The National Board of the Boy Scouts of America announced an updated national fee structure that reflects the modern costs of delivery the finest leadership and character development program for youth in America.
Effective January 1, 2020, the following program fees will be assessed at the National level (not including local activity/program and insurance fees):
• $60 per youth in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts;
• $36 per youth in Exploring
• $36 per adult volunteer leader across all programs
Every dollar of the national membership fee will go toward the cost of essential services, including liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, program resources, safety standards, youth protection and personal safety training, and services to councils nationwide to sustain Scouting.
The National organization will also continue to develop and improve resources that support our volunteers and youth members such as online registration, Member Care and Scoutbook, which now includes the Den Leader experience to ensure the safe and consistent delivery of Cub Scouting; as well as improvements aimed at simplifying the annual renewal process.
In addition, the National Board recognized two ongoing challenges to local Councils with policy changes in two important areas: 1) Councils are authorized to charge additional fees to cover local liability, property, causality and other insurance policies as required; and 2) Effective August 1, 2020, all Councils are authorized to charge a local program fee up to but not to exceed the National Registration Fee ($60). Councils already doing so (which includes Longhouse Council) have one year to bring their fee structure into compliance.
With regard to Longhouse Council and the 3,700 youth members and 1,600 adults we serve, the new fee structure effective January 1, 2020, will be the following:
Youth enrolled in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts:
National Fee $60 + Local Insurance $16 + Council Activity Fee $24 =
$100
Youth Enrolled In Exploring and all adults in all programs:
National Fee $36 + Local Insurance $16 + Council Activity Fee $24 =
$76
Families needing assistance in meeting the national registration fees will have a donor funded
Growing Future Leaders Fund available through the National Council in the near future. Longhouse Council will announce the details of the national application process as soon as they are available.
Across the country and in Central and Northern New York, we know that Scouting 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. From once-in-a-lifetime adventures to merit badges that spark interests and future careers; from campouts under the stars to service projects that leave a lasting impact on our communities; Scouting’s year-round program expands horizons and provides young people with a safe and welcoming place to learn, grow, and thrive.