School FUNdraising: Fun at Home

It seems with all the rigmarole of school fundraising that families have forgotten how it can really bring them together. It exposes your child to the concept of “working together” and it reminds you of the joy of childhood. Girl Scout cookies would just be cookies unless our hearts didn’t melt from seeing the girls and parents stand out in the cold and still hold a smile.

I researched online some of the best activities for families to do together at home. If you can incorporate these into the “art” of fundraising…voila! You’ve accomplished far more than the parent who hands over the fundraiser ‘bail-out’ cash. Now get ready for the next one ☺

#1 Read with your child
Sure, every child loves a good book. From watching babies to grownups, I see the favorites are the ones asking you to join in. Get a book (or create one!) that talks about the purpose of fundraising. You can even use my other articles to develop the body of the book. Have your child read the instructions and then finish the page. For example, you can have him or her “write names of family in the picture of the house” and “write names of neighbors in the picture of the circle.” This will help your child think of people to contact for the fundraiser. You can then ask your child about the symbolism of the circle: it is a circle because neighbors and friends establish a community that is important and reliable.

#2 Do arts and crafts
Of course! This is one of the best ways to use your creative energy and destroy the house. And it’s worth every last glue smudge. Get out those crayons, markers, paintbrushes, and poster board—this is time to create some publicity. You can create posters, little brochures, and even thank-you cards. I don’t remember the last time I saw a thank-you card for a fundraiser. We start to expect that friends, family, and neighbors will participate because they always have. Reinvent an old tradition. They will remember you.

#3 Cook. Make snacks.
We just wouldn’t be human if food wasn’t involved in our fun activities. Eating brings people together; and it can be a very healthy and fulfilling time. You can block of a period of an hour or so just for your child and promise him or her that it is “your” time together. You could make a special snack and then work on the next step of your fundraiser. Remember, fundraising is teaching your child the steps of selling. Your child will have to prepare, present, and network time and time again. What a great time to begin learning how fun it can be—right in the home.

#4 Outdoor bug hunt
I’m sure you can find a way to tie this one in…

Cheers to a fresh day!