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Why is proration being eliminated?
BSA is an annual program and has incredible value for youth and families. By eliminating proration this allows the BSA to keep the annual membership fee low for all families.
We prorate many of our youth in the Fall every year, will that still be a possibility?
No, there will not be any prorated fees. All new members and all renewals will be on a 12-month membership renewal.
When will the new annual membership fee be implemented?
Starting August 1, 2023, any new member or renewing member will pay the new non-prorated registration fee.
What does the annual membership fee cover?
The national BSA membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services to units and local councils. 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.
What is driving the BSA membership fee increase?
Enhanced Criminal Background Check processes and investments in new Youth Protection and safety programs. The membership fees cover increased General Liability Insurance costs to protect volunteer leaders, staff, charter organizations, units, and youth. The fees will also cover BSA restructuring costs.
We want all our members to renew in December each year, can we still do that?
No, the membership renewal will be in the month the person joined. In the first few years of this new process, most of the renewals will be in the month you historically rechartered your units in (December), but over time we expect that will shift to the August – October period as these are the month’s most new members join.
How will the charter renewal process change?
All Scout units will still charter by December 31st each year; they will need to meet the leadership and members standards of the BSA. Payment of the unit charter fee and Chartered Organization Representative (COR) approval will still be required. All adult leaders must be approved by the COR and the council. Membership renewal is a separate process and done annually by the individual/unit.
How will membership renewal work?
All members will be sent an email 60 days out from their anniversary month. Upon joining, the person will be asked to enter their Credit Card information and then in future years the renewal will be an “opt-out” process similar to a subscription or recurring gift. You will be reminded of your membership expiring and you can opt-out, renew your membership or the unit will have the ability to pay for their members.
How will the unit leadership know who is due to renew and who has renewed in their unit?
Both youth and adult leaders will be included in email notifications to the unit Key-3 monthly as to who is due to renew and who has renewed. In addition, the roster in Scoutbook and My.Scouting will indicate the registration status of the member.
What happens if someone’s email bounces and is undeliverable?
Email notifications are sent to the individual, Charter Organization Representative (COR), Committee Chair, and the Key Leader (Cubmaster/Scoutmaster/Advisor/Skipper); the unit should be able to identify that an individual is due to renew and can work with the individual to complete their renewal. Units are encouraged to update email contact information in Scoutbook. Should someone miss this process the council can pull a Non-Renewed Membership Report in My.Scouting.
Will the Council Registrar be notified when someone’s membership has ended due to lack of payment?
The council can run a Non-Renewed Membership Report and see expired youth and adults.
How will the “Unit Pays” option work and not double collect fees?
The unit will have the option to change the setting in My.Scouting which will tell the system that member renewals are due, and the unit will pay for it, like many units do today with recharter. The unit would have a Credit Card or ACH pre-set and each month membership fees are due; they would automatically be paid. A “pay at the council office” option will also be available. This will only be for renewals, not new members. The unit will have an “opt-out” option to not renew a member too.
After the two months of email notifications, a Scout/Adult does not have their registration paid for by the individual or the unit, will the unit leader and individual get contacted stating that they can no longer participate?
There will be a one-month lapse period and then the Scout/Adults will be dropped. A notification will go to the individual/parent and the unit indicating that the person is dropped.
Will a Scout be covered by insurance if they still show up to meetings after their registration period expired for lack of payment?
It is important that all youth be registered in a timely manner. This ensures coverage for both general liability insurance and secondary accident and sickness insurance. All youth participating in BSA programs are covered by insurance. A Scout must register to continue participation in the program.
A member is a month late with their annual membership renewal...will they need to complete another application to “rejoin”?
There is a one-month lapse period. Those who fail to register will need to complete a new application for membership.
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