This year’s rechartering process will be completed through the same system as last year. While several key improvements were made to the online review and submission process, there are no significant changes for 2024. You’ll find instructions, details, and answers to frequently asked questions on the following pages.
As there is no longer a need to turn in physical paperwork to submit your completed recharter, we are continuing some of the changes implemented last year. First, there will be no physical recharter “packet”. Instead, all the details will be electronically distributed. Second, there is no longer a requirement to meet with your commissioner or district professional to review the completed paperwork. However, we still want to connect with you about how your unit is doing and what needs you may have. Along with submitting your recharter, we invite you to complete the AHEAD survey. AHEAD stands for Annual Health, Experience, And Desires and will help provide us with key insights on your unit’s health, program experiences, and future needs.
We are excited to continue offering a Free Rank incentive to units in conjunction with the rechartering process. All units who complete and submit both the recharter and the AHEAD survey by the due date will earn free rank advancement for one year!
Here is a summary of the timeline for completing the charter renewal process:
- October – Charter Renewal information will be digitally distributed.
- 30-45 Days Prior to Due Date – Conduct a Charter Renewal Planning meeting to review unit dues, begin collecting dues, and begin the online rechartering process.
- 1 Week Prior to Due Date – Finalize and submit the recharter to allow time for electronic authorization from your Chartered Partner.
- District Due Dates – see due dates on next page
Click Here to Download a Registration Assistance Form. This can be turned in with your unit's recharter.
Key Changes
NO LONGER PRORATING FEES
Beginning August 1, 2023, new members pay for an entire 12-month cycle of Scouting. Therefore, all new members after 7/31/23 will not be eligible for renewal in the 2023-2024 recharter process. These individuals will show up on your roster in the recharter system but with no fee required. They will subsequently renew their membership individually on their “anniversary date” at the conclusion of their 12-month cycle.
It is important to note, existing members will renew their membership during their normal registration/recharter cycle through March 2024. Moving forward all members will renew on their anniversary date.
- Existing members’ Anniversary date will be their unit recharter month (beginning after this recharter cycle)
- New members’ Anniversary date will be the month they joined.
NO OTHER CHANGES TO THE RECHARTER PROCESS
There will not be any significant changes to the rechartering process for 2024. Any new youth or adult who registered after August 1, 2023 will show up on your roster as a “Yearly Registration” with no fee attached to their registration.
CONTINUATION OF ENTIRELY DIGITAL SYSTEM
Just like last year, the recharter process has been completely digitalized. This system provides users with real-time updates, online payment, and more. Below are some key features:
- Electronic Authorization Only – Electronic authorization will be the only method for units to receive approval from the chartered organization. There will be no more signatures to obtain on physical rechartering paperwork.
- Online Payment – Units can elect to pay online by credit card, an e-check online, or paying the Buckeye Council. Regardless of payment method, no physical paperwork needs to be submitted to the council. Units can pay for the recharter in a number of ways:
- By credit card online: units will have to pay 3% a processing fee.
- By e-check online: units will have to pay a $1 processing fee.
- Mailing a check to Buckeye Council at 2301 13th St NW, Canton, OH 44708 OR delivering a check to any Buckeye Council Service Center
- Using the unit’s Unit Deposit Account (UDA)
- Additional Paperwork Upload Process – If you have additional applications, YPT certificates, or Background Check Authorization forms to attach to your recharter, you will electronically upload them to the online renewal system and NOT turn in any physical copies.
- Micro-deposits Confirmed via the Website, not Email – All micro-deposits to confirm an ACH payment will be confirmed via the recharter system instead of an email.
- Real-Time Roster Updates – Rosters in the new renewal system will update in real time. Meaning if an application is turned into the Buckeye Council during your recharter window, it will automatically appear on your roster in the new system.
FEE INCREASE
Effective August 1, 2023 the National registration fee increased to these amounts:
- $81 for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing participants ($80 National Fee + $1 Local Accident Insurance)
- $51 for Exploring participants ($50 National Fee + $1 Local Accident Insurance)
- $61 for all adult volunteers ($60 National Fee + $1 Local Accident Insurance)
- $25 for all merit badge counselors (new fee only applies to merit badge counselors who are not already registered as leaders)
- $100 for a unit charter fee
NO PHYSICAL PACKET DELIVERY OR TURN IN
The entire process can be completed online, eliminating the need to turn in any paperwork. There will be NO PHYSICAL PACKET TURN IN. If you pay online and your recharter is completely error-free, your charter will automatically post.
AHEAD SURVEY & FREE RANK INCENTIVE
We are excited to continue offering a Free Rank incentive to units in conjunction with the rechartering process. All units who complete and submit both the recharter and the AHEAD survey by the due date will earn free rank advancement for one year!
Download the Scouting Ahead Guidebook
The Scouting Ahead Guidebook provides a full, detailed section outlining the steps in the recharter process. This is your key to submitting the recharter!
Download the October 2023 Council-Wide Roundtable Slides with Recharter Instructions.