Unit Recharter and Membership Renewal

Scouting America is shifting all unit recharter dates and membership renewal dates to the end of February.  Below is an overview of the national transition process.  As Scouting America releases details about the process, we will update this web page.

Unit Recharters

• The unit renewal proration fee for units expiring in October, November and December 2026 is a flat $8.50 per month to get to February 2028.
  • For example, a unit expiring at the end of December 2026 will recharter for 14 months ($8.50 x 14 = $119).
• Beginning December 2026, there will no longer be a “lapsed period” after a unit expires.  The unit loses access to online tools until the unit is rechartered manually.
• If the unit is expired, it will prevent the unit members from renewing as well. It is critical that the unit get renewed as quickly as possible when their renewal window opens up.

Membership Renewals

• In 2026, youth and adults will continue to register and renew memberships for a 12-month period.
  • Scouting America will send membership renewal reminders texts to parents via “Sam”, an AI assistant.  Read more info here.
  • If your membership expires in 2026, renew on time to avoid the fee increase!
• Beginning January 2027, new youth and adults will register through February 2028 using a pro-rated monthly fee. (fee details TBD)
• Beginning March 2027, youth and adults will renew their membership through February 2028 using a pro-rated monthly fee.
  • The National fee, Council fee, and optional Scout Life magazine fee will all be pro-rated.
  • Merit Badge Counselors and Camp Staff will still register/renew at the $25 flat fee.
• Beginning December 2026, there will no longer be a “lapsed period” after membership expires.  People will be removed from the roster and lose access to online tools until they renew their membership.