T5 is remarkably affordable compared to many other sports and after-school programs. A T5 membership is less than $275 for the entire year – significantly lower than specialized sports leagues or classes. For instance, youth soccer can cost $500 per season or more, and competitive gymnastics can easily exceed $1,000 per year. Scouting uniforms and gear can often be purchased secondhand or passed down, further reducing expenses. Additionally, T5 actively fundraises to cover activity costs like camping trips or special events, making participation accessible to a wider range of families. Compared to programs requiring expensive equipment, travel, or private instruction, such as music lessons averaging $40-$60 per hour or STEM programs costing upwards of $300 per week, T5 provides a budget-friendly way for youth to engage in enriching activities, learn valuable skills, and build lasting friendships.

Estimated Costs as of January 2025

• BSA National Membership: $85. Covers national operations, resources, and organization insurance.
• Baltimore Area Council (BAC) Membership Fee: $75. Supports local council operations, program resources, and training. Includes local insurance for the troop.
• Online Payment Fee: $5
• Troop Dues: $102. Covers the troop’s recharter fees, your adult leaders’ registrations, program resources, and patches for merit badges, patrol, position, and rank advancement.

Total Annual Dues: $267

• Required Field Uniform Elements:
  
  • Field Uniform Shirt: $40
  • Uniform Patches: $15
  • Switchback Field Pants: $55
  • Belt: $20
  • Socks: $11
  • Cap: $25
  • Neckerchief & Slide: Supplied by the Troop
• Estimated Total Uniform Cost (new, with required elements): $166 one-time
• Optional: T5 Activity Uniform (t-shirt) $12-$15

These costs are based on purchasing new uniform items from the Scout Shop. If your Scout is joining from Cub Scouts and already has a tan uniform, your costs may be reduced significantly by reusing the shirt and patches. Many, if not most, families purchase used uniforms and gear from websites such as eBay, Etsy and Macari. Off-name switchback pants can also be purchased on Amazon for significantly less. Ask a T5 adult leader to help guide you before making your purchases.

• Camping and Activities: Varies greatly depending on the event.
  
  • Weekend campouts: Can range from $10-$25 per Scout.
  • Week-long summer camp: Costs vary somewhat, but usually totals around $400.
  • High adventure trips (older Scouts): Costs can be significant, potentially $500+ per Scout.
• Handbooks: Each Scout is required to have a Scouts BSA Handbook. $25. Optional handbook covers are $12.50.
• Special Events: Some events may have reasonable participation fees.

Here at T5, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to participate in Scouting, regardless of their family’s financial situation. If cost is an impediment, we have solutions. Here are some ways we make Scouting accessible:

• Scholarships: The Baltimore Area Council and T5 offers scholarships to help families cover the cost of registration, dues, uniforms, and even camping trips. We guarantee that no youth misses out on Scouting at T5 because of financial constraints.
• Summer Camp: Broadcreek Memorial Scout Reservation, where summer camp is held, offers Camperships.
• Fundraising: Scouts participate in fundraising activities to help offset the cost of trips and activities including defraying or covering the cost of summer camp.
  
  • Popcorn Sales: The primary fundraising activity for T5.
  • Other Fundraisers: Sales of food items, first aid kits and special events.
• Uniform and Equipment Closet: T5 has a closet of uniforms and equipment that are available to borrow for free. Talk to a T5 adult leader about availability. Tents are provided to Scouts at no cost.