Each Post determines the dues per year for its participants, based on its annual activity budget. Part of the cost includes a national membership fee that goes to the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America to handle the cost of essential services for those participating in approved Scouting activities, program resources, safety standards, youth protection and personal safety training, and services to councils nationwide to sustain Scouting. In addition, a Post’s costs may also include funds for its individual activities. Lastly, each youth may be required to buy a uniform (which they can wear for multiple years while in Exploring). The national membership fee is $75 per year, and the average Post dues per year are dependent on the Post and the sponsoring business (some businesses will pay for all costs, while others require the youth to pay dues).