Why is the membership fee being increased, especially now, during such difficult economic times?

The National Council is committed to providing added benefits to local councils and volunteers to support the delivery of high-quality Scouting programs in every community. A key investment continues to be in providing more user-friendly Web-based resources. For example, via MyScouting, volunteers will be able to complete even more training requirements on their own schedule, 24 hours a day, via online resources. This will complement their current ability to recharter and manage advancement records online, complete and submit tour permits, and participate in the Scouting Community social network, which continues to grow. Also, in the future, new-member registration will be available online.

As good stewards, we strive to keep costs to a minimum. And, we are proud that, even with this increase, youth can receive the full benefits of Scouting membership for only $1.25 per month.

The National Executive Board reviewed revenue and expense projections along with the planned initiatives over the next several years, recognizing that the annual registration fee would not meet expenses. The Board decided that the fee could be increased each year or every other year to keep pace with the expected expenditures, or that it could be raised to the level chosen and held in place over the next several years.

When was the last registration fee increase?

In 2003, the registration fee increased to $10 from $7-an increase of 43 percent. The new registration fee will be implemented a full 7 years since the last increase and at 50 percent, only slightly higher than the 2003 increase.

How long do you expect this fee to be in place?

The National Executive Board, in its approved resolution, noted that it would endeavor to hold this new fee level at least three years.

Will new membership applications be available for Youth and Adults reflecting the $15 fee? Yes, later in the year. 

Editor Note:  The membership fee chart can be found  Membership_Fee_Chart-2010

Fee Increase FAQs for Field staff and Registrars

Q. When does the registration fee increase take effect?

A.  All traditional Scouting registrations with an effective date of January 1, 2010, or later will pay the new $15 registration fee or prorated fee of $1.25 per month. Note: for Capitol Area Council units that means all annual unit recharters, which take place January 2010. Submission of recharters prior to January still go into effect January 2010 and therefore are subject to the $15 fee. 

Exceptions are new units formed in 2009 that have a 14-month window before rechartering, at which time they will pay the prorated $15 fee. 

Q. How do you determine who pays the current $10 registration fee and who pays the increased $15 registration fee?

A.  The registration fee is based on the effective date of the registration. Any registration for traditional Scouting with an effective date before January 1, 2010, will pay the $10 registration fee or prorated fee of $0.85 a month. Any registration for traditional Scouting with an effective date after December 2009 will pay the $15 registration fee or prorated fee of $1.25 per month.

Q. If a unit that expires December 31, 2009, submits its registration renewal online through Internet Rechartering before January 1, 2010, should they pay the current $10 registration fee or the increased $15 registration fee?

A.  They should pay the $15 registration fee because the effective date of the renewal will be January 1, 2010.

Q. If a new unit is organized in December 2009 for 14 months with a December 1, 2009, effective date and a January 31, 2011, expiration date, do they pay 1 month prorated at the $10 fee ($0.85 a month) and 13 months prorated at the $15 fee ($1.25 per month)?

A.  No. The unit will pay 14 months prorated at the $10 registration fee ($0.85 a month) because the effective date of the new unit is before January 1, 2010.

Q. In November 2009, new boys join a traditional Scouting unit that expires January 31, 2010. What registration fee do they pay?

A.  The new registrants will pay 2 months prorated registration fee at the $10 rate ($0.85 per month). Then when their unit renews, all renewing and new registrants will pay the increased $15 registration fee.

Q. Who pays the new $15 registration fee?

A.  All youth and adults registrations for traditional Scouting with an effective date of January 1, 2010, or later will pay a registration fee based on the $15 registration fee rate of $1.25 per month. This includes all additional enrollments to current units, new units, and charter renewals.

Q. Who pays the current $10 registration fee?

A.  All youth and adult registrations for traditional Scouting with an effective date of December 1, 2009, or earlier will pay a registration fee based on the $10 registration fee rate of $0.85 a month. This includes all additional enrollments to current units, new units, and charter renewals.

Q. What is the registration fee for Exploring?

A.  The Exploring registration fee remains $10 for both youth and adults.