the cost of summer camp. Camperships are provided through the generosity of Friends of Scouting. Camperships are ONLY for registered Scouts and will be allotted under the direction of the District Director/Executive and the Field Director, to families who need the help. A Scout can attend only one week of camp during the summer.
Will membership fees go toward funding a victims compensation trust?
No. The national annual membership fee and the new-member joining fee will help pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources.
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 recharter 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.
What is the new membership fee for youth and adults? Will the fees go up again?
Effective April 1, 2024, the BSA will eliminate the $25 one-time joining fee for new Scouts in the Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts programs. This is great news for families joining Scouting and especially timely during spring recruiting.
Also, effective April 1, 2024, the annual membership fee for all adult volunteers and youth in the Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts programs will increase by five dollars annually. All other fees remain the same. (See infographic for details.)
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.