The annual unit renewal process is an important part of maintaining your unit’s good standing. Unfortunately, a few common errors can significantly delay approval.
Review These Items Before Submission
Institutional Head (IH): Ensure your Institutional Head or Executive Officer is correctly listed. If there has been a leadership change within your chartered organization, update your records before renewal.
Training Requirements: Certain leadership positions must be fully trained for renewal processing. New leaders should provide training certificates as part of the renewal package. Direct-contact leaders must also maintain current Hazardous Weather Training.
Pennsylvania Clearances: All adult volunteers should verify that their PA State Clearances are current and will not expire soon.
Membership and Leadership Requirements: Units should confirm that they have:
- At least five renewed youth members
- All required leadership positions renewed
- An active Charter Organization Representative
- An active Executive Officer listed on the charter
These requirements are necessary for successful renewal processing.
Signatures Matter: Review all paperwork before submission and ensure the Annual Charter Agreement contains signatures from the Institutional Head, Committee Chair, Charter Organization Representative, and District Executive.
Renew On Time
For most units, renewal expiration occurs on December 31. Units that do not complete renewal by their expiration date may lose access to Scoutbook and online youth applications. Early preparation is the best way to ensure a smooth and timely renewal process.
A key item of note for this year is that there is no lapse period for unit renewals. What that means is that if your unit is not posted by January 1, it will be dropped. You will want to get these in the sooner the better.
Our District’s Unit Renewal Turn In Day will be on Saturday, December 5 at Newville First Church of God, 475 Shippensburg Rd, Newville, PA from 9 am to 12 pm.
For additional guidance, visit the National Unit Renewal resources at scouting.org.
