National membership fee increase goes into effect January 1, 2020
A message from Twin Valley Council’s President, Commissioner and Scout Executive
We would like to thank you for your leadership and service to Scouting in south central Minnesota. The service you are providing is helping shape the future of our communities by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law in young people. Scouting teaches the leadership, communication, teamwork, and the character traits necessary to serve them throughout life and future vocation. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for you and the other 750+ volunteers serving 2,000+ Scouts throughout the Twin Valley Council.
As you are aware, the National Council has been evaluating the cost of delivering the Scouting program. A group of dedicated volunteers and professionals have been meeting to determine the best way forward. The increase in national registration fees is in large part caused by the increased cost of liability insurance that not only covers our charter partners but also our unit leadership for all Scouting events and activities.
The following national registration fee has been approved by the national executive board on October 23, 2019, to be effective January 1, 2020. (Please see FAQ from national for more information)
$60 for youth members in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing. ($5/month)
$36 for youth members in Exploring
$36 for adult members
$60 for unit charter fees
These updated fees will be reflected in the internet re-chartering system that will open November 1, 2019. In addition to the national registration fee, remember the Twin Valley Council also has a $6.00 insurance fee for a total fee of $66 for youth members in Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA and Venturing and $42 for youth members in Exploring and adults at re-charter.
We recognize the timing of this fee increase creates a strain on your unit’s budget and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. While we wish that the timing of this announcement gave you more forewarning, we hope you will understand that our National Council would not have pursued this path if it were not necessary to ensure the Boy Scouts of America can continue its mission to serve youth in the future.
The future of Scouting remains bright despite these increases in fees and the media attention our national organization may be receiving related to its financial restructuring.
A recent Tufts University study compared Cub Scouts to non-Scouts and found that Cub Scouts embrace positive social values more than non-Scouts. Cub Scouts who attend meetings regularly are more likely to show higher character attributes, and the longer the kids stays in the BSA program the more pronounced those character attributes become. Also, kids in Cub Scouts show significant increases in hopefulness, helpfulness, obedience, cheerfulness, kindness and trustworthiness. Even at home!
A Baylor University study of Scouting showed that adults who participated in Scouting, especially those who achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, are much more likely to volunteer their time with a church, vote, hold leadership positions in their community, have greater integrity and exhibit a strong work ethic. Adults who participated in Scouting are also more likely to engage in outdoor activities and exercise during adulthood.
Knowing the lasting and powerful impact of the programs and the fun that our Scouts have, there’s never been a better time for Scouting. Let’s keep them on the road to having fun, learning outdoor skills, and being the best versions of themselves in your Scouting program.
If you have additional questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Jeremiah Gaul Tim Adams Raymond W. Brauer
Council President Council Commissioner Scout Executive
Fee Communication FAQ – 10-23-19