Why a Council Membership Fee
The Baltimore Area Council (BAC) diligently works to provide a safe and high-quality Scouting program to our families in a cost-effective manner. Today it costs the Council more than $250 per youth per year to support a quality Scouting program.
After a comprehensive evaluation and review process, the BAC’s volunteer leadership determined that our Scouts would be better served by a Local Council Membership Fee that would provide consistent revenue and be more equitable to those who support our Scouts.
As part of the 2025 annual membership renewal, all youth participating in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts programs will see an annual Council Membership Fee of $75.00 included. All youth members due to renew in December 2024 and beyond will pay this fee.
In prior years, BAC has subsidized 100% of this cost through corporate donations, major gifts, foundations, fundraising events, board donations, and our Annual Appeal campaign. However, in recent years, the steady decline in participation of our Annual Appeal/Family Friends of Scouting campaign — less than 6% of all families in Scouting — as well as the costs required to maintain this campaign has made it impractical to continue this funding model.
Nationwide, we have seen other local councils transition to this membership cost model, while focusing on membership growth. This change will also allow our staff and volunteer time to directly support our units and programs instead of soliciting contributions.
Exceptions and Financial Aid
- Families with three (3) or more Scouts will be capped at paying three (3) Council Membership Fees.
- Scouts participating in more than one program will pay one (1) Membership Fee.
- No registered adult will incur a membership fee.
- Adults are still responsible for renewing their Scouting insurance annually at a cost of $6 per person. For youth, this insurance charge is covered under the $75 membership fee.
- No youth will be turned away for an inability to pay the Membership Fee. BAC has always provided financial assistance when needed and will continue to do so.
National and Unit Membership Fees
- The Local Council fee will be in addition to the annual National Membership fee. BAC does not directly receive any of the National BSA membership fees.
- Units may have additional fees or dues to pay for a Unit’s programs and activities; those fees also remain with the Unit, and do not go to BAC. Many units also fundraise for these fees and activities, we encourage units to continue those efforts.
Annual Membership Fees
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National Scouting America Membership Fee
$85The Annual Scouting America Membership fee, determined by the National office, are crucial to the continuation of Scouting in the United States. However, these funds go directly to the National Office of the BSA, not local Councils, such as the Baltimore Area Council.
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Baltimore Area Council Membership Fee
$75The Local Council Membership fee allows our staff and volunteer time to directly support our units and programs through providing consistent revenue. It also provides a more equitable method to support the local Scouting program. Local Scouting Insurance ($6) is included in the $75 fee. Adults will still need to pay the insurance fee separately ($6 per person).
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Unit Level Fees
VariesSome Units may choose to implement their own Unit level fee to support their Adventures. These fees are managed by Unit leadership, not the Local Council, and as a result will vary between Units.
Total: $160
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Scout Life
$15Optional monthly subscription to the Scout Life Magazine
How the Baltimore Area Council Supports Each Scout’s Journey
From a child’s first day in Scouting to their Eagle Scout Court of Honor, the Baltimore Area Council maximizes our resources to provide each Scout with a safe, educational, and engaging Scouting experience.
- District Day Camps and Camporees
- Pinewood and Klondike Derbies
- District Newsletters, Websites, and Social Media
Financial Aid Options
Each year, all Scouting participants are required to renew their membership. Beginning January 1, 2025, all youth participating in Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts programs will see an annual Council Membership Fee of $75.00 included as part of their Unit’s annual membership renewal, in addition to the National Membership Fee, totaling $160 for a year-long Scouting membership. Today it costs the Council $250 per youth per year to support a quality Scouting program. In prior years, BAC has subsidized 100% of this cost through corporate donations, major gifts, foundations, fundraising events, board donations, and our Annual Appeal campaign. With the addition of this $75 Council Fee, we are able to offset some of the costs of the Scout program and refocus our staff and volunteer time to directly support our units instead of soliciting contributions. No youth will be turned away for an inability to pay the Council Membership Fee. The Baltimore Area Council has always provided financial assistance to those in need and will continue to do so for the following services:
Local Council Membership Fee Financial Aid
Local Council Membership fee allows our team time to support the Scouting program through providing consistent revenue. No youth will be turned away for an inability to pay the Fee. The Council has always provided financial aid when needed and will continue to do so.
National Scouting America Membership Fee
Annual Scouting America Membership fees, determined by the National office, are crucial to the continuation of Scouting in the United States. However, these funds go directly to the National Office of the BSA, not local Councils, such as the Baltimore Area Council.
Broad Creek Summer Camp Campership
Participation costs to attend Broad Creek go towards providing a quality program throughout the week. This includes food, supplies, staff training, and more. We never want money to get in the way of a Scout’s opportunity to experience a summer at Broad Creek!
While the details of how financial support will be requested and provided are still being finalized, our commitment to families is to make requesting support a simple process. Financial support will be available for the new Council Membership Fee and will continue to be available for National membership fees and camperships for Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation and District Day Camps. BAC remains committed to raising the funds needed through various fundraising and revenue generation mechanisms, to ensure Scouting is available to every youth who wants to be a Scout.
How to Support Scouting
As a nonprofit, the Baltimore Area Council relies on the generosity of our community to continue to keep our doors open. Though this Council fee will help to offset the cost of running the Scouting program, it does not fully cover Council operating expenses. The Baltimore Area Council will continue to fundraise to close the expense gap, including the continuation of our Annual Appeal and fundraising events. If you would like to make a charitable, tax-deductible donation to ensure that every young person who wants to experience the Scouting program has the opportunity, please visit www.BaltimoreBSA.org/Give