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Community Activities for Scouts

June 12, 2023

BSA National Annual Membership Fees Announced

Dear Members of the Cornhusker Council,

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.

Effective August 1, 2023, the National office of the Boy Scouts of America will implement the following national membership fees. We understand that some of you may have already seen these increases, but we wanted to get some answers from National before we sent out the information to all of you.

  • $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)

  • $30 for Scoutreach (Not prorated)

  • $25 for Merit Badge Counselors (New Fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)

  • $50 for Exploring participants Youth & Adult ($5 increase)

  • $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (no change in fee)

  • $15 for Scout Life magazine

It is imperative that all recharters are completed no later than July 20th, 2023 to guarantee the recharter is posted and ready to go as of August 1, 2023.  This means all paperwork is signed, approved and payment is received in the office.  If your unit submits after this time frame, you will be charged the new rates.

Merit Badge Counselors: If you are registered as a Merit Badge Counselor only,  you will need to pay the $25.00 fee for the 2023-2024 year. Unfortunately, we are not able to post these early.        

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, and youth protection and leader-specific training. 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. Currently, none of these fees come to the Cornhusker Council.

Yours in Scouting,

JOHN SUMNER….