Hoosier Trails Council | Boy Scouts of America

Council News

Special Popcorn Campaign to Address BSA Registration Fee Increase

Earn Extra Cash to Cover Un-foreseen Expense

The Boy Scouts of America announced a registration fee increase that will impact this year’s recharter cycle, youth registration increased to $60. We recognize the timing of this change may be hard for your unit and Scouting families to address and do apologize for the short notice. Although the timing is not optimal, the new membership fee ($1.15 per week) is still a bargain for what our movement provides in outcomes.

In support of our units and families that may need additional funds to pay for the newly announced BSA fees, the Hoosier Trails Council is offering an opportunity for units to sell popcorn in November through a special sale.

Sign me up to participate in this Special Sale.

BSA Registration Fee Increase

Yesterday the Boy Scouts of America announced a registration fee increase that will impact this year’s recharter cycle, the entire communication is shared below. We recognize the timing of this change may be hard for your unit and Scouting families to address and do apologize for the short notice. Please know that local councils were provided the option to tack on an additional insurance fee to help cover expenses that the council absorbs; however, we opted to keep the fee as low as possible and to continue to not pass along this expense to our members. Although the timing is not optimal, the new membership fee is still a bargain for what our movement provides in outcomes.

Notice of Boy Scouts of America Fee Increase

"For more than 100 years, Scouting has helped build future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun and adventure in the outdoors. At Boy Scouts of America, we are dedicated to developing leaders of character by preparing young men and women for life by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The timeless ideals of the Scout Law, such as being trustworthy, helpful, kind and brave, make up the foundation young people need to address and overcome challenges in their lives and the issues facing their generation.

Now as we continue the Scouting mission, it is important that we keep pace with an ever-changing world. While costs to the organization have increased every year, the Boy Scouts of America has worked to keep the annual membership fee as low as possible by subsidizing core costs, including liability insurance we must carry to cover all official Scouting activities. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to subsidize at the level we have in the past, especially as the cost of insurance has increased dramatically. We kept the cost low to make Scouting available to as many young people as possible but keeping the cost artificially low for many years now magnifies the impact of changes.

To ensure we have the resources to fulfill the promise of Scouting despite increasing operating costs, the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America has made the difficult but necessary decision to increase the annual membership fee effective January 1, 2020 to:

$60 for youth members in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts,
$36 for youth members in Exploring, and
$36 for adult members

Every dollar of the national membership fee will go toward the cost of essential services, including liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, program resources, safety standards, youth protection and personal safety training, and services to councils nationwide to sustain Scouting. The National organization will also continue to develop and improve resources that support our volunteers and youth members such as online registration, Member Care and Scoutbook, which now includes the Den Leader experience to ensure the safe and consistent delivery of Cub Scouting; as well as improvements aimed at simplifying the annual renewal process.

Across the country and in our own community, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make to support young men and women today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow. From once-in-a-lifetime adventures to merit badges that spark interests and future careers; from campouts under the stars to service projects that leave a lasting impact on our communities; Scouting’s year-round program expands horizons and provides young people with a safe and welcoming place to learn, grow, and thrive.

That is why we are committed to ensuring that all youth can experience the character-building benefits of Scouting regardless of their financial situation. In addition to our existing council and unit membership assistance, we have established a national Growing Future Leaders Fund, which is funded entirely through donations, to provide additional financial support to those who need it."

November - January Trail Signs

The current council newsletter is at the printers; however, you can access it now online!

E-news is a Great Way to Stay Informed

Each month we send an E-news Blast out that makes it easy to stay on top of all your HTC information and happenings. To be added to the E-news distribution list, click here.

Platinum Journey to Excellence

We are happy to announce the 2018 Platinum Journey to Excellence achievers and the 2019 program standards and recognitions. Check it out!

Major Gifts Initiative

We have added content to our MGI webpage, including site plans, project spec sheets, building drawings, an MGI newsletter and more. Check it out. Scout units can participate in the investments in our camps, an Adopt a Campsite option has been made available, through which a Scout unit or individual can commit to a gift of support, payable over three years. Special recognition will be posted in the campsite. Presently four such shelters are being installed at MSR. Get more details on this opportunity.

Order of the Arrow Dues

Brothers in the OA can now pay their 2019 Lodge Dues conveniently here to remain in good standing in the Brotherhood of Cheerful Service.