Dear Scouting volunteer leaders, parents, and families:

Just weeks into the fall Scouting season, hundreds of Scouts are enjoying aha moments and experiencing a series of first-time adventures. Weekends are filled with camping trips, community festivals, and show-and-sell popcorn locations. The Boy Scouts of America’s storied program continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s families while transforming the lives of young people. The magic of Scouting happens every day because of dedicated servant leaders like you.

Thank you for your commitment to local Scouting and the Scouts we proudly serve!

A few weeks ago I emailed you regarding the upcoming membership fee increase from BSA National. This afternoon, the exact fee increase amounts became official. Effective January 1, 2020 (which will incorporate your unit’s membership recharter/re-registration/renewal) the annual BSA National membership fees will be:

• $60 for youth members in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts
• $36 for youth members in Exploring
• $36 for adult members (includes cost of background check and Scouting Magazine)
• $60 for unit charter/charter organization sponsorship fees

Please click on this hyperlink letter to read full details on the BSA National membership fee increase.

Click Here for a FAQ that includes information on financial assistance.

The BSA National membership fee increase is necessary due to the rising cost of insurance for our National organization. The Old North State Council, BSA has an additional $1 fee per youth and adult to help support the cost of local insurance. This additional $1 fee has been standard in Old North State Council for many years. We had originally considered an increase to $2 in 2020 per youth and adult to provide relief for the rise of local insurance rates. However, we will not be making this increase.

I understand neither the timing of this release nor the fee increase is not easy.

On a positive note, this notification does coincide with many Scouting unit fundraisers, including popcorn sales. I would encourage your unit to take full advantage of fundraising opportunities this fall.

To assist you in fundraising and developing a budget for your Scouting unit program, please review the tools in the hyperlinks below:

• Selling MORE Popcorn to raise additional funds for your unit's program in 2019-2020!
• Creating a Budget (to ensure the new BSA Nat’l Membership is covered) for your Cub Scout Pack, Scouts BSA Troop, Venturing Crew, or Career Exploring Post
• Expense line items (with explanations) to Include in Your Unit Budget
• Fundraising Income For Your Unit
• BSA Money-Earning

Again, thank you your commitment and service to local Scouting in the Old North State Council. Our staff, District volunteers, and Council volunteers remain committed to supporting your unit’s delivery of a quality Scouting experience to all youth served. The return on investment we make today (and during membership renewal in 2020) will be measured by each young person who’s life is better because of the Boy Scouts of America.