Girl Scouts of the USA has opted to increase membership fees over the next two years in response to declining revenue numbers.

The National Council and its 900 delegates voted Saturday, Oct. 19, for annual membership fees to be set at $45 for 2026 and raised to $65 for 2027, a total increase of 160%.

Membership for adults will also go up from $25 to $30 starting next year.

The council rejected a proposal to raise rates to $85. The increase is the first escalation for dues in eight years, according to the organization, which took in about $38 million last year.

However, the national organization is expected to lose more than $5.6 million by the end of this year, which signaled a need for some sort of action.

It’s unknown as of now how the price increase might affect participation throughout Butler County.

“We’re sorry to see an increase, but it was something that was sort of inevitable considering everything that we provide,” said Butler County membership engagement specialist Kathleen Frederick. “Anyone involved with Girl Scouts knows its value.”

One of the glaring challenges the 112-year old organization is facing is a membership drop-off in recent years, which is at least partially responsible for the operating deficit.

Girl Scouts has traditionally made an effort to provide discounts for girls who want to join but may not be able to afford yearly membership.

“We offer discounts throughout the year for membership, and hopefully we will continue to be able to do that,” Frederick said.

In recent years, officials from Boy Scouts of America changed the organization’s name to Scouts BSA and began accepting girls into the program.

Frederick downplayed the change’s impact on participation in local Girl Scout troops, but she stressed that she is always searching for new Scouts and leaders.

“I’m looking for Girl Scouts and Girl Scout troop leaders every day because that’s my job,” she said. “I 100% believe in the value of Girl Scouts in every young girl’s life.”