We had previously notified you last month that the Boy Scouts of America had informed local councils that a membership fee increase for youth and adult members was likely. Today, the National Executive Board decided to increase annual membership fees, effective January 1, 2020, as follows: $60 for youth members in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA,...

Earlier this week, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America notified all local councils that a membership fee increase for youth members and adult leaders is likely.  These new fees would take effect as of January 1, 2020.  This anticipated change is due to the significant cost increase of the liability insurance the...

To the New Birth of Freedom Council Scouting Family, Earlier this week, I was incredibly saddened to hear the news that Jack Carr, former Scout Executive of the Keystone Area Council and the first Director of Development for the New Birth of Freedom Council, has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.   Jack,...

School’s back in session (or will be very soon), but here are two pieces of news to soften the blow. One: Fall, with its perfect camping weather, might be the greatest Scouting season of all. And two: The BSA is having a uniform sale. Yes, beginning August 19, the Scout Shop is offering a not-to-be-missed...

This article originally appeared on the BSA’s Bryan on Scouting blog on April 6, 2015 The BSA’s Youth Protection guidelines prohibit one-one-one contact between adults and youth members. That much you know. But in a world where an increasing number of our communications are digital, how does that rule apply? That was the question from Matthew S., a...

At the New Birth of Freedom Council’s Annual Business meeting on Tuesday, May 21, William F. McQuade was elected as Council President, succeeding Dr. Kevin H. Mosser in that role. In his professional life, Bill recently accepted a new position as Vice President Sector Service for the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), based in Arlington,...

May 1, 2019 Fellow Scouters, Given the news coverage last week regarding the Boy Scouts of America’s efforts to protect our youth members from all forms of abuse, I wanted to share some information on this critical responsibility that may help you address concerns or questions that you or others may have.  First, nothing is...

The New Birth of Freedom Council is excited to announce that on Saturday, May 4, we will be recognizing five new Silver Beaver recipients at the Council’s Volunteer Recognition Banquet and District Receptions at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg. Richard Hess – Chartered Organization Representative for Pack and Troop 51; Assistant District Commissioner, Pioneer District...

By now, many of you have probably seen or heard the recent news reports speculating that the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America (“National BSA”) is considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which allows reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States. National BSA has shared with all local councils that...

Scoutbook is the BSA’s online unit management tool and helps Scouts, parents and leaders track advancement and milestone achievement along the way. Scoutbook will be free to all BSA units starting January 1, 2019 and we want to help your unit prepare to access Scoutbook’s powerful features, which are available on any device.   We’re...