Time to Prepare for Charter Renewal – Key Steps for All Units
Dear Unit Leaders,
It’s that time of year again — Charter Renewal Season! To ensure a smooth and timely renewal process for all Susquehanna Council units, we’re asking all units to begin preparations now.
Below are the key steps you should take over the next few weeks:
For Unit Renewals
✅ 1. Confirm Your Unit’s Key 3 Contacts
Ensure that your Chartered Organization Representative (COR), Committee Chair, and Cubmaster/Scoutmaster/Advisor are current in My.Scouting. These individuals have access to online Rechartering.
✅ 2. Ensure all requirements for unit renewal are met at least 60-90 days prior to expiry.
- Verify that all youth and adults listed in your roster are active.
- Do not remove any members who are no longer participating until you have contacted them to find out why they have not been active.
- Be sure that all new youth and adults have applications processed before starting renewal.
- Ensure all Clearances are up to date.
✅ 3. Check Safeguarding Youth Training Status
- Encourage everyone to complete SYT now.
- SYT status is a common reason for delays in charter processing.
✅ 4. Schedule Your Unit Charter Renewal Meeting
Set a time in late September or early October to:
- Finalize your roster,
- Review training status,
- Collect fees and signatures,
- And submit your online charter renewal. Fees can be paid at the council office.
NOTE: This year units will be Rechartering until February 29, 2028. This will mean a prorated fee for the number of months the unit is chartered, which works out to about $10 per month. Prepare for this increase when paying.
✅ 5. For Membership Renewals Units should:
1. Verify and update annually that every youth has the correct parent/guardian identified and their correct email address is in www.scouting.org .
2. Verify and update annually the accuracy of contact information for all members on my.scouting.org.
3. Decide annually who will handle renewals (parents/members, the unit, or a combination).
4. Clearly communicate plans, procedures, and expectations to members and families-multiple times.
5. Remind parents (members) to complete renewals on time if they are handling the renewal. Frequent reminders are necessary. As of December 31, 2026, there will be NO GRACE PERIOD. If they are not renewed by the end of their 12-month registration date they will be suspended.
5.a Starting January 1, 2027, everyone will be registering until February 29, 2028. This will bring us back to the prior method of Unit Charter and individual memberships renewing at the same time.
6. Train parents/guardians (members) on how to renew if they are expected to handle the Membership renewals. Use videos and instruction sheets at www.scouting.org/renewal.
7. Identify a parent/guardian (member), such as a new member coordinator, to serve as the primary resource for renewal questions.
8. Collect Updated Applications & Fee
- Gather any missing or updated applications for adults or youth.
- Start collecting annual fees so you’re ready to submit them with the charter.
- If you have any youth who need assistance with the Program fees- make sure the application is completed and turned in with their renewal.
✅ 6. Watch for Training Opportunities
We will be holding Charter Renewal Training sessions in September at each District’s Roundtable to walk you through the process. A recharter packet will be handed out then.
🗓 Important Dates:
November 12: Bald Eagle District Charter Day
November 7: Seven Bridges Charter Day
First week of December: Final deadline for all units Rechartering in 2026 to turn in completed charters.
If you have any questions or need help preparing, don’t hesitate to contact your District Executive or the Council Office at (570) 326-5121.
Thank you for all you do to support Scouting in our communities!
Yours in Scouting,
Pamela Startzel
Council Membership VP, Susquehanna Council, Scouting America
pstartzel@hotmail.com
570-947-3833
