Cub scouts want ideas for fund raising - any ideas?

Question

My son is a boy scout (10 years old) his troop leader has asked them (approx 13-15 of them) all to come up with some ideas on how to raise money for a minibus for indian school children.

we've got a few ideas like the original boy scout task of "bob-a-job" (where your rewarded cash for small jobs in your local neighbourhood) and a sponsored bike ride etc,

but can anybody out there think of anything a little bit more imaginitave?

we are based in a city but do have transport to get to rural areas althought this costs and we want our outlay to be minimal.

if you need more info please let me know in your answer and i'll add it to additional information.

thanks everyone

Answer 1

my son and his scouters did a 12 hour games marathon!
they played darts, mini snooker, cards, board games, console games etc for 12hrs non-stop, each group moving from one section to the other etc.
Raised a lot of money, biggest fund raiser they ever did!
Made more cash by selling confectionery and hot dogs, burgers, fries etc!
Had loads of fun doing it and all!

Like to add, it was my idea!

Answer 2

Thank goodness someone has the same problem! I'm a leader in a Cub Pack in Scotland, so I can give you some of the things we've tried.

Jumble sale - sounds obvious, but is a cheap and easy way to make money if people can be persuaded to donate things.

Beetle Drive - Make people pay an entrance fee to get in and have a beetle drive. This is great fun and you only need small prizes for the winners. A lot of people will come to this if you spread the word as it is great fun. If you don't know what this is, please email my yahoo and I'll send the details to you.

Sponsered walk/run/cycle/bunny hop - The Cubs love this one. Get them to do a mile in whatever format they want, and be sponsered for it. I had 2 kids last year that did a wheelbarrow race and kept swapping around! You'll need parents to help foir this one though - too much for the Leaders to do on their own.

Cake sale - Things that the Cubs have made themselves will go down well. They can also make things like jewellery from paper mache, let them use their imaginations.

Money Collecting - Give all the Cubs a tube of smarties, tell them they can eat the smarties, and that they them have to fill the tube up with money. Loose change, 1p's 2p's, 5p's etc, and then bring it back to the pack.

I'll leave it at that for just now, if you need any more ideas my email is [e-mail]

Answer 3

Car washes, bake sales, spaghetti dinners, there are a lot of ideas out there. Just remember, you have to clear any fund raising idea with your local Scout Council and if you have a fund raiser at any location other than where you normally meet, you must fill out a local tour permit. It covers insurance and liability issues that may come up. With the spaghetti dinners, you can usually get a local grocery store or two to donate the pasta, sauce, etc., so any money made, is clear profit that can be used in turn, to buy the minibus for the school children.(My answer is based on 14+ years in Scouting!)

Answer 4

Cub Scouts can make a NICE chunk of money with a simple car wash. Have the boys in as much uniform as possible (cuteness factor), teach them a simple but quick technique, and ask for donations instead of a set amount. This sounds backwards, but you will almost always make more money this way!

Add a bake sale, garage sale, or similar activity for more sales.

The trick to 'hand over fist' money for a car wash is location, location, location... and having a party atmosphere.

Aim for a place near a major intersection, that is easy to get to. Also aim for maximum visibility, and a good work flow. Give some kids in uniform some EASY TO READ signs for FREE CAR WASH and post them in places that give drivers the chance to turn and get to the site safely.

Use balloons, music, etc. to make it fun and exciting and try to arrange for media coverage- especially if you are doing this over a few weekends in a row.

Answer 5

I manage a youth center and part of our operating costs comes from fundraising. The biggest part of fundraising is finding something in your area that is not being done already. Our biggest fundraiser here is a Rubber Duckie race--you can make thousands of dollars from one fundraiser. (after years of fundraising I refuse to do 'nickel and dime' raisers that take lots of effort and yield small profits) Google rubber duck races and see all that you come up with. OR post an edit to your question if you want more info on it and I will email you. (I have some other ideas I can send you too)

Answer 6

One event we used as a fundraiser was a vicars and tarts football match and cricket match. It went down a storm and I will NEVER volunteer to be on the tarts side again!, no problems with the dress & make up but the stilletto heels crucified me!
Another good fundraiser is a festival with stalls such as a coconut shy.

Answer 7

1. Do an aluminum can drive -- many people are happy to give you theirs

2. If you have a Sam's Club, do a burger burn. Call them ASAP as their scheduling day is usually in February and the dates fill up fast

Answer 8

Sponsored walk, jumble sale,

low cost camp + slightly higher prices = fund raising money?

sorry i hope this helps

Answer 9

With the spring coming it would be an idea to grow plants, possibly making wooden planters, sell them at a spring fayre
(make a lovely easter gift)

Answer 10

Bag packing in a local supermarket.