Each summer, Scouts everywhere head off on fun adventures, filled with learning opportunities and bonding activities. To fund these summertime excursions, troops generally hold fundraisers throughout the year, relying on community dollars to offset travel expenses, registration fees, and other costs associated with scouting activities.

For a troop that has worked hard to put money aside for summer trips, now is the time to enjoy the rewards of all of that hard work. It’s important not only to ensure the money comfortably covers all associated expenses, but also to start preparing for next year’s fundraiser while you have the chance. Here are a few tips to make you troop’s summer scouting events as fruitful as possible.

Plan Fun, Educational Outings

There’s a reason Scout activities are so successful. Not only do they provide troop members the opportunity to learn about nature and conservation, they also teach youth basic survival skills, first aid, and other things that could come in handy later in life. Canoeing trips and horse camps can deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will impress parents, troop leaders, and the community at large.

Add Variety

Camping has traditionally been an essential part of Boy Scouts, but there are many other excursions troop leaders can plan. A tour of a historic building or a museum is a great way to educate scouts while also learning information they can take back to their everyday lives. Look for free museums or discounts to save money. World-class museums like the Smithsonian and the National Zoo are free to the public. Outings don’t have to be limited to learning experiences. Leaders can plan a service-related outing that encourages members to give back to others, teaching them that giving can be fun.

Maintain a Budget

As your troop makes plans for camping trips, canoe excursions, and more, make budgeting a part of your planning process. Your trip will be much more enjoyable if all expenses are paid in advance. You’ll likely be able to obtain a group rate, especially by being a nonprofit, youth-oriented organization.  Be sure to budget in extra money for those unexpected expenses that come up over the course of any group outing. Paying in advance will also reduce the stress on the day of your outing.

Take Photographs (and plenty of Selfies)

While your outings are designed to benefit your scouts, don’t forget next year’s fundraising campaign. Photos of youth enjoying the outings that are made possible by funds raised can be beneficial when marketing your next efforts. They can be used on your website and print materials to show how donations make a big difference in the lives of the youths involved in your organization. Connecting your fundraising initiatives to your outings will also motivate your scouts to sell.

Ask the Troop

One of the best ways to have a successful scout outing is to ask your troop members what they would like to do. You could start by getting information on each member’s personal interests and hobbies and tailor your activities to their answers. Learn about any scout’s allergies and sensitivities and keep those in mind when planning.

Planning successful, memorable events for your troop has a variety of benefits, from making your fundraising efforts more marketable to improving scout retention. Your members and their families will be more excited about your troop if you have fun and put members first. Be sure you keep members safe and protected and get the necessary parental permissions for each trip you plan.

With 59 years of working with fundraising organizations
of all kinds, Evergreen Industries understands how
early preparation is a cornerstone of successful
fundraising and we are here to help.
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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: JULY 6, 2022