Update to Annual Program Fee That Began August 1, 2025

Dear Scouting Families and Volunteers,

Beginning August 1, 2025, the Southeast Louisiana Council implemented a $60 annual program fee per Scouting family, for all new Scouts joining this fall and for Scouts renewing their membership.  We understand that in these challenging times, there may be some difficulties in paying the program fee, all at once.

How Do I Pay This Fee?

1. Click here to logon to the payment portal
2. You can either pay the whole amount, or pay in installments
3. In 2025 – there are options to pay based on the date you register or renew (for current Scouts)
   1. Register in August – Pay in full or make 5 payments $12.00/month
   2. Register in September – Pay in full or make 4 payments $15.00/month
   3. Register in October – Pay in full or make 3 payments $20.00/month
   4. Register in November – Pay in full or make 2 payments $30.00/month
   5. Register in December – Pay in full $60.00
4. In 2026 and future years – there are options to pay, based on the date you register or renew (for current Scouts)
   1. Register/Renew in January – Pay in full or make 12 payments $5.00/month (Jan-Dec)
   2. Register/Renew in February – Pay in full or make 11 payments $5.45/month + a final  payment of $5.50 (Feb-Dec)
   3. Register/Renew in March – Pay in full or make 10 payments $6.00/month (Mar-Dec)
   4. Register/Renew in April – Pay in full or make 8 payments $6.67/month + a final payment of $6.64 (Apr-Dec)
   5. Register/Renew in May – Pay in full or make 8 payments $7.50/month (May-Dec)
   6. Register/Renew in June – Pay in full or make 6 payments $8.57/month + 1 final payment of $8.58 (Jun-Dec)
   7. Register/Renew in July – Pay in full or make 6 payments $10.00/month (Jul-Dec)
   8. Register/Renew in August – Pay in full or make 5 payments $15.00/month (Aug-Dec)
   9. Register/Renew in September – Pay in full or make 4 payments $20.00/month (Sep-Dec)
   10. Register/Renew in October – Pay in full or make 3 payments $20.00/month (Oct-Dec)
   11. Register/Renew in November – Pay in full or make 2 payments $30.00/month (Nov-Dec)
   12. Register/Renew in March – Pay in full $60.00

Total Cost Breakdown for Scouts:

• National Registration Fee: $85 – paid at time of registration
• Insurance Fee: $7 per Scout (covers supplemental accident and auto insurance) – paid at time of registration
• SELA Council Program Fee: $60 per family (See How Do I Pay This Fee)

Why This Change?

The local program fee allows us to cover critical costs such as:

• Expenses related to Camp V Bar
• Rising liability insurance
• Program administration and support
• Youth protection enhancements and background checks

These investments help ensure a safe, high-quality Scouting experience for every youth.

Commitment to Access

We remain committed to making Scouting accessible for all:

• Financial assistance is available for families in need.
• Participation in the SELA Council’s Annual Popcorn Sale is an options and unit fundraising can help offset costs.

Scouting continues to be an affordable, year-round program that builds character, leadership, and life skills.

To make the process easy and secure, registration fees can be paid electronically by scanning the QR code provided on your recruitment materials.  The program fee can be paid as explained in the next section.

For questions, contact your District Executive or Scout Service Center.

• Bayou District (Terrebonne & Lafourche Parishes) Maria Foret – maria.foret@scouting.org
• Cataouatche & Pelican Districts (Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, Plaquemines & the westbank of Orleans Parish) Juan Prado – juan.prado@scouting.org
• Cypress and Fleur de Lis (Orleans & St Tammany Parishes)  Todd Conner – todd.conner@scouting.org
• Council Service Center – sela@scouting.org