Subject:
National BSA Membership Fee Increase – Effective Aug. 1, 2020
HTML Message:
M E M O R A N D U M
TO:
North Florida Council Registered Members & Staff
FROM:
Cole Walters / Chief Operating Officer/Director of Field Service
SUBJECT:
National BSA Membership Fee Increase – Effective Aug. 1, 2020
DATE:
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
At the recent National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America, the National Executive Board voted to
increase National BSA annual membership fees by $6 per registered member.
The National membership fee helps pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, Scoutbook, liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, youth protection and other local council resources. While the BSA is committed to keeping these annual fees as low as possible, operating costs continue to increase and COVID-19 has compounded the need for additional funds to maintain the program.
Beginning on August 1, 2020, annual membership fees within the North Florida Council are as follows:
$78 annually (prorated to $6.50 per month) for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scout youth participants. $66 of the $78 goes directly to National BSA. This is an increase of $6 annually.
$54 annually (prorated to $4.50 per month) for all registered adult volunteers and youth Explorer participants. $42 of the $54 goes directly to National BSA. This is an increase of $6 annually.
$75 unit charter fee, due on or before January 31, 2021. This fee goes directly to National BSA and is an increase of $15 annually.
Additionally, effective August 1, 2020, all
NEW youth members
enrolled in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts will incur a one-time $25 joining fee (not prorated) in addition to their pro-rated National BSA registration fee. Adult volunteers, those transferring from one program to another and those previously registered in any BSA program (so long as they have proof of their previously paid membership), are exempt from this fee.
None of the fee increases stay with the North Florida Council. The North Florida Council
DOES NOT
plan to increase the local $12 Insurance Fee. We will continue to fundraise locally to support our program and provide assistance when needed.
The following suggestions have been developed by local Scouting Volunteers to help assist with challenges a fee increase may cause:
The RAISY fundraising program (digital savings memberships) is available directly to families through June 15. This program is completely online & redeemable Nationwide.
Details can be found here
.
Once you have developed your annual program plan and unit calendar, set a unit goal for this fall’s peanut and popcorn sale. 2 virtual Council kickoffs will be held on August 2 and August 9 for you to learn more.
Units should revisit their budget to make sure fees align with actual costs.
Units should determine if a quarterly “activity fee / dues” structure for your families might be more convenient.
No decision about future National membership fee increases have been made. The National Executive Board of the BSA annually evaluates the needs of the organization and decisions are made whenever possible at the National Annual Meeting in order to provide units and councils as much lead time as possible to plan accordingly.
Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in young men and women 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.
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