Troop 23 is a small troop, and we would like every parent to be a registered adult member of Scouting America — not because every parent has a job here, but just in case. A registered parent can step in when a trip is one adult short, camp with the troop when the chance comes up, and take on a role when one opens. It is not expensive, and once it is done, you can come with us on any trip.
This page sets out what registration is, what it gives you, what it asks of you, what it costs and how to apply. The facts are Scouting America's and Greater New York Councils'; the links go to their own pages.
What Registration Gives You
Overnight trips. Since September 1, 2023, every adult who stays overnight at a Scouting activity must be registered. The exception for a parent camping with their own child exists only in Cub Scouting — in a Scouts BSA troop there is none.
A role in the troop. A parent can register as a committee member, an assistant Scoutmaster or a unit Scouter reserve; which one fits is a conversation with the troop. Registering in more than one position costs nothing extra.
Volunteer liability coverage. Scouting America's general liability insurance is primary for registered adults serving in an official Scouting activity; for an adult who is not registered, it applies only as excess over their own insurance.
Scout Life magazine at the registered-adult rate of $15.
Registering as a merit badge counselor does not count for overnight trips: counselors are not registered in a unit position.
What It Asks of You
Safeguarding Youth Training before the application is processed, and every year after — a registered adult whose training has lapsed is not re-registered. How to take it.
A criminal background check. The application asks you to authorize one, run by a national third party, and Scouting America also checks its volunteer screening database. The application asks for your Social Security number, where you have lived for the past ten years, and at least two references.
The Scouter Code of Conduct, and the barriers to abuse — two-deep leadership and no one-on-one contact among them — which registered leaders follow with Scouting youth outside Scouting activities too.
Renewal every year, in your anniversary month. After a one-month lapse a membership is dropped, and coming back means a new application.
None of these steps is instant — the training, the background check and the approval each take their own time — so start well before the trip you have in mind.
What It Costs
The adult registration fee is $65 a year. It is Scouting America's national fee, paid online at checkout when you apply, and it is not refundable. Neither Greater New York Councils nor Troop 23 adds anything on top for adults: the council's program fee is charged to youth members only, and the troop charges adults nothing. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
The adult fee is separate from a Scout's own registration and from troop dues; the full picture of what a Scout's family pays is in the Parent Guide.
How to Apply
Apply online from Troop 23's page on BeAScout: choose Apply Now, create or sign in to your my.scouting account, fill in the volunteer application and the background check authorization, and pay the fee at checkout. It takes a few minutes.
Take Safeguarding Youth Training at my.scouting.org — about ninety minutes, and it can be paused. Your application waits for it: it is processed once the training is done.
Approval. Adult applications in a unit are accepted and approved by the chartered organization representative or the head of the chartered organization; Scouting America runs the background check and the screening database check.
Not sure which position to choose, or have a question first? Ask at a Monday meeting or through our contact page.
Scouting America's own explanation of the overnight rule is in its youth protection FAQ, and the volunteer application itself is form 524-501.