LHC Fee

The LHC Fee went into effect August 1, 2023, and provides a more equitable funding method for our Scouting families. Scouting members pay for the LHC Fee annually along with the National BSA membership fees and will receive services and support to include, but not limited to, the following outlined below.

What does the LHC Fee Cover?

Medical, liability, accident, sickness, and driver insurance for members participating in approved Scouting activities, program development, training resources, youth protection training, PA state clearances and background checks, required adult leader training (BALOO & IOLS), fee-free event registration systems, access to the LHC flag rental program, professional Scouting staff support, access to the Merit Badge Counselor directory, adult leader awards and recognition, member rate access to our 6 LHC properties, coordination of 100+ Scouting activities each year, Eagle Scout Project paperwork processing and recognition at the event, plus so much more!

What is my investment?

Scout Fee

(New Scouts and Scouts already members of BSA)

$143

Paid yearly at anniversay joining month
National Fee ($85)
LHC Fee ($58)
Scout Life Magazine ($15 additional)

Adult Member Fee

(All Registered Adults)

$80

Paid upon joining/anniversary renewal
National Fee ($65)
LHC Fee ($15)
Scout Life Magazine ($15 additional)

*National Membership fees renew annually on the anniversary of the joining month. For those members who are already registered in the Scouting program, membership renewal will occur in December during the charter renewal cycle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When did the LHC Fee start?

The LHC fee, like the National fee will be an annual fee, payable in the anniversary month of joining. For those already in the program, those fees are due prior to the end of December 2023.

What is the cost of the LHC Fee?

Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts: $58 per calendar year. Adult volunteers and Explorers: $15 per. This is in addition to National Membership Fees.

Is the LHC Fee Required?

Yes, all youth and adults in the will be charged for the LHC Fee upon registration.

What if my family has more than 1 Scout plus adults who are registered?

All Scouts and registered adults are required to pay the LHC Fee. However, if families are in need of financial assistance they may apply for Membership Assistance through the Laurel Highlands Council.

What if my family cannot afford the cost of the LHC Fee and National Membership Fee?

All Scouts have the opportunity to participate in the annual Popcorn Fundraiser to offset the costs of Scouting. Families also have the opportunity to request assistance through our Membership Assistance Program which has limited resources to assist families with participation fees.

Does the United Way fund the Scouting program?

Local United Way allocations continue to decrease year after year. In 2022, United Way funding represented only 1% of revenue.

Will the LHC hold a Scouting 365 Campaign?

Yes. The Scouting 365 Campaign raises funds to help families that need assistance. We will invite all families to contribute to the annual campaign through mail, email, social media. In addition, we will conduct an annual Community Campaign to invite alumni, businesses, and other groups to contribute to support a strong Scouting program in the Laurel Highlands Council.

How will this change the popcorn sale?

The LHC Fee will not effect the popcorn sale as this annual fundraiser helps Scouts and units fund their Scouting program. Profits from the popcorn sale can also help to increase the membership assistance fund and its ability.

How can Scouts fund their own adventure?

Scouts can participate in the annual popcorn sale to fund their own adventure. By selling Trail’s End popcorn, 70% of costs come back to local Scouting units.

How will the LHC Fee be collected?

It will be collected via the internet recharter system when units pay their annual charter in Fall for the following calendar year. Units will collect the fees when collecting the National BSA Membership Fee. For new Scouts or adults register after August 1, they will pay their fees through the reregistration system during their anniversary month. Families will receive notification of the membership fees being due 60 days prior to their membership renewal date.

Do adults serving in district and council positions also pay the LHC Fee?

Yes, all registered adult leaders are required to pay the LHC Fee.

Do Merit Badge and NOVA/Super Nova Counselors pay the LHC Fee?

Merit Badge and NOVA/Super NOVA Counselors do not pay the LHC Fee. These registered counselors will only pay the National Fee.

Do transfer adults and youth pay the LHC Fee?

Yes. All adults and youth registering in the Laurel Highlands Council will be required to pay the LHC Fee.

Can we request a refund if we transfer our of LHC?

No. The LHC Fee has many benefits, many of which may be used prior to your transfer.

What is driving the youth and adult National 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 National Membership Fee for youth and adults? Will the fees go up again?

The new adult membership fee is $65, and the youth membership fee is $85 annually.
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 benefits and services are provided to the local council with the new National fee?

Expanded GLIP protections for Chartered Organizations and volunteers.
Enhanced Criminal Background checks.
Investments in BSA safety resources and training.
The employment of a new Youth Protection Executive and support staff.
The National Council provides the following essential services to councils:

The use of BSA Intellectual Property – Youth Safety, Cub Scouts, Scouts, BSA, Venturing, Camp Standards, Training and Program development etc.
Legal
Human Resources
Information Technology – Rechartering, Scout Book
Accounting Resources
Council Services Support
Membership & Marketing Support
Crisis Communications and support
Safety & Membership Standards Support
A variety of training support for youth and adult leaders
Health Insurance & Benefits

What benefits and services are provided to the unit with the new National fee?

Expanded General Liability Insurance protections for the chartered organization and unit leaders in the event of an incident.
Program research and development including, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring.
Access to Youth Protection Training, Incident Reporting and Scouts First Helpline: 1- 844-Scouts1.
Access to leadership specific training for adult leaders.
Investments in program literature and resource development.
Ability to purchase Uniforms, Insignia and Recognition for youth and Adults.
Provides access to Membership, Marketing, and Brand Center resources.
Provides important technology support including Scout Book, on-line registration, on-line advancement, and rechartering, My. Scouting, BeAScout, and BSA Brand Center for digital assets.
Access to the four BSA High Adventure Properties including Philmont Scout Ranch, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier High Adventure Base, and the Summit Bechtel Reserve.

LHC + National fee