Cost of Scouting

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

• 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.

• 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.

1. Expanded GLIP protections for Chartered Organizations and volunteers.

2. Enhanced Criminal Background checks.

3. Investments in BSA safety resources and training.

4. The employment of a new Youth Protection Executive and support staff.

5. The National Council provides the following essential services:

   1. The use of BSA Intellectual Property – Youth Safety, Cub Scouts, Scouts, BSA, Venturing, Camp Standards, Training and Program development etc.

   2. Legal

   3. Human Resources

   4. Information Technology – Rechartering, Scout Book

   5. Accounting Resources

   6. Council Services Support

   7. Membership & Marketing Support

   8. Crisis Communications and support

   9. Safety & Membership Standards Support

   10. A variety of training support for youth and adult leaders

   11. Health Insurance & Benefits

1. Expanded General Liability Insurance protections for the chartered organization and unit leaders in the event of an incident.

2. Program research and development including, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring.

3. Access to Youth Protection Training, Incident Reporting and Scouts First Helpline: 1-   844-Scouts1.

4. Access to leadership specific training for adult leaders.

5. Investments in program literature and resource development.

6. Ability to purchase Uniforms, Insignia and Recognition for youth and Adults.

7. Provides access to Membership, Marketing, and Brand Center resources.

8. 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.

9. 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.

• 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.