Several key changes are on the horizon for Scouting membership fees. These fees are used by the BSA, both the national organization and local Connecticut Yankee Council, to operate Scouting.
Effective April 1, 2024, the national BSA will eliminate the $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting. Additionally, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees, which the National Executive Committee approved:
- $85 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase)
- $65 for all adult volunteers ($5 increase to provide general liability insurance and enhanced background checks)
- $30 for Scoutreach (no change)
- $25 for Merit Badge Counselors (no change; fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)
- $50 for youth and adult Exploring participants (no change)
- $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (no change)
- $15 for Scout Life magazine (no change)
100% of these fees go to operate the national BSA program, not the day-to-day interactions you have with the Connecticut Yankee Council.
That said, effective August 1, the Connecticut Yankee Council will adjust the Operations Fee to match the national membership fee of $85. These fees help fund the Scouting you see locally—from camporees and activities to trainings, camp improvements and more.
Finally, All new youth and adult members who join Scouting are enrolled in a 12-month membership cycle. Both youth and adults pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting (fees are no longer prorated). Each registered member of the BSA will receive an email notice with a registration renewal link beginning 60 days before the anniversary date they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the email and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering.
