Good afternoon Information updated on 6/2/2020. I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy during this current time. Over the last few months, we have seen the community come together, even while physically apart, to bring solutions, relief and comfort to those in need. From making masks to supporting food banks, Exploring has been a vital partner for communities across the country. The value of Exploring is undeniable for those within the program and the greater public, and we are committed to continuing to offer this unmatched opportunity to young people and families nationwide. Exploring has worked to keep the membership fee as low as possible. Unfortunately, operating costs have continued to rise and COVID-19 has compounded the need to increase the fee to maintain the program. To ensure we have the resources to fulfill the promise of Exploring, the updated national membership fee is
The membership fees will take effect August 1, 2020, for new members in the 2020-2021 program year. For renewing members, the new fee will take effect on October 1, 2020. The updated unit charter fee will take effect August 1, 2020, for all new and rechartering units. On a monthly basis Exploring costs $3.50 a phenomenal value for workforce development and career development. Click on the image below to view an infographic explaining all the National membership fee increases.
The national membership fee helps pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved activities, youth protection and other local council resources. Across the country and in each of our communities, we know that Exploring remains one of the most valuable investments we can make in young men and women today so they can become the leaders we will turn to tomorrow. Our dedicated volunteers, staff, and Exploring families make this possible. Thank you for continuing to support one of the most valuable opportunities available to young people today. As we prepare for the fall and schedule open house dates I’m excited to be working with all of you. Let me know if you have any questions moving forward Colin Earl, 419-701-4911, colin.earl@scouting.org
FAQ Q: Why are the fees increasing? A: The national annual membership fee is increasing to$3.50 per month, because the costs associated with Exploring, including the cost of liability insurance, continue to increase and the organization is not able to subsidize the increased costs as it had in the past. Q: When will this increase take effect? A: The updated membership fees will take effect August 1, 2020, for new members in the 2020-2021 program year. For renewing members, the new fees will take effect on October 1, 2020. Q: What will the money be used for? A: The annual national membership fee help pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Exploring activities, youth protection and other local council resources. Q: Is this increase being implemented to cover the cost of the additional background checks? A: While the cost of background checks is paid for by the national organization, that is not the driver of this increase. Q: Will membership fees go toward funding a victims compensation trust? A: No. The national annual membership fee will help pay for the cost of essential services, including program resources, liability insurance for those participating in approved Exploring activities, youth protection and other local council resources. Q: What measures has the national organization taken to offset its financial challenges? A: In addition to ongoing efforts to streamline and simplify the organization, the national organization has taken a number of steps to address its financial challenges, which include recent furloughs and three rounds of reductions over the past year. These were in addition to ongoing consolidation of departments and elimination of some significant vendors for the most effective utilization of resources and support. Q: Will the national membership fee continue to increase? A: Although no decision about future increases has been made, the cost of operating our organization and services increases every year. Should it be necessary to increase fees in the future, the National Executive Board of Exploring has agreed to evaluate the needs and make such decisions, whenever possible, at the National Annual Meeting so that decisions can be announced with as much lead time as possible to allow councils and units to plan accordingly. Colin H. Earl | Exploring Black Swamp Area Council 2100 Broad Avenue Findlay, OH 45840 P 419.422.4356 Ext. 153 | C 419-701-4911 Colin.earl@scouting.org Blackswampbsa.org
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