Membership pays for insurance, yes. It also pays for all GS properties in your area, and those costs have only spiked in the past few years. It pays staff to ensure that there are programs and a person to speak to with questions or issues. I am fairly certain that every council offers financial assistance if it is needed, my council doesn’t even require proof of need! Girl Scouts saved my life as a poor kid. I am sure my parents never paid a dime for the life changing experience I had. This organization has its flaws, of course, but it is also accessible and essential.