How Military Families Can Join Scouting for Free

Military Fee Waiver

The new Military Family Fee Waiver removes the national registration fee for children of service members – and Simon Kenton Council is waiving its program fee too.

For military families, stability isn’t always easy to come by. Frequent moves, deployments, and constant transitions can make it hard for kids to put down roots, find friends, and feel part of something bigger than themselves. Scouting is built for exactly that – a ready-made community where young people plug in quickly, build lasting friendships, and grow into confident leaders wherever life takes them.

That’s why Simon Kenton Council is proud to share that, effective June 1, 2026, Scouting America has waived the national youth registration fee for children of active-duty, National Guard, and active Reserve families. Whether your child is taking their first steps in Cub Scouts or working toward the rank of Eagle Scout, this nationally funded initiative helps ensure that cost never stands between a young person and the adventure, character-building, and lifelong friendships that Scouting offers.

What the Military Family Fee Waiver Covers

  • Effective June 1, 2026
  • $85 off per youth member – reduces the national youth registration fee to $0
  • For all new or renewing youth members whose parent or guardian is currently serving in the active-duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard), National Guard, or active Reserves
  • Available exclusively through online registration at BeAScout.org

Simon Kenton Council Is Waiving Our Program Fee, Too

We want to go a step further for our military families. In addition to the national fee waiver, Simon Kenton Council is also waiving our local council program fee for eligible military families – so your child can join at no cost. To claim it, enter your Simon Kenton Council discount code at checkout:

New members, use code:  MILITARYSKCNEW

Returning members, use code:  MILITARYSKC

Please note: Add-ons (such as Scout Life magazine) and adult volunteer registration fees are not included in these waivers.

How to Claim Your Waiver

The verification process is built directly into Scouting America’s online registration platform. Here’s how to complete it:

  1. Visit BeAScout.org and search for local units in your neighborhood or base community.
  2. Click “Apply Now” to start your child’s new or renewal registration.
  3. Select “Get Military Discount Code” and choose the military verification option when prompted during checkout.
  4. Follow the quick online steps to verify active-duty, Guard, or active Reserve status.
  5. Enter the generated national discount code at checkout. The $85 national registration fee will immediately adjust to $0.
  6. Then enter your Simon Kenton Council discount code – MILITARYSKCNEW for new members or MILITARYSKC for renewals – to waive the council program fee as well.

Don’t panic if you see $85 listed at first – the national fee appears in the cart initially and drops to $0 once your verification code is applied.

Need Extra Help?

No family should miss out on Scouting because of cost. Beyond these waivers, Simon Kenton Council offers financial assistance and campership funds to help every child take part. Reach out to our council office at 614-436-7200 to learn more.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’ve been thinking about enrolling your child in Scouting, there has never been a better time to jump in. Head to BeAScout.org, grab your military discount code during checkout, and start your family’s next adventure today. Questions? Contact Simon Kenton Council at 614-436-7200 or skcquestions@scouting.org.

Thank you to the service members and families of our community. We’re honored to have you in Scouting.