Membership Fees & Scholarships

LAST REVIEWED 03/30/2026

While costs on many goods and services continue to rise, Scouting America has worked hard to keep membership fees as low as possible. These are the current fees as of January 1, 2026. Fees are typically updated annually on July 1.

Currently, the annual membership fee for Troop 137 is $500 due September 1 ($200 for AOL Crossover Scouts, who advance directly from a Troop after February). Any member joining after August 1, 2023, will have their membership fee due on their Anniversary Date (the day they joined). For all others, fees are due in September. Troop 137 pays the membership fee of $80 for registered adults that meet our minimum participation requirements.

COST OFFSET AND SCHOLARSHIP OPTIONS

There are options available to help offset these costs, including self-help options (e.g. fundraising or new volunteer leader registration) and membership scholarships (see details below). Our Troop is looking for a fundraiser coordinator. However, there are other fundraising opportunities available to individual families to help fund their child's dues and some are able to even fund a week at Summer Camp!

ADJUSTED FEE STRUCTURE FOR FAMILIES WITH 3 OR MORE CHILDREN

Families with three or more children in Scouting will only need to pay the $52 Monmouth Council Service Fee for two children. For the third and any additional children, this fee is waived.

HOW MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE CALCULATED

Here’s a breakdown of how the $500 youth membership fee ($200 for AOLs) is calculated for Scouts BSA:.

1. $85 – National youth registration fee

2. $15 – Subscription to Scout Life magazine

3. $77 – Local Council Fees, including:

   • $52 – Local Council Service Fee (waived for Lions and the third child in a family)

   • $25 – Local Council Insurance Fee

4. $323 – Troop 137 Dues

WHAT YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEES & DUES PROVIDE

Scouting is a year-round program, unlike many other extracurricular activities.

Your membership fees help support the following:

• Campground & Venue Fees

• Advancement & Awards

• Troop 137 equipment & maintenance (Troop Trailer, camping gear, and special event equipment)

• Monmouth Council's Quail Hill Scout Reservation and Forestburg Scout Reservation Operations and Improvements

• Council, District, and Troop Programs (e.g., Troop meetings, Klondike Derby, Youth Training Weekends)

• Background Checks for All Adult Leaders

• Youth Protection and Safety Training

• Program Development and Leader Training Resources

• IT/Digital Services (e.g., Scoutbook for tracking Scout participation and rank advancement, Unit website, etc...)

• Troop 137 Leader Registration Fees ($80 per leader, $65 National Fee and $15 Council Insurance Fee)

• $100 – Troop 137 Charter/Affiliation Fees (includes Unit Liability Insurance Fee)

COST OFFSET OPTIONS & ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

To help make Scouting more affordable, we offer the following options:

1. FUNDRAISING

Council fundraising initiatives can significantly offset the costs of Scouting fees. Some of our Scouts are able to fund their dues and some are even able to help fund a week at summer camp through these initiatives and our Scout Bucks program. Participation in these activities helps both individual families and the Troop.

2. MEMBERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS

Families in need of financial assistance can apply for up to $177 per Scout through our Council's Membership Scholarships.
For more information or to apply visit the following:

• Service Fee Assistance

• Family Assistance

Scouting is committed to supporting families who may face obstacles to participation. We believe that all youth deserve the opportunity to benefit from the values and experiences that Scouting offers. If your family is facing challenges, please reach out — we’re happy to work with you to find a solution.