Dear Scouting family,

We received the following very important message from our national council and wanted to share it with you in its entirety. 

BSA’s emergence from bankruptcy represents a pivotal milestone in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)’s financial restructuring case and solidifies a path forward for survivors and the Scouting movement.

To preserve its mission, the BSA has had to take some extraordinary steps over the past three years to reposition the organization for the future. The BSA has streamlined its professional staff and volunteer structure, reducing costs throughout the movement while maintaining essential services to support the local councils who were critical partners during the bankruptcy.

To position Scouting for the future, the BSA will be required to increase the national annual membership fees for both youth and adults. This has been a difficult decision that involved the engagement of key stakeholders, but is essential to building a strong, safe, and vibrant Scouting program for our nation’s youth.

Effective August 1, 2023, the BSA will implement the following national membership fees which were approved by the National Executive Committee:

• $80 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting participants ($5 increase)
• $60 for all adult volunteers ($15 increase to provide general liability insurance and enhanced background checks) 
• $25 one-time joining fee for new program participants in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouting (Not prorated and no change in fee)
• $30 for Scoutreach (Not prorated)
• $25 for Merit Badge Counselors (New Fee applies only for Merit Badge Counselors not already registered as leaders)
• $50 for Exploring participants Youth & Adult ($5 increase)
• $100 for a unit charter/affiliation fee (no change in fee)
• $15 for Scout Life magazine

New Annual Membership Fee Process Announced – BSA Will No Longer Prorate Fees for New Members beginning August 1, 2023

Beginning August 1, 2023, all new youth and adult members who join Scouting will be enrolled in a 12-month membership cycle and BSA will cease prorating fees. Both youth and adults will pay the full annual membership fee and will renew their membership on the anniversary date of joining Scouting. All proration of membership fees will be eliminated. Each registered member of the BSA will receive an email notice with a registration renewal link beginning 60 days before the anniversary date they joined Scouting. Unit leaders will receive a copy of the email and should stay engaged in the membership renewal process just like rechartering.

It is important to note, existing members will renew their membership during their normal registration/recharter cycle through March 2024. Moving forward all members will renew on their anniversary date.

• Existing members’ Anniversary date will be their unit recharter month.
• New members’ Anniversary date will be the month they joined.

This new process will help streamline the rechartering and membership renewal process for units and councils. Additional information on this membership renewal process will be forthcoming in the very near future.

Rules and Regulations – Local Council Annual Registration or Program Fees

Under the Rules and Regulations of the BSA, a local council may charge an annual registration or program fee to youth members, adult program participants and Scouters whose primary registration is with the council in an amount not to exceed the amount of the applicable individual registration fee for their position established by the Executive Committee. In the new Annual Membership fee structure, a local council may charge a maximum of $80 per youth and $60 per adult.

What does the National Membership Fee cover?

The national membership fee helps cover the cost of essential services to the local council and units. Services include expanded liability insurance for those participating in approved Scouting activities, enhanced criminal background checks, a variety of program resources, youth protection and leader-specific training, and the development of intellectual property for national, council, and unit programs. As BSA moves forward, the organization will continue to look at the membership fee structure and how we deliver the Scouting program for future generations.

Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Scouting remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in youth today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow. Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Scouting families make this possible. Thank you for continuing to support one of the most valuable opportunities available to young people today.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 new adult membership fee is $60, and the youth membership fee is $80 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 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 registration 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.

Mayflower Council understands that you may have more questions, and we will welcome them at our Summer Membership Roundtable Series taking place in the coming months. You can register by clicking the date for July 11 and August 16.

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer 2023. As such, the Mayflower Council Service Center will soon switch to a “Camping Season” schedule.

Our Service Center in Milford, Massachusetts, will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day.

After that, and through Labor Day, the Service Center will be by appointment only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday and Thursday. Many of our unit and membership service personnel will be visiting communities and camps throughout the summer, so chances are you can catch up with us much closer to home.

Find a listing and email any of our council primary contacts via this page.

Adam Fabion paces Pack 56.

A proud Eagle Scout, Adam Fabion of Pack 56 in Holdbrook returned to Scouting when his son joined Cub Scouts as a Tiger. 

Of course, Adam immediately became a den leader and started helping to plan the Pack events. Moreover, like many adults in Scouting, Mr. Fabion loves taking the kids hiking and exploring in the woods. 

Now that his daughter is also a Cub Scout, Adam again became a den leader and continues to work hard to create unforgettable experiences for the Scouts of Pack 56.

However, Adam’s commitment to Scouting hasn’t stopped with the Cubs in his den and pack – he is also the Committee Chair for Troop 56 and an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 13 G. 

Thank you for all your hard work, Adam! Den leaders like you light the way for the next generation of Scouts.

What Does Mayflower Council Do For Units & Scout Families?

To help unit leaders, the council maintains a service center with administrative staff to:

• Assist with online registrations, Scout Life subscriptions, and initiate special requests to the National Service Center and other organizations.
• Maintain a supply of literature, insignia, forms, certificates, etc., needed by the leader to carry on the unit’s program.
• Keep records of advancement, membership, training, etc. necessary to unit operation.
• Publish a weekly newsletter to keep leaders informed of the latest local and national Scouting news, coming events, etc.
• Produce notices, minutes, agendas, etc., for district and council committees that are developing programs for leader and unit benefit.
• Handle inquiries and visitors to our service center for information related to unit operation and Scouting procedures.
• Provide a myriad of forms, applications, certificates and literature helpful in the unit program.
• Produce district and council calendars and schedules, programs, kits and special aids to assist leaders and their committees.
• Manage reservations for long-term camping, short-term camps, camporees, jamborees, high adventure bases, training courses, meetings, annual council and district meetings, troop leader and den leader events.

To protect the unit leader, the council:

• Maintains a liability policy for the protection of all leaders and chartered organizations.
• Maintains accident and sickness insurance policy for all registered youth and leaders.
• Screens requests for services and money earning proposals, guarding against improper use of Scouting for commercialism and exploitation.
• Has staff members available on what is practically an around-the-clock, around-the-calendar basis to meet any emergency.
• Manages and processes Criminal Offender Records Inquiry (CORI) checks
• Provides assistance with any Youth Protection issues that may arise.

To help the leader develop unit program, the council provides without charge:

• Program helps, calendar of activities, meetings and special events.
• Awards, such as ribbons, certificates, recruiting awards, etc.
• Recruitment supplies including posters, fliers, digital targeted advertising and other materials.
• Sample ceremonies, parent’s night program outlines, training aids, etc.
• Source materials and personnel.
• Materials, books, pamphlets, folders, videos and special helps from the National Council and cooperating organizations.

In the field of camping and outdoor activities, the council:

• Maintains three Scout camps, with a total of 1,500 acres, for year-round camping and Cub Scout family outdoor events. Our Scout camps serve as year-round activities, camping and training centers.
• Offers units the use of equipment for short-term, weekend, and year-round camping.
• Covers costs of camp improvement, repairs, replacement, maintenance, insurance and administration. These and other charges are not paid for by Scout’s fees.
• Employs full-time camp rangers for the protection of the Scout camps and the convenience of units using facilities. They keep these facilities ready and available for unit and family use.
• Provides campers’ early-bird savings discounts, unit leaders’ guidebook, camp videos, literature and other aids to help units with their program.
• Provides scholarships or “camperships” for Scouts who need some financial help to have a summer camp experience.
• Offers units and individual youth access to high-adventure bases like Philmont Scout Ranch, Northern Tier and Sea Base, national jamborees, field days, camporees and other special events. These would not exist without the council giving leadership and coordination.

In educational and relationship building programs, the council provides the leader with:

• A library of videos, digital projectors and screens for use in training and promotional programs.
• Informal and formal training courses with most of the cost of literature and materials, etc., and all the staff time included in the council budget.
• Monthly roundtables for the benefit of leaders, committee persons, assistants, and den leaders, providing materials, staff and other costs.
• Scouter’s Key, training awards, Den Leader’s Training Award, Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit and other Scouter recognitions.
• A merit badge counselor corps in more than 130 subjects.
• A variety of advancement forms and certificates without charge.

Providing the unit with district and council activities and service, the council:

• Plans and conducts various types of activities in which units participate such as Freeze Out/Klondike Derby, Pinewood Derby and Scouting for Food.
• Organizes camporees, Cub Scout day camps, jamborees, high-adventure trips, absorbing some overhead costs to keep participants’ expenses to a minimum.
• Works with various community groups to arrange for Scout participation in civic affairs and Good Turn projects.
• Recruits and trains a corps of commissioners for assisting with unit program and maintaining standards.

To assist leaders, the council employs a trained full-time staff who counsel, guide and inspire:

• Through person-to-person counseling on unit relationships, administrative and operational challenges.
• Through guidance of all committees, commissioners, roundtables, meetings, conferences, courses, district and council activities in the development of programs that directly benefit leaders and units.
• Through contacts with the community resources (clubs, churches, government, etc.), secure help for all units that they alone could not obtain. The use of parks, recreational areas, use of buildings for special events, picnic areas, campsites, and meeting facilities are a few examples.

As part of our ongoing commitment to abuse prevention, the BSA is updating the adult supervision requirements for overnight activities.

In this workshop, we will discuss:

• Enhancements to the minimum “two deep leadership” requirements.
• The definition of an adult fee required position.
• Limited exceptions for Cub Scout Parents and Guardians.
• Scenarios and examples.
• Required date for policy adoption.

Dear Mayflower Families,

Thank you for your commitment to Scouting. We truly appreciate you being part of our council and an essential part of your local unit.

We know how important it is for a Scout (and a family) to be “thrifty.” Our non-profit organization looks to model that point of the Scout Law in everything we do. Moreover, like many, our leadership group felt the need to tighten the Scout belt over the last few years, to stem the tide of rising post-pandemic costs and inflation.

The Mayflower Council also works constantly to raise the bar and expand our program while remaining focused on ensuring its safety and high caliber. In order to maintain our commitment to quality, innovation, and safety, we will soon implement our first activities fee increase since 2021.

Effective August 1, the activity fee will increase from $36 to $48 per youth member. While we never like to raise our fees, we hope that this nominal increase — just an extra dollar per month — doesn’t burden your family too significantly.

We believe our program costs remain reasonable, especially considering the scope, quality, and safety of the Mayflower Council mission. But if this increase (or other circumstances) creates an unnecessary financial hurdle, please click here to learn about our financial aid opportunities.

Finally, if you have any questions about this or any other aspect of Scouting in the Mayflower Council, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Yours in Scouting,

Ian Johnson
Council President

Rich Carlson
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive / CEO

All districts are accepting nominations for District Award of Merit as well as recognitions for other outstanding Scouters:

Nomination for District Awards – due April 15

• Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, Venturing crew advisor, committee chair (for any unit) and charter organization representative of the year awards
• Unsung Hero Award – someone who goes above and beyond in the district.
• “Sparkplug” – each pack, troop, or crew can recognize one of their adult leaders for going above and beyond.

Nomination for the District Award of Merit – due April 15

The District Award of Merit is a council award presented by districts in the same manner that the Silver Beaver is a national
award presented by councils. The award is available to Scouters who render service of an outstanding nature at the district level. This nomination form must be sent via email to:  Mayflower Awards

The district will typically present the awards at the annual district recognition dinner.

In 2017 when her son Arnav earned Eagle, Sangeet Srikanth told fellow parents at his Troop 355 Newton Court of Honor: 

“It structures their lives and gives them the most valuable experience that even the best high school education cannot provide.”

“None of the experiences in Scouting can be measured in terms of letter grades, GPA, test scores – but you can witness and experience it everyday in your son’s life,” added Srikanth. “As a parent, I can attest that scouting makes parenting easier.

“But Scouting also does something no other activity can: It helps [children] develop a strong, positive moral character – it is integrity, courage, fortitude, honesty, loyalty, being fair and just; caring, trustworthy, and responsible.

“As a high school teacher, I can say that our education system does not teach several life values &  skills in classrooms; you learn them outdoors. 

“It is a latent collection of all these experiences that make them, in the end, self-reliant human beings!”

In his famous essay “Self-Reliance,” transcendalist philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said of boyhood education:

“The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.”

Over 180 years later, Emerson’s fellow philosopher Srikanth — who emigrated to the United States to achieve a Master’s Degree at Boston University — told the BSA’s official blog, “As a driven and motivated woman, I have been in pursuit of academic achievement all my school years.

“But after coming to the U.S. and getting exposed to a lot of activities that kids can get involved in, I wanted them to be holistically educated and not focus only on academics.”

Through Scouting, Sangeet, a recent addition to the Mayflower Council board, says her son and now her daughter Anishka have done just that and have tried much more than they would have solely in the classroom.

“Many scouting skills prepare them to face a challenge, learn teamwork, and plan ahead of time. And if things go wrong, they go wrong,” Srikanth recently told MayflowerBSA.org. “You bounce back and try to try a different way or a different thing.

“For example, when they’re doing an Eagle project, many things go differently than planned. The deadlines, the project proposal, and many aspects help them understand it’s not always as you plan; you must just be ready for things to change.” 

“And you should be willing to change and make newer plans because the old one doesn’t work anymore,” she said.

Of course, Scouting recently changed, too, just in time for Sangeet’s daughter Anishka to join Newton Troop 209G.

“Fortunately, the BSA started enrolling girls in 2019, and the next thing she did was enroll in Scouting,” said the elder Srikanth, who marveled at the maturity and confidence her daughter garnered through Scouts BSA. “She became accommodating but at the same time stood up for justice and started speaking for herself. 

“Her ability to differentiate and make correct choices helped her mature much faster than some of her peers.”

Through the eyes of her children and with her own Scouter’s eyes (Sangeet is also the Scoutmaster of Troop 209G), Srikanth recently enlarged her Scouting family – several hundred times over.

You see, Sangeet joined the Mayflower Council Board with a focus on Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI), and alongside peers across the BSA landscape, will look to ensure Scouting truly is for everyone.

Srikanth believes the national organization is moving closer to the truth of the Scout law through its inclusion initiatives.

“Now that we have started taking girls, it’s more diverse… including kids from different socioeconomic backgrounds, people of color,” she explained. 

“My son, I think, was the only South Asian child. But now I see many Indian families putting their kids into Scouting, whether a boy or a girl,” continued Mayflower’s Diversity Chair. “And I know quite a few families that I can proudly say got inspired by my talking to them in the last three years about how Scouting has shaped my son. 

“And I can definitely tell you that if my son were not in Scouts, with those seven years of Scouting and what it did for him, he would’ve been a completely different person in terms of his personality, taking up responsibilities, and being able to face failure,” she said. “In high school and college, he faced many failures, but he accepted failure and dealt with it much better than I did when I was his age.”

To that point, Sangeet believes Scouts give kids a safe space to try, fail, and try again.

“Failing in front of a boss, a team, or an office, or even in college, is scary,” explained Srikanth, whose son Arnav will soon graduate from the University of Illinois. “But if things have gone wrong [at times in] 5th, 6th, and 7th grade and in front of 20 other Scouts, they learn how to deal with it pretty fast.”

Today, and with those valuable experiences in mind, the new board member is ready to spread the message about the merits of Scouting to an ever-expanding group. Being independent, speaking up to themselves, and being able to go in front of an audience and present themselves are all skills developed through Scouting, explained the Scoutmaster. 

Meanwhile, the fun — especially fun found outdoors — remains a program highlight.

Seeing her children have experiences she did not makes Sangeet Srikanth want to give others the same opportunities.

“The camping and outdoor trips, outdoor experiences with the hiking and the swimming and all the activities that we do, [Arnav and Anishka] both have enjoyed and loved the outdoors,” she said. “I come from a background where I never had any of these [experiences]. I grew up in India and was raised in a very conservative time; there were not many things girls were allowed to do… There were so many restrictions. 

“So I had always wanted to do something adventurous but couldn’t,” she added. “When Scouting came my way, it was like living my life again through my kids.”

And Sangeet’s adventure continues! Look for more from Srikanth and Mayflower Council’s DEI work in the coming months.