August 7, 2024
Fees
Including National Fees and the Council Adventure Fee
The Council Board of Directors, in conjunction with our volunteer Task Force, has approved an $85 local Council Adventure fee beginning January 1, 2025.
See the links to the side or scroll down for the details on the new Adventure Fee.
How is the Local and National Council Funded?
Why the Adventure Fee? See its Value To You.
Jeff Kline, Volunteer VP of Marketing, explains, May 23, 2024. Some updates and adjustments have been made, as explained below.
What is the Timeline for Implimenting the Adventure Fee?
Adventure Fee Information
Updated: 7/17/2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Adventure Fee
Is there a calendar of all the activities that are included in the adventure fee?
Yes,, on our main website at gtcbsa.org/calendar-events/adventure. See also the entries below by program.
How and Why is this Adventure Fee happening?
A committee was formed to review the process of Family FOS and to look for possible alternatives. Members included Cub Scout Leaders, Scouts BSA Leaders and Board Members involved in Units.
Members met every other Friday to discuss the current Family FOS model and brainstorm ways to improve, hybrid or replace.
Early this year, the committee reached a recommendation to replace Family FOS with an Adventure Fee. This recommendation was then taken to the Board of Directors for a vote.
What is the Adult Adventure Fee?
There is no Adventure Fee for adults.
Adult leaders can participate in the activities listed for Cub Scout Youth and Scouts BSA and Venturing Participants below and attend Leader Position-Specific Training, including BALOO and IOLS, at no charge.
What does a Cub Scout get for their Adventure Fee?
Amount: $85 per Cub Scout
Adults are not charged
2 Scouts per family maximum
$75 is reimbursable through ACE (Camping Credits are not reimbursable)
Due: December 2024, with unit renewal
Included with the Cub Scouts Adventure Fee ($115 value):
Cub Scout Freeze Out – $10 value
Target & Range Sports Day – $10 value
Cub Adventure Day or Webelos Woods – $15 value
District Pinewood Derby – $10 value
Summertime Pool Party @ GTC pool – $10 value
Summertime Guided Hike @ GTC camp – $15 value (if you participate in all 3 hikes)
$10 Camping Credit in unit account – $10 value
Pack T-shirt by Rank – $10 value
Day Camp $15 discount or $25 discount on Cub Scout Overnight Camp (at a GTC Camp)
Dates, times, and details of these activities are on the Adventure Fee Activity calendar.
What does a Scouts BSA and Venturer get for their Adventure Fee?
Amount: $85 per youth member of Scouts BSA or Venturing
Adults are not charged
2 Scouts per family maximum
$75 is reimbursable through ACE (Camping Credits are not reimbursable)
Due: December 2024, with unit renewal
Included with the Scouts BSA/Venturing Adventure Fee ($115 value):
Klondike – $10 value
Target & Range Sports Day – $30 value
Merit Badge University – $20 value
Weekend Merit Badge Day – $10 value
Den Chief Training – $5 value
Youth Leader Training for Troops – $5 value
$10 Camping Credit in unit account – $10 value
Summer Camp Discount $25 (GTC Summer Camp)
Dates, times, and details of these activities are on the Adventure Fee Activity calendar.
How Are Fees Paid?
The Adventure Fee of $85 will be paid for each youth membership appearing on the Unit Renewal in December. Unit Renewals and the Adventure fees will be due by December 1st each year at the Great Trail Council office.
Why is the Local Council Fee Needed?
Donations from the community, families, and foundations offset the true cost of providing Scouting to youth. Over the last several years, donations from the Family FOS campaigns have decreased to less than 20% of families participating. Proceeds from popcorn sales (which benefit both local Units and the Council) have likewise decreased.
The Council has adopted this Adventure Fee structure as a means of ensuring the sustainability of the Council while at the same time provide an increased level of program to our youth members. In addition, this structure will allow the Council, the Units, and families to more effectively budget resources to provide safe and quality programs at all levels.
Is Financial Assistance Available?
Yes! Don’t let price deter you; there are ways to offset your fees including financial assistance for those who qualify. Many Units and chartered organizations already have assistance programs in place. Should Unit resources prove insufficient, the Council has financial resources to assist with registration and camp fees.
Factors considered include but are not limited to:
Family financial circumstances
Number of household members participating in Scouting
Use the form at this link or as appended below to apply for assistance.
Registration / Adventure Fee Assistance form
Posted: 9/24/2024