Units must complete the Charter Renewal process annually to remain active in the Scouting program. This annual registration process begins on October 1 and runs through December 10. Unit Key 3 leaders (or their designates): Use this page for your recharter checklist, link to the Internet Recharter portal, and downloads of associated forms like JTE.
This involves checking your roster, verifying position and contact information, adding and deleting members, and paying the National BSA annual registration, charter, and insurance fees.
National’s Charter Renewal Resources page includes a Recharter Timeline, a User Guide, an instructional video, and answers to many Frequently Asked Questions.
Check Your Roster
Review your unit roster to verify that every person is listed, has correct contact info, and has the correct unit position and current Youth Protection Training. Find useful forms like Adult and Youth Applications, Background Check Forms, and more in the Resources section, below.
Ask for Renewals
Ask each member of your unit if they will continue in the new year. If they will not, you can remove them from your charter in the Internet Recharter portal. Multiples: Code anyone as "Multiple" if their primary registration is another unit, the District, or Council.
Collect Fees
See the chart below for details about fees for National and Council. Units may choose to add their own fees as well. Anyone coded as "multiple" will pay National and Council fees elsewhere, so charge them only what your unit adds. Those families needing financial assistance can apply using the Financial Assistance Application linked below in the Resources section.
Journey to Excellence
The Journey to Excellence (JTE) form is an excellent tool for unit program planning and membership growth. Completing the JTE form at recharter will help your unit track their accomplishments and plan ahead for success in the new membership year. Download the JTE form for your program here: Scouting.org JTE forms
Documents and Resources
Packs, Troops, Crews, and Ships




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Recharter Instructions
Want a longer description of the Recharter process? Click the bullhorn to download the Instruction Guide.
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Youth Application
Have new youth joining your unit before the end of the year? Get them registered! Make sure they are official, on your roster, and covered by insurance as quickly as possible. Click the thumb's up icon to download an application.
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Adult Application
Have adults joining your unit leadership or unit committee? Get them registered! Make sure they are official, on your roster, covered by insurance, background checked, and Youth Protection Trained as quickly as possible. Click the person icon to download an adult application. Then go to the next item and download the Criminal Background Check form.
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Criminal Background Check
Have adults joining your unit leadership or unit committee? Have new Youth Participants who are 18-21? They will need to submit the Criminal Background Check (CBC) form with their application. Click the magnifying glass to download the CBC form.
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Annual Charter Agreement
Chartering organizations renew their agreement with Council -- and thereby with the BSA -- to "use Scouting to further the Charter Organization’s aims and values for youth." This statement is one of several points outlined in this document that must be signed by the Charter Organization Representative, the unit's Committee Chair, and the Council. Click the handshake to download the Annual Charter Agreement.
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Financial Assistance Application
Families in need of financial assistance to participate in Scouting can submit this application that must also be signed by the unit leader. Click the money to download the form.
Explorer Posts

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Recharter Instructions
Want a longer description of the Recharter process? Click the bullhorn to download the Instruction Guide.
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Youth Application
Have new youth joining your unit before the end of the year? Get them registered! Make sure they are official, on your roster, and covered by insurance as quickly as possible. Click the thumb's up icon to download an application.
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Adult Application
Have adults joining your unit leadership or unit committee? Get them registered! Make sure they are official, on your roster, covered by insurance, background checked, and Youth Protection Trained as quickly as possible. Click the person icon to download an adult application. Then go to the next item and download the Criminal Background Check form.
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Criminal Background Check
Have adults joining your unit leadership or unit committee? Have new Youth Participants who are 18-21? They will need to submit the Criminal Background Check (CBC) form with their application. Click the magnifying glass to download the CBC form.
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Background Check Exemption
Certain professions qualify for the background check exemption. Click the magnifying glass with the minus to download the exemption form.
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Memorandum of Understanding
The professional organizations that sponsor Explorer Posts must renew their Memorandum of Understanding with the Council -- and thereby the BSA -- annually. Click the handshake to download the MOA form.