Revised Youth and Adult Applications

Last year, the National Executive Board approved a resolution to ensure that moving forward, participants who are 18 but not yet 21 register as adults. This does not affect their eligibility to participate in programs such as Venturing and Sea Scouting.

The primary purpose of the change is to ensure that all persons legally considered adults meet adult membership requirements, including undergoing a criminal background check and meeting the BSA’s Youth Protection requirements and membership standards. The changes are required to allow the performance of criminal background checks in connection with the registration process.

New Venturing and Sea Scouting participants 18 but not yet 21, must complete an Adult Application and Criminal Background Check Disclosure/Authorization form.  To support this change, the youth and adult applications have been revised. The new Youth Application, No. 524-406 (SKU 619506), and the new Adult Application, No. 524-501 (SKU 619504), should be used starting March 1, 2015. Spanish versions of the Youth Application, No. 524-423 (SKU 619507), and the Adult Application, No. 524-502 (SKU 619505), are also available. All new youth and adult applications can be identified with the number 115 located at the bottom right corner on the cover of the application. An announcement regarding system changes and frequently asked questions will be made soon.

In addition, unit adult applications will no longer require council approval, unless the applicant has answered “yes” to any of the background questions.  Council approval will still be required for adults in district and council-level positions. This change is documented on page 2 of the Adult Application under the section titled APPROVAL REQUIRED-UNIT ADULTS.

For more information, please contact the Member Care Contact Center at Myscouting@Scouting.org or call 972-580-2489.