Financial Aid Resources

Dan Beard Council’s Executive Board and leadership believes that every youth should have the opportunity to benefit from Scouting. But, there may be circumstances where a youth and his/her family needs help financially to take part in Scouting activities.

Council Fundraisers
State Assistance Programs

Council Financial Assistance

*DBC cannot guarantee the availability of these funds.

  • Kentucky – Well Care
    • Did you know we’re teaming up with Scouts® to cover the annual membership fee for WellCare of Kentucky members in grades K through 12?* You will also receive $25 towards the cost of the uniform.

*DBC cannot guarantee the availability of these funds.

  • Ohio – A.C.E Program
    • The Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program provides qualifying families with a $1,000 credit per child. These funds can be used to pay for a variety of educational activities designed to help accelerate learning for children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Kentucky – Well Care
    • Did you know we’re teaming up with Scouts® to cover the annual membership fee for WellCare of Kentucky members in grades K through 12?* You will also receive $25 towards the cost of the uniform.

Scouting Sustainability

Beginning August 1st this year, in addition to the BSA’s annual membership fee, we will be charging a Council Activity Fee. 

  • $25 for Scouts in Kindergarten and 1st Grade
  • $55 for Scouts in 2nd Grade thru 4th Grade
  • $80 for Scouts in 5th Grade thru the age of 17.  

Venturers and Explorers over the age of 18 and adult volunteers will not be charged an Activity Fee.

The Activity Fee gives us the opportunity to focus our staff on serving volunteers who bring the Scouting program to young people.  It also allows us to simplify the way we support the Scouts.  With the Activity Fee, Scouts and volunteers will be assured basic support.  

A family’s maximum Activity Fee will be limited to their two oldest Scouts and there will no longer be the $5.50 Scout charge for insurance.

Also beginning August 1st:

  • No charge for standard campsites at Dan Beard Council Camps outside of summer camp experiences.
  • There will be no charge for adult basic leadership trainings, including BALOO, IOLS and Scouting U!
  • Free rank badges will be available to all youth as they earn the badge.
  • Units will not be charged for using the Scout Achievement Center for unit serving events.

It is also worth noting that effective March 1st, BSA National will be eliminating the $25 New Scout joining fee while increasing their membership fee by $5 to $85 per Scout.

We are committed to ensuring that this change does not create barriers for youth joining and remaining in the Scouting program.

We have a web page dedicated to financial aid resources and fundraising opportunities that can reduce or eliminate extra out of pocket cost for families.

We will be working with district commissioners and district executives to provide education around these resources at the unit level.

 

With this change, we know Scout leaders and families may have questions and concerns. We have dedicated a feedback form to centralize and expedite communications.

 

Scouting has a bright future ahead.  Dan Beard Council is committed to preparing more young people to make moral and ethical decisions over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  Thank you for bringing the Scouting program to your family and to your community.  See you down the trail!

Feedback Form

Scouting Funding FAQ

The Activity Fee will support the council operation by keeping the council service center and camp open and maintained and by providing training and support to all the unit leaders and parents of the council. We will continue to provide the essential council services, insurances and council staff that will be able to spend more time working with unit leaders and Scouts providing quality program and trainings.

The Council budgets are approved by the volunteer-driven Council Executive Board. Over the past couple of years, the budget has reduced staff and made other expense cuts to remain financially sound.

No. Adult volunteers and Venturers and Explorers will be by charged the activity fee.

There has always been and will continue to be financial assistance programs to help individuals in true need. See above for financial aid resources.

Beginning in 2025, our Family Friends of Scouting will be re-imagined reducing the time commitments for our volunteers and staff. More information will be available in the Spring of 2024.

The activity fee will be collected at the time of re-charter or whenever a youth or adult registers. 

That will be the decision of the National BSA Executive Board.