The national youth membership fee is $85 for the 2026–27 program year. On top of that, families pay troop dues, buy a uniform and personal gear over time, and pay per outing for the trips their Scout chooses to attend.
What you pay, and when
National membership fee
The national youth membership fee is $85 for the 2026–27 program year. This goes to Scouting America, not to the troop, and covers registration and insurance. It is charged once a year.
Troop dues
Troop dues, uniforms, and outing costs vary. A troop leader will share the current total before you register. Ask at a visit and you will get a straight number rather than a range.
Uniform
A Scout needs a uniform shirt with the right patches; pants, belt, socks, and neckerchief complete it. Many families start with the shirt alone and add pieces later, and troops often have used uniforms to pass along. The uniform guide shows exactly what goes where.
Camping gear
The troop owns tents and cooking equipment, so a new Scout does not need to buy those. What a Scout needs personally is a sleeping bag, a pack, boots, and a mess kit — built up over a season, not bought in one trip. Leaders will tell you what to get first.
Outings and summer camp
Weekend campouts are priced per trip and cover food and campsite fees. Summer camp is the largest single cost of the year, and it is announced far enough ahead to plan or pay in installments. High-adventure treks like Philmont cost considerably more and are planned years out with fundraising along the way.
Help is available, and asking is normal
Cost should not decide whether a young person gets to be a Scout. The troop handles this quietly and individually — talk to the Scoutmaster or committee chair. The council also offers membership fee assistance: Greater St. Louis Area Council fee information .
Scouts also earn their own way. Popcorn sales and other troop fundraisers put money into a Scout account that pays for camp and gear, and many Scouts cover most of their summer camp this way.
What is free
Visiting is free. Come to as many meetings as you like before deciding, and there is no pressure to register or buy anything. Plan a visit, check the age requirements, or see how Scouts BSA differs from Cub Scouts.