Membership Fees
When compared to the cost of sports and many other activities, there is no doubt that Scouting delivers great value to its members! Below are the costs associated with membership. All membership is for 12-months from the month you register. Members renew their membership during their anniversary date. All fees include a council program fee (excluding MB Counselors).
- $133 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants.
- $101 for all adult volunteers (to provide general liability insurance and enhanced background checks).
- $25 for Merit Badge Counselors (Fee applies only for counselors not already registered as leaders)
- $98 for youth Exploring participants.
- $86 for adult Exploring participants.
- $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee.
- $15 for Scout Life magazine.
Financial Assistance
Families that need financial assistance are welcome to apply for Scouting membership fee, Samoset Council program fee, Scout Handbook, and Scout uniform assistance. We do not want cost to be a barrier for any family. Go to Samoset.org/aid to complete a financial assistance form. As a Scout unit leader, please be sensitive to family budgets and the dignity of families that may need financial assistance. In addition, unit money earning opportunities (i.e., popcorn sale) should be part of a plan for Scouts to earn their own way.
Council Program Fee
Families today have many options, but only Scouting provides a safe and fun atmosphere with exhilarating activities that create confidence, build teamwork and leadership skills, and make new friends that last a lifetime. A program where a child can be a child all while being mentored by trained and caring adults to help them prepare for life. The Samoset Council has worked tirelessly to keep the cost of Scouting as low as possible for our families. The council program fee is used to support local programs, volunteer training, reference publications, youth recruiting materials, insurance (property, auto, cyber, member accident & sickness), marketing, postage, unit service and more.
The program fee is currently $48 per registered youth member and $36 per registered adult member. The fee is assessed during online registration or collected (for paper applications) at the Scout office. Members will pay the fee on an annual basis as part of the renewal process. The fee is subject to change with council executive board approval.
What is included with the council Program Fee?
- Free Tent Camping – Camp Phillips, Four Mile, Flambeau Canoe Base, and CLSR during non-resident camping months.
- Free Scouts BSA Merit Badge Clinics hosted by the council or district. Merit Badge Workshops (day events) at our camps will have reduced costs to attend. Some clinics may have a fee based on supplies required.
- Free Cub Scout District Pinewood Derby (one per year).
- Free Cub Scout District “Cub-A-Rama” Belt loops & Adventures workshop (one per year). Some events may have a fee based on facility and supplies required.
- Free in-person council or district hosted basic leader training for registered leaders (excludes Wood Badge, leave no trace, wilderness first aid, etc).
- Free adult leader recognition (knots & certificates)
- Family FOS unit presentations will NOT be conducted. However, some limited fundraising with families will be conducted by in-person individual visits or letter campaigns.
- Full-time council staff support.
- Insurance: accident, liability, property, cyber etc.
National Membership Fee
What benefits and services are provided to the unit with the registration fee?
- Expanded General Liability Insurance protections for chartered organizations, unit leaders, and youth participants in the event of an incident.
- Program research and development including, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring.
- Access to Safeguarding Youth Training and Scouts First Helpline: 1-844-726-8871 (call or text) and [email protected]
- Access to position specific leadership 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, online registration, online advancement, My.Scouting.org, BeAScout.org, and Scouting America Brand Center for digital assets.
What benefits and services are provided to the local council with the new fee?
- Expanded General Liability Insurance protections for Chartered Organizations, volunteers and youth.
- Enhanced Criminal Background checks.
- Investments in Scouting America safety resources and training.
- The employment of a new Chief Safeguarding Youth Officer and support staff.
The National Council provides the following essential services to councils:
- The use of Scouting America Intellectual Property – Youth Safety, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Camp Standards, Training and Program development etc.
- Human Resources, Legal, & Accounting Support
- Information Technology
- Council Services Support (Membership, Marketing, Safety)
- A variety of training support for youth and adult leaders
