Unlike the previous annual “rechartering” process, these two new processes are completely separate and serve different purposes. Membership of youth and adults is now a handled on an individual twelve month cycle and no longer directly linked to an unit charter. Please review the information on these pages carefully and contact us at if you have any questions.
What's Changing?
- Simplified unit renewal: The focus of unit renewal is now on renewing the unit’s charter and ensuring all adult leaders have completed necessary training and background checks.
- Individual Memberships: Your BSA membership, whether youth or adult, lasts for 12 months from the day you register. Renewals are independent of your unit’s renewal cycle.
- Individual Fee Management: Members (or families) now directly renew their BSA memberships and pay associated fees.
What are the Benefits?
- Streamlined process: Separating membership renewal simplifies the renewal process for both units and individual members.
- Focus on unit operations: The renewal process now focuses on ensuring the unit itself is prepared for the coming year.
- Flexibility for membership: Members have more control over their membership.
Youth Protection Training
Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for each adult on the unit charter, and all adults registered in Scouting in the Crossroads of America Council must maintain current Youth Protection Training certification. Youth Protection Training is valid for a period of two years and many leaders will see their certification expire this year. Be sure all adults have current YPT certification before you start charter renewal. In addition, every new Adult Application must include a Youth Protection Training certificate.
You will not be able to complete your charter renewal if any registered adult has expired YPT certification. Training can be completed online through my.scouting.org.