Dear Scouting family,

We received the following very important message from our national council and wanted to share it with you in its entirety. 

BSA’s emergence from bankruptcy represents a pivotal milestone in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)’s financial restructuring case and solidifies a path forward for survivors and the Scouting movement.

To preserve its mission, the BSA has had to take some extraordinary steps over the past three years to reposition the organization for the future. The BSA has streamlined its professional staff and volunteer structure, reducing costs throughout the movement while maintaining essential services to support the local councils who were critical partners during the bankruptcy.

To position Scouting for the future, the BSA will be required to increase the national annual membership fees for both youth and adults. This has been a difficult decision that involved the engagement of key stakeholders, but is essential to building a strong, safe, and vibrant Scouting program for our nation’s youth.

Effective August 1, 2023, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees which were approved by the National Executive Committee:

• $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

New Annual Membership Fee Process Announced – BSA Will No Longer Prorate Fees for New Members beginning August 1, 2023

Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled in a 12-month membership cycle and BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting. All proration of membership fees will be eliminated. 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.

It is important to note, existing members will renew their membership during their normal registration/recharter cycle through March 2024. Moving forward all members will renew on their anniversary date.

• Existing members’ Anniversary date will be their unit recharter month.
• New members’ Anniversary date will be the month they joined.

This new process will help streamline the rechartering and membership renewal process for units and councils. Additional information on this membership renewal process will be forthcoming in the very near future.

Rules and Regulations – Local Council Annual Registration or Program Fees

Under the Rules and Regulations of the BSA, a local council may charge an annual registration or program fee to youth members, adult program participants and Scouters whose primary registration is with the council in an amount not to exceed the amount of the applicable individual registration fee for their position established by the Executive Committee. In the new Annual Membership fee structure, a local council may charge a maximum of $80 per youth and $60 per adult.

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, youth protection and leader-specific training, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is driving the youth and adult membership fee increase?

• General Liability Insurance costs to protect volunteer leaders, staff, charter organizations, units, and youth.
• BSA restructuring costs.
• Enhanced Criminal Background check processes and investments in Youth protection and safety programs.

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

• Completed a new staff structure and 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 is the new membership fee for youth and adults? Will the fees go up again?

• The new adult membership fee is $60, and the youth membership fee is $80 annually.
• The BSA will continue to evaluate the membership fees and keep our councils and unit leaders informed of any further changes to the fee structure.

What benefits and services are provided to the local council with the new fee?

• Expanded GLIP protections for Chartered Organizations and volunteers.
• Enhanced Criminal Background checks.
• Investments in BSA safety resources and training.
• The employment of a new Youth Protection Executive and support staff.
• The National Council provides the following essential services to councils:
  • The use of BSA Intellectual Property – Youth Safety, Cub Scouts, Scouts, BSA, Venturing, Camp Standards, Training and Program development etc.
  • Legal
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology – Rechartering, Scout Book
  • Accounting Resources
  • Council Services Support
  • Membership & Marketing Support
  • Crisis Communications and support
  • Safety & Membership Standards Support
  • A variety of training support for youth and adult leaders
  • Health Insurance & Benefits

What benefits and services are provided to the unit with the registration fee?

• 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 Scout Book, on-line registration, on-line advancement, and rechartering, My. Scouting, BeAScout, and BSA 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.

Mayflower Council understands that you may have more questions, and we will welcome them at our Summer Membership Roundtable Series taking place in the coming months. You can register by clicking the date for July 11 and August 16.

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer 2023. As such, the Mayflower Council Service Center will soon switch to a “Camping Season” schedule.

Our Service Center in Milford, Massachusetts, will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day.

After that, and through Labor Day, the Service Center will be by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday and Thursday. Many of our unit and membership service personnel will be visiting communities and camps throughout the summer, so chances are you can catch up with us much closer to home.

Find a listing and email any of our council primary contacts via this page.

Dr. Sara Grady is the complete package, from land-loving Cub Scouts to shore-loving horseshoe crabs, this amazing volunteer has every living creature’s best interest in mind.

Tiger Den Leader for Pack 47 Plymouth, Sara is a watershed ecologist and — when she is not with her unit — can most often be found in the water, in the woods, on a trail; any place in nature, really. 

Of course, those who take a “hike” with Dr. Sara know she will traverse 100 yards in 10 minutes and share more knowledge about plants and animals than they ever thought possible. All of which makes her a perfect person to lead a Den.

Moreover, as a SuperNOVA mentor, Dr. Grady has been an invaluable Mayflower Council resource the past few years, helping to run stations at Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (meanwhile earning BALOO, mind you), volunteering at the Klondike Derby, Webelos Woods, and the Wilderness Survival Camporee. 

Currently, Sara works on her Wood Badge ticket by improving the “nature trail” at Camp Squanto. 

However, everyone also knows Sara’s hidden talent: a beautiful singing voice often used acapella.

One wonders if both Tigers and and tiger sharks alike would respond equally well to her dulcet tones!

Thank you, Sara, for all your hard work on behalf of your council, district, and unit. Like so many den leaders, you truly shine bright for all of our Scouts.

Adam Fabion paces Pack 56.

A proud Eagle Scout, Adam Fabion of Pack 56 in Holdbrook returned to Scouting when his son joined Cub Scouts as a Tiger. 

Of course, Adam immediately became a den leader and started helping to plan the Pack events. Moreover, like many adults in Scouting, Mr. Fabion loves taking the kids hiking and exploring in the woods. 

Now that his daughter is also a Cub Scout, Adam again became a den leader and continues to work hard to create unforgettable experiences for the Scouts of Pack 56.

However, Adam’s commitment to Scouting hasn’t stopped with the Cubs in his den and pack – he is also the Committee Chair for Troop 56 and an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 13 G. 

Thank you for all your hard work, Adam! Den leaders like you light the way for the next generation of Scouts.

Mary the Mentor

Now in her third year in charge of Den 1 (her son Ben’s den; older brother Connor recently crossed over to Scouts BSA, Troop 77 in Hudson), Mary says this year’s highlights include volunteering with “Kylee’s Care Kits” and the “Feed A Neighbor” programs. “I like connecting scouting to our community and providing opportunities for the Scouts to make a difference,” she explained.

Next up was the “Super Science Adventure” and working toward the Up and Away Nova award. “It was great to see the parents and kids work together on science experiments,” added Mary. “This year, we did so much with science between this adventure and the Nova award. I am blown away by what my scouts know and the ideas they bring to the table.”

Finally, attending “Snore and Roar” at the Roger Williams Zoo was very high on Millette’s list. 

“But getting to know my scouts and their families” remains the ultimate highlight for Mary. 

“We have such a great group of kids,” she explained. “They are funny, eager to learn and help, and have such great ideas.”

Congratulations to Mary and her Pack 3104 Den 1 Bears!