Cost

Troop 54 Scouts take a break on the trail in the Green Mountains (August 2010).

Membership fees are summarized below. See our Dues & Uniform Purchase document for additional details.

Initial Registration Fee

The initial registration fee for new Scouts is $180, which covers the first year of membership and is comprised of the following:

• $85 National Membership Fee
• $80 Local Program Fee (Heart of New England Council)
• $15 Subscription for Scout Life magazine

A processing fee of a few dollars is reportedly tacked onto the initial registration fee when the new member pays BSA online.

Annual BSA Renewal Fee

Beginning in 2025, each youth member will receive an email renewal notice reminder beginning 60 days before his/her anniversary month to renew their membership on their anniversary month. As of 8/2/24, this renewal fee is $180.

In 2024, this fee is paid directly to BSA National.

Annual Troop Dues

Troop dues are $35 and payable by November 1 for an existing Scout. You can pay troop dues in-person (cash, check¹, credit card or Android Pay) or online.

Uniform

You will need to purchase uniform items and a handbook.

Other Costs

Other costs depend on which activities you participate in. Typical costs:

• Registration Fees - Most events have a registration fee, usually including the food cost. These vary but are typically around $25-35.
• Camping Gear - You will need to get camping gear. Exactly what you need depends on what camping trips you are participating in. The troop has tents, stoves and cookware, so new Scouts only need to worry about personal gear.
• Merit Badges - Completing a merit badge generally involves purchasing a merit badge booklet. Some merit badges call for purchasing materials to make something.
• Summer Camp - If you attend this, a week at an overnight summer camp will likely be your largest single Scouting expense. Compared to the cost of other camps, Scouts BSA camp is a great value.

Financial Assistance

Our Campership Policy describes financial assistance Troop 54 can provide to its eligible members.

For summer camp, the host council generally offers camperships to eligible participants.

¹ Checks to Troop 54 should be made payable to "Heart of New England Counci BSA".

Page updated 8/3/24 J. Froimson