Unit and Member Renewal
Understanding the renewal process in Scouting America can be complex, especially with the recent shift toward separating individual memberships from unit charters.
To clarify, there are three distinct components or steps in the Annual process:
1. Membership Renewals (The Individual)
This is the process for a Scout or Adult Leader to renew their individual membership. Most memberships are now on a rolling 12-month basis based on the join date, rather than being tied to the unit's recharter month. The individual or family is responsible for paying these national dues directly. Members receive email notifications 60, 30, and 15 days before expiration. However, we understand that some units have decided to manage this step for their individual members.
2. Unit Renewals (The Group)
This is the process by which a Pack, Troop, Crew, or Ship confirms it is an active, functioning entity. This ensures the unit has the minimum required number of leaders and Scouts to continue operating. There is an annual $100 Unit Charter Fee paid to the National Council, typically due on the unit's specific anniversary date. At the end of this step, the unit will receive its annual charter agreement certificate.
3. Annual Charter Agreements (The Partnership)
This is the formal agreement between the local Council and the Chartered Organization (the church, school, or civic group that sponsors the unit). This document defines the relationship and responsibilities of both parties and requires a signature from the Executive Officer and the Chartered Organization Representative (COR). Without this signed agreement, a unit does not have the legal authority to use the Scouting program.
You can find the Unit Charter Org Agreement Form Here
The only membership affecting your recharter is making sure you have a minimum of 5 key leadership roles which are:
- Scoutmaster or Cubmaster
- A Committee Chair
- A Charter Organization Rep,
- and 2 Committee members.
All leaders on your roster must have Current Youth Protection Training.
Important ALL leaders on your roster must have Current Safeguarding Youth Training(Formerly Youth Protection Training) Scouting America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in Scouting America is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders.
Safeguarding Youth training is required for all Scouting America registered volunteers and is a joining requirement.
- Safeguarding Youth training must be taken every year. If a volunteer’s Safeguarding Youth training is not current at the time of annual registration renewal, the volunteer will not be re-registered.