Membership Resources
Effective January 1, 2026
Scouting America provides an online process for member, council fee, and unit renewals. Below are several resources to help ensure a smooth and efficient renewal experience. All units and members currently registered with Scouting America must complete this process annually.
Key Changes to 2026 Membership Fees
Beginning January 1, 2026, the Buffalo Trace Council will implement a new annual Council fee for each registered youth member of Scouting America.
The Council fee of $80 will take effect as part of the annual renewals and new memberships in 2026. This change is necessary because program expenses are outpacing revenues.
The Q&A below provides additional details, but in short, this fee is essential to sustain the programming and administrative support required to deliver quality Scouting experiences. Most other councils already have similar fees in place, and we delayed this step as long as possible.
Annual Membership Fees
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Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing participants: $85 national fee + $80 council fee
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Adult Volunteers: $65 national fee
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Merit Badge Counselors: $25 national fee (applies only to those not already registered as leaders)
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Exploring Youth and Adult Participants: $50 national fee
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Unit Charter/Affiliation Fee: $100 national fee
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Scout Life Magazine Subscription: $15 yearly subscription
What are the Benefits?
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Streamlined Process: Separating membership renewal simplifies the renewal process for both units and individual members.
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Focus on Unit Operations: The renewal process now focuses on ensuring the unit itself is prepared for the coming year.
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Flexibility for Membership: Members have more control over their membership.
Safeguard Youth Training (S.A.F.E. Training)
Safeguard Youth Training (S.A.F.E. Training) is required for each adult on the unit charter, and all adults registered in Scouting in the Buffalo Trace Council must maintain current S.A.F.E. Training certification and must be taken every year. Be sure all adults have current S.A.F.E. Training certification before you start charter renewal. In addition, every new Adult Application must include a S.A.F.E. Training Certificate.
You will not be able to complete your charter renewal if any registered adult has expired S.A.F.E. Training certification. Training can be completed online through my.scouting.org
Membership Renewal Fees
The membership period is from the first of the month in which the member originally joined to the last day of the month twelve months later. For example, if a new member joined on 8/7/2024, then their membership period will be 8/1/2024 through 7/31/2025 (the first day of the month they registered through the last day of the month twelve months later).
Members will get renewal notices by email starting sixty days prior to expiration date. The notification email messages will occur forty-five days and then thirty days before the membership expiration date.
Members must renew their memberships on or before their membership expiration date!
There is a sixty-day lapse period from the membership expiration date. The membership is suspended during this time. Adults cannot serve as leaders and youth are unable to work on advancement. The membership will be canceled if not renewed by lapse period. The member will need to submit a new application in order to join Scouting again.
We understand that these changes may impact your family’s budgeting for Scouting activities. We are committed to supporting all families in our community and ensuring that every youth has the opportunity to experience the values and adventures of Scouting.
Each year, we are able to provide support to families in need for financial assistance from
donors and community fundraisers; we strongly encourage the unit and families to participate in
the annual popcorn sale and annual giving campaign. Please note – while we strive to meet all
the needs of our families, we cannot guarantee that the full amount requested will be approved.
Financial Assistance Resources
The Buffalo Trace Council is committed to making Scouting available to all youth.
To help ensure there are sufficient funds to help all youth enjoy Scouting, we encourage units to participate in the Annual Popcorn Sale, Friends of Scouting Campaign, etc. Because there are a limited amount of funds available each year, we cannot guarantee that every youth that applies for this program will receive assistance.
Please allow 2- 3 weeks for processing, we appreciate your patience.
Unit and Membership Renewal
Scouting America provides an online process for member and unit renewals. Below are several resources to help ensure a smooth and efficient renewal experience. All units and members currently registered with Scouting America must complete this process annually.
Orientation Video: Unit and Membership Renewal
Membership and Unit Renewal Process
Unit renewal and member renewal are no longer be one and the same. Membership is now a set 12 month term from the time of registering regardless of when the unit renews. Youth and adult leader membership are separated from the unit renewal.
Unit Renewal
Steps
Login
At My.Scouting.org and go to Organization Manager (Unit Leader, Committee Chair, Chartered Organization Representative, or COR designee have access).
Click on "Unit Renewal" on the menu
Validate
Information
Review Information
Make any necessary changes.
Enter your name in the signature field
Pay and Submit
The Annual Charter Agreement is mandatory and must be obtained outside of the electronic process. After completing the updated charter agreement, please file it in the unit's records at the council office.
You can view the recording of our 2024 Unit Renewal Zoom training here. (Skip to about 1:20.)
Individual Renewal
Steps
Login
At My.Scouting.org
Select the Notice
Icon
Found in the top right corner
Select pop up
option
"Registration for John Doe is expiring soon, click here to renew."
Review Information
Select "Go To Payment"
**Does not apply with Financial Assistance
Agree to the Terms and Conditions
Confirm/ Edit Scout Life Subscription
Enter/ Confirm Credit Card Information
**Subject to a 3% Processing Fee
Select "Place Order"
Select "Complete Registration"
If Scout is applying for assistance, processing must be completed at Council. Assistance Form must be filled out completely and submitted with a renewal form signed by the Scout Leader.