Council Program Fee

The New Birth of Freedom Council is committed to delivering a safe, high-quality Scouting program to every youth and family we serve. To support that commitment, the Council has implemented a $40 annual program fee per Scout, collected at the time of registration through Scouting America.

This change was recommended by the Council’s volunteer leadership—including District Chairs and Commissioners—after evaluating long-term sustainability and operational capacity.

Why This Change?

The previous credit-based system, which allowed units to offset fees through participation in Friends of Scouting and product sales, became increasingly difficult to administer with reduced staff and limited resources.

The new program fee:

• Provides a simple, consistent funding model
• Reduces administrative burden on units and volunteers
• Aligns with practices used by many other councils
• Supports long-term sustainability of local Scouting programs

What You Need to Know

• $40 per Scout annually
• No fee for adults
• Maximum of three Scouts charged per family
• One fee per Scout, even if registered in multiple programs
• Collected during the Scouting America registration process

Financial Assistance

No Scout will be turned away due to financial need. Assistance remains available for families who require support.

National and Unit Fees

• The Council program fee is separate from the National membership fee
• The Council does not retain any portion of the National fee
• Units may charge dues for their own activities and are encouraged to continue fundraising

This approach allows the Council to focus time and resources on what matters most—supporting units and delivering a high-quality Scouting experience.