December 13, 2025

The national Scouting America organization sets the fee amounts to register as a member of Scouting. Here are the membership fees, approved by the National Executive Committee, for 2026:

• $85 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouting participants (no change from ’25)
• $65 for all adult volunteers (no change from ’25)
• $30 for Scoutreach (no change from ’25)
• $25 for Merit Badge Counselors (no change from ’25; fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)
• $50 for youth and adult Exploring participants (no change from ’25)
• $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (no change from ’25)
• $15 for Scout Life magazine (no change from ’25)

Notes about fees:

• Everyone still pays the $1 fee for our council’s local insurance coverage during recharter
• Our council has chosen not to levy a council program fee approved by the national organization

Membership Fees Waived For Military Families

Effective June 1, 2026, Scouting America will waive the $85 national youth registration fee for youth in eligible military families. The fee waiver happens through the use of a verification and code process during online registration. This is made possible through the generosity of national donors.

The fee waiver only applies to youth in families with current service in active duty, Reserve, or National Guard. This only applies to the national registration fee; Scout Life subscriptions or any unit-level fees are not included.

How it works:

1. During online registration, select “Get Military Discount Code”
2. Complete verification process
3. Receive code
4. Enter code at checkout
5. National fee reduced to $0

Scouting America’s Annual Membership Fee Process

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 Scouting America 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.

Our council does not believe money should prevent any youth from participating in Scouting. Our council offers financial assistance to help families who need help with Scouting expenses. Please visit www.capitolareascouting.org/financial-help to learn more and apply.

As mentioned earlier, local councils have been given the option of charging its members an additional “program fee.” Our council does not do this, thanks in large part to our Friends of Scouting, James E. West, Tom Wooten Society donors and units participating in our fall popcorn campaign. Their contributions help provide the necessary support to keep Scouting operating in Central Texas. We are grateful for our donors’ generosity and our units’ participation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q&A from Scouting America National Council

What has caused youth and adult membership fee increases in the past?

• General liability insurance costs to protect volunteer leaders, staff, charter organizations, units, and youth
• Enhanced criminal background check processes and investments in youth protection and safety programs

What steps has the National Service Center taken to manage costs?

• 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

What benefits and services does Scouting America provide to our local council with these fees?

• Expanded general liability insurance policy protections for Chartered Organizations and volunteers
• Enhanced criminal background checks
• Investments in Scouting America safety resources and training
• The employment of a new Youth Protection Executive and support staff
• The use of Scouting America intellectual property – youth safety, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, camp standards, training and program development etc.
• Legal
• Human Resources
• Information Technology – rechartering, Scoutbook
• Accounting resources
• Council services support
• Membership and marketing support
• Crisis communications and support
• Safety and membership standards support
• A variety of training support for youth and adult leaders
• Health insurance and benefits

What benefits and services does Scouting America provide to units with these fees?

• Expanded general liability insurance protections for the Chartered Organization and unit leaders in the event of an incident
• Program research and development including, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring
• Access to Youth Protection Training, Incident Reporting, and Scouts First Helpline: 1- 844-Scouts1
• Access to leadership specific training for adult leaders
• Investments in program literature and resource development
• Ability to purchase uniforms, insignia, and recognition for youth and adults
• Provides access to membership, marketing, and Brand Center resources
• Provides important technology support including Scoutbook, online registration, online advancement, rechartering, My.Scouting, BeAScout, and Scouting America Brand Center for digital assets
• 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