Strong programs start with sustainable support. The FAQs below explain how the Council’s program fee helps deliver an exceptional Scouting experience for every family.
How Much Is the Council Program Fee?
Beginning March 1, 2026, the Program Fee is:
- $40 per youth member (new registrations and renewals)
- No Program Fee for adult volunteers
When is the Program Fee Collected?
The Program Fee is collected at the time of registration or renewal through the Scouting America online registration system. Applications submitted to the council service center must include the Program Fee to be accepted.
Members will pay the fee on their individual renewal (anniversary) date.
Is this fee in addition to the National Membership Fee?
Yes.
The National Membership Fee is established by Scouting America and supports national operations and insurance. The Council Program Fee is separate and remains local to support Scouting within the New Birth of Freedom Council.
What is the Council Program Fee?
The Program Fee is a local council fee that supports the delivery of Scouting across the New Birth of Freedom Council.
This fee helps fund:
- Camping operations and maintenance
- Council-wide program events and activities
- Membership growth and community outreach
- Volunteer and unit support services
- Administrative infrastructure
Why has the Council adopted this Program Fee?
The Council’s Executive Board adopted the Program Fee to provide a stable and sustainable source of local funding for Scouting.
The National Membership Fee paid to Scouting America does not support local council operations. In the past, the Council relied on a credit-based system tied to fundraising participation to offset these costs, but that model was no longer viable with a smaller professional staff to administer it.
This modest fee helps ensure the Council can maintain strong camps, support volunteers and units, deliver quality programs, and continue pursuing its strategic goal of remaining financially independent while serving youth across our communities.
Is the Program Fee prorated is someone joins mid-year?
No.
Under the national 12-month rolling registration system, each membership is valid for 12 months from the date of registration. The Program Fee applies to that full membership term.
Are adult volunteers charged a Program Fee?
No.
Adult volunteers are not charged a Program Fee. National registration fees still apply.
Is there a maximum Program Fee for families with multiple Scouts?
Yes.
To support larger families, the council has established a family cap on Program Fees. A household will be charged the Program Fee for no more than three youth members. Any additional Scouts from the same family will not be charged the council Program Fee.
Will Scouts who transfer from Arrow of Light to Scouts BSA be assessed a Program Fee?
No.
Scouts who transition from the Arrow of Light program into a Scouts BSA troop during their current membership year will not be charged an additional Program Fee. Their existing membership and program fee coverage will continue through their current renewal date.
Do units have flexibility in how they handle Program Fee collection?
Yes. Units have flexibility in how they manage the Program Fee with their families. Common approaches include:
- Parents pay individually when completing their Scout’s registration or renewal in the online system
- Parents pay the unit, and the unit submits the registration and Program Fee payment on the family’s behalf
- The unit covers the Program Fee through its budget using funds raised through unit fundraising activities
- The unit reimburses families after they pay the fee using available unit funds
Each unit can determine the approach that works best for its families and financial structure.
What if a family cannot afford the Program Fee?
The Council is committed to ensuring that no youth is denied the opportunity to participate due to financial hardship.
Financial assistance is available. Families can apply for financial assistance online and confidentially by using this link.
Does the Program Fee replace Friends of Scouting?
No.
The Friends of Scouting campaign remains a critical source of support for council and camp operations, mission growth, program expansion, and long-term financial stability.
Where does the Program Fee stay?
All Council Program Fee revenue remains within the New Birth of Freedom Council and directly supports local Scouting operations and services.
Where does the National Membership Fee go?
The National Membership Fee is set and collected by Scouting America and primarily supports services provided at the national level, including:
- National liability insurance and risk management
- Youth protection systems and background checks
- Program development and advancement infrastructure
- Technology platforms such as registration systems and Scoutbook
- National training resources and program materials
- Administration of the national organization
Does the Council keep any portion of the National Membership Fee?
No.
Local councils, including the New Birth of Freedom Council, do not keep any portion of the National Membership Fee. The entire amount goes to Scouting America.
Who initiated this change?
This change was recommended by the Council’s District Chairs and District Commissioners, along with the Council Commissioner and Vice President – District Operations, after detailed discussions about the Council’s long-term financial sustainability and ability to support our units. These discussions also included the challenges surrounding the previous credit-based approach to collecting program fees.
Their recommendation was brought to the Council’s Executive Board, which ultimately approved the Program Fee.
Do Other Councils Charge Program Fees?
This approach is consistent with many other councils in Pennsylvania and across the country, which already charge a direct council program fee as part of annual membership registration. In many cases, those fees exceed $40 per Scout and may also apply to adult volunteers.
