In the Boy Scouts of America, a charter authorizes an organization to operate Scouting units. It certifies the agreement between a chartered organization – an organization that agrees to utilize Scouting as a part of its service to youth– and the Boy Scouts of America, setting expectations for the quality of program to be delivered. Charters are issued annually; hence, chartered organizations must submit an application to the Council annually to renew its charter.
We refer to this annual renewal as “RECHARTERING.” It is the goal of the Great Rivers Council to ensure that the charter renewal process is efficient and streamlined for our units. Resources and links to the online charter renewal system will be available in October of each year.
Recharter 2.0 Explained
Recharter 2.0 Webinar
Recharter Updates & Changes
The BSA has upgraded their database systems to be more efficient. The new re-charter system is simpler and easier to use and is on the same database as Scoutbook. Here are some key updates about the new system.
- On Oct. 15th, The Recharter system can be access through internet advancement (advancements.scouting.org).
- This can also be accessed through my.scouting.org
- A member of the Unit’s Key 3 (Chartered Rep, Committee Chair, Unit Leader) can access the system with their my.scouting log-in.
- Rechartering now takes fewer steps and has just 1 screen for all data review and validation.
- Access codes & Re-charter packets are no longer needed.
- You can upload new applications and signed criminal background check forms.
- All BSA programs now use the same system. (Packs, Troops, Crews, Exploring Posts, Exploring Clubs)
- Paper copies do NOT need to be printed and turned into the Council office. (paper recharters can still be requested and manually completed)
Steps to Success
- On October 15th, the Recharter system will become available, accessed through internet advancement / my.scouting.org
- Between Oct 15th and Dec 1st, Unit’s complete and submit Recharter.
- Gather Applications for New Youth & Adults
- Verify Youth Protection Training & Background Checks on All Adults
- Gather Signatures on Charter & Important Documents
- JTE Forms are turned in at December Roundtable or e-mailed to your Unit Commissioner or District Executive.
Common Issues that will cause delay
- New Adult without a complete application (Signed Criminal Background Check Disclosure, Completed YPT, all application sections completed)
- Current Adults with expired Youth Protection Training (They will need to complete the training)
- Not enough adult leaders to complete the minimum charter requirements (Typically a minimum of 5 adults)
- Incomplete signatures
FAQ
The window to begin submitting the renewal is based on what the council has requested. There is normally a 60- and 90-day window which will open on 10/15/2021 for units with an Expire date of 12/31/2021.
The Charter Organization Rep, Committee Chairman, Unit Leader, or any key 3 delegate has the ability to submit the Renewal.
No, an access code is not required. The Key 3 and any Key 3 Delegate access Internet Rechartering using the same credentials used to access Scoutbook.com or My.Scouting.
Yes, the unit will have the ability to load Youth Protection Training Certificates, CBC Disclosure Authorizations, Adult and Youth applications and PA Background and CORI forms into the renewal. When this is performed the unit will not auto-post and the council will be required to review the renewal, pull the forms loaded and enter the document information into my.scouting to post the unit.
No, the ability for a unit to pay online cannot be turned off.
No, there is an option to pay by ACH, Credit Card or to pay at the council. If they choose to pay at the council, the unit will not auto-post and the council will review the renewal, collect registration fees, and post the unit.
Yes, there is a refresh button which we encourage the person processing the renewal to use throughout the renewal process before submitting their unit.
Yes, they will enter the volunteer as a multiple and notate what unit/Non-Unit position and council that they are registered in. The unit will not auto-post and the council will be required to verify the multiple registration before posting the unit.
No. A unit will receive an error if the required leadership is not met, or they attempt to assign multiple leader positions to a volunteer and they cannot move forward in the process until the error is corrected.
No, the renewal processor does not have the ability to enter Youth Protection Dates into a person’s profile.
The unit can upload the CBC Authorization to the individual before submitting the renewal. Otherwise, the renewal can still be submitted, and council will collect the form, verify the information, and post the unit. The renewal will not auto-post.
Yes, the unit can submit the renewal, however, it will not auto-post . The council will review the renewal, verify YPT requirements and post once the YPT has been completed. Additionally, completed YPT Certificates can be uploaded to the individual and submitted with the renewal.
Yes, this will be necessary for a registrar to post the unit effectively.
Once submitted, the Key 3 and Key 3 Delegates will receive an email requesting a digital signature. If necessary, the CC, UL and Key 3 Delegate may sign on behalf of the COR.
Don’t see your question here? Check out the full list of FAQs here.
Resources
Functional Unit Positions
Annual Unit Charter Agreement
Membership Financial Assistance Application
Quick Reference – Registration Fees
Youth Membership Application
Adult Membership Application
Background Check Authorization (CBC)
BSA General Liability Insurance
Chartered Organization Insurance Brochure
Journey to Excellence Scorecards