Many people don’t realize the fundamental role the Boy Scouts of America played in shaping Halloween as we know it today. In the early 20th century, Halloween was predominantly about pranks and mischief, causing a nuisance in communities across America. Recognizing the need for safe, fun activities for children, the Boy Scouts began organizing events that brought youngsters together in a positive way. One significant contribution was taking children door to door to receive treats from local residents, a practice that eventually became known as “trick-or-treating.”
Today, Boy Scout troops continue to cultivate fun, safe activities for children, especially around Halloween. This season also presents a fantastic opportunity for troops to raise funds for their various activities and projects. While each troop is free to develop its own unique ideas, Halloween offers a particularly fruitful time for engaging the community and promoting their annual wreath fundraisers.
Haunted Houses and Trails
One of the most ambitious and rewarding Halloween activities that Boy Scout troops can undertake is setting up a haunted house or trail. For instance, the Saint Vincent Boy Scouts in Fort Wayne, Indiana, sponsor a Haunted Castle event. The funds raised from this event have allowed the troop to set up their own scout lodge and support various activities throughout the year.
Organizing a haunted house provides scouts with a valuable learning experience. They get to exercise their creativity and project management skills while working together as a team. Additionally, these events offer an excellent platform to promote their wreath fundraiser. By setting up a booth at the entrance or exit of the haunted attraction, scouts can showcase sample wreath designs and take orders from attendees eager to get a head start on their holiday decorating.
Hayrides and Campfires
Outdoor activities are a staple of the Boy Scouts, making hayrides and campfires a natural fit for Halloween celebrations. Troops can organize haunted hayrides followed by campfire sessions where attendees can enjoy ghost stories, roast marshmallows, and learn about the scouts’ wreath fundraiser.
During the campfire sessions, scouts can distribute flyers, take orders, and even offer special promotions for early wreath purchases.
Community Carnivals and Trunk-or-Treats
Halloween carnivals and Trunk-or-Treat events are becoming increasingly popular in communities across the country. These events provide a perfect opportunity for Boy Scout troops to set up a booth and engage with families. By participating in these community events, scouts can generate interest in their wreath fundraiser and showcase their products to a broader audience.
At these events, troops can display different wreath designs, offer samples, and take orders on the spot. They can also provide incentives such as discounted pricing for orders placed during the event or free delivery within a certain radius. Engaging in these community activities not only boosts wreath sales but also helps build a positive reputation for the troop.
Pumpkin Painting
Instead of carving pumpkins, which can be messy and require sharp tools, troops can opt for a pumpkin painting activity. Scouts can supply paint or markers and encourage participants to decorate their pumpkins creatively. This activity is not only safer but also allows for more artistic expression.
Storytime
A relaxed event like a Halloween Storytime can be a great way to wind down after a busy evening. Dim the lights, have everyone hold flashlights, and read a thrilling but not too scary story. This creates a cozy atmosphere where scouts can talk about their wreath fundraiser and distribute order forms.
Spider Web Walk
A fun and easy activity to play at the end of a meeting is the spider web walk. Using duct tape or painter’s tape, create a web on the floor. Place plastic spiders in the web holes and a prize in the center. Participants must navigate the web and collect the spiders without falling. This interactive game can be a great icebreaker and a chance to promote wreath sales.
Halloween Bowling
Using small pumpkins as bowling balls and decorated bottles or rolls of paper towels as pins, scouts can set up a Halloween-themed bowling game. This activity is best done outdoors to avoid messes. It’s a fun way to engage participants and remind them about the wreath fundraiser.
Conclusion
Halloween provides Boy Scout troops with unique opportunities to engage with their communities while promoting their wreath fundraisers. By organizing haunted houses, hayrides, campfires, community carnivals, and various Halloween-themed activities, scouts can foster a sense of adventure and community spirit. These events not only offer fun and excitement but also serve as effective platforms for generating interest and boosting wreath sales.
As your troop gears up for the holiday season, remember to incorporate some spooky fun to drive your fundraising success. Share your ideas and successes with us @EvergreenWreath, and let’s make this Halloween a memorable and productive one for all Boy Scout troops!
