What happens when you bring together families, tents, games and a campground for a fund-raiser? You get “Camping Out for the Cause.” This idea calls for strong leadership and coordination, but the potential pay-off makes the work worthwhile. You might be surprised how many of your friends are avid campers, and how many more would love to have a reason to give it a try. Summer and early fall are the best times to raise money by the campfire. You’ll need to plan ahead for this one, so don’t leave important details ’til the last minute.
For best results, keep it local. State and County parks make a great choice, if there’s one nearby. Most offer special areas and discounts for groups. Prices will be very reasonable, but facilities vary dramatically. Some offer everything from swimming and hiking trails to group activities. Others might require you to supply all the creativity.
If you live close to a privately-run campground, you can take advantage of kid-friendly amenities like miniature golf and arcades. KOA’s and Jellystone campgrounds usually offer exceptional outdoor experiences, for instance. Most camping resort owners welcome groups and will be happy to offer ideas and help coordinate. Ask for reduced prices or even a downright donation of a camping area for a weekend (off season is best) in exchange for advertising and good publicity.
How can you raise money while enjoying an overnight stay in the great outdoors?
* First, set a price for participation that’s slightly higher than the actual cost. Don’t go crazy. Even $10 extra per family can add up quickly.
* Use your pre-event publicity to offer advertising space for local merchants. You’re going to need printed notices of some sort anyway, so put them to good use. Promise your potential sponsors that every camper will get a hand-out with event details and instructions.
* Supply drinks for a reasonable price. Invite a local grocer to help your cause, or look into group programs from national fast-food or coffee franchises. Most companies have systems in place for fund-raising events. Even without a sponsor you can buy drinks in bulk and earn a tidy profit. People pay $2 to $5 per drink at concerts. You can make money at a dollar or less per serving.
* Food works, too. Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers for a couple bucks each might be just the ticket. Or sell donated baked goods instead. Everybody loves treats! Just be sure to leave room for s’mores and marshmallows later on.
* Play games for cash prizes. Hold a volleyball tournament or a softball game. Contestants pay to play, then you split the proceeds with the winner(s) — usually 50/50. For the non-athletes, try a croquet or badminton competition. Play candy bar bingo or try play-money blackjack for the adults. With enough variety, there’s a game that suits just about everyone, one way or another.
* Show a good, spooky movie. You can use a projector and a white screen. Many campgrounds have little theaters, too. Charge a small admission fee. Grown-ups will appreciate the diversion. You could even have a child care tent so the adults can mingle and have some fun.
* Hold a haunted woods hike. Hide prizes in advance that can be discovered along the trail. Let some of the older kids dress up in scary costumes for plenty of chills and thrills.
Camping out for fun and profit calls for some careful planning and a little legwork. Be sure to assign key roles to a few reliable helpers, and follow-up on questions quickly. Once you have five or six families interested, this is the kind of event that can snowball into a big deal.
Be bold, and call it “The First Annual (insert name of your cause here) Camp-out” — it’s great incentive to make it a memorable weekend. Just don’t forget to bring plenty of firewood and some matches, so everyone can roast marshmallows and melt s’mores at the end of the night. Bring your cameras, too. This is one fund-raiser you’ll never forget.
