We recognize membership frees come with many questions from our members, and we encourage you to ask them via email at ProgramFees@AlamoAreaBSA.org. As questions are received and answered, they will be added to these listed below:
What is driving the youth and adult membership fee increase?
--General Liability Insurance costs to protect volunteer leaders, staff, charter organizations, units, and youth.
--BSA restructuring costs.
--Enhanced Criminal Background check processes and investments in Youth protection and safety programs.
What steps has the National Service Center taken to manage costs?
--Completed a new staff structure and streamlined both the professional workforce and the volunteer structure, while maintaining essential services.
--Reduced the National staff workforce to support essential services.
--Reduced expenses throughout the National organization.
What is the new membership fee for youth and adults? Will the fees go up again?
The BSA will continue to evaluate the membership fees and keep our councils and unit leaders informed of any further changes to the fee structure.
What is the purpose of the Alamo Area Council’s Program Fee?
This new fee is being implemented out of necessity to meet the financial needs of the Alamo Area Council to provide adequate support for our local Scouting program and stabilize that portion of the budget.
Is the Council Program Fee in addition to the Boy Scouts of America National Registration Fees?
Yes. The National Fees go directly to the National Office. This Council Program Fee will stay here locally, providing for Scouting needs in the communities served by the Alamo Area Council. For more information about the BSA National Registration Fee, click here.
Are other Councils charging a Program fee?
Many Councils are following this funding model. Nearly all of them report that their membership prefers this model over one where units pause their program’s momentum to host a Give the Adventure type of unit presentation during the year.
When/how will fees be collected?
The Council Program Fee will be collected during the 2023 annual recharter process, and upon joining in future years. Program Fees will be prorated for new members who join during the calendar year. The Council program fee will be pro-rated on a monthly basis just as the BSA National Registration fee is prorated for members.
Who will be required to pay the Council Program Fee?
The Council Program Fee applies to youth participants in the following programs: Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts.
Do Explorers pay the Program Fee?
No. The Program Fee applies to youth participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, and Venture Scouts only.
Do Adult Volunteers pay the Program Fee?
No. The Program Fee does not apply to adults.
Is there a family discount rate?
Currently, the BSA does not offer a family membership option, though that is one thing they are looking into.
I have a Scout in multiple units within the council, will I have to pay the Council Program Fee for each unit my scout participates within?
No. The Council Program Fee is paid only each year per Scout, regardless of the number of units a scout is registered in.
We renewed our charter with several Arrow of Light members who will be bridging over into a neighboring Troop soon. Will they have to pay the Program Fee again when they start in the Troop?
No. If the Scout is registered with a unit within the Alamo Area Council when they cross over, then as with the BSA National Registration fee, there is no additional charge. This is true when moving from one unit to another no matter if it’s from Pack to Pack, Troop to Crew, or Pack to Troop, etc.
A Program Fee presents a hardship for my family. What should I do?
The council’s leadership does not want the Council Program Fee to become an undue financial hardship on any specific family. We are committed to making Scouting possible for the youth of the Alamo Area Council. The Council Program Fee may be reduced, for families based on individual needs, and we strongly encourage that you reach out to your District Commissioner or District Service Executive to discuss opportunities to meet this need. Families who find it difficult to satisfy the Council Program Fee, may also apply for a reduction in fees at by application, Fee reductions are limited, and stronger consideration will be given to families who demonstrate a commitment to paying their way through popcorn or other fundraising means.
Can I use my Popcorn and Adventure Card commissions toward these fees?
The Alamo Area Council provides these fundraising opportunities at a high commission rate for exactly the purpose of making Scouting affordable for families. Talk to your unit leaders about how your fundraising can apply to annual membership fees.
Is it too late to participate in the Popcorn Fundraiser?
The popcorn sales season is upon us! Visit the Popcorn Page or Email Popcorn@AlamoAreaBSA.org to get started.
Will chartering units need to provide a Scout’s proof of fee reduction when rechartering?
When your unit turns in its Annual Recharter information to the Service Center, a council member services team member will note which Scouts are in the process of accessing assistance. Should there be a balance remaining, your unit will be notified.
Do you have a question not answered here?
Send your questions to ProgramFees@AlamoAreaBSA.org.