The deadline for First Payments for a Swamp Base trek is upon us, and that may have your unit scrambling for funds. (Haven’t booked your 2025 trek with us yet? Don’t worry, we will make a payment plan that works for you, and are still accepting crews for this summer!) Whether you are attending Swamp Base or another high adventure program, fundraising for a trip can be daunting. While there is no one way to fundraise; the options are as limitless as your imagination. Here are a few tips and tricks that we have found helpful:
First, plan early and dedicate someone to be responsible for tracking your progress and goals. Be sure that you set realistic and timely goals - remember to eat that elephant one bite at a time. Don’t depend on just one fundraising event, plan multiple events in case an idea falls short. Budget! High adventure can be pricey, but doing your research and choosing a camp or trek that fits within your budgeting goals can make high adventure possible for your unit. A Swamp Base trek is cheaper than a National High Adventure Base and most Council treks with average costs to participate being just $770 per person!
Next, comes fundraising itself. Events like pancake breakfasts, car washes, bake sales, and more are all great fundraising ideas. When I was a youth, my Venture Crew (shout out to Middle Tennessee Crew 263) sold Boston butts and my Sea Scout Ship hosted an annual bilge sale. For those of you unfamiliar with a bilge sale, we had locals at our harbor donate used boating equipment they no longer used and we sold the items to benefit our Ship. It's basically a scratch and dent gear sale specific to boating.
Don’t forget popcorn sales and camp cards! They can be a great way to support your unit and council. Try reaching out to community sponsors to see if a business or philanthropist would be willing to donate to your unit or sponsor a Scout. Look for ways not only to raise money, but to save money. Look for cheaper ways to travel and instead of purchasing a bunch of shiny new gear, consider buying, renting, or borrowing used gear. Looking for ways to save money can help make those goals more bite-sized.
Finally, if you are feeling overwhelmed about your Swamp Base trek, contact the Swamp Base team and we are happy to work out a payment plan that works for your unit. We hope to see you in the swamp soon!
-Gina Beckman Guilbeaux, Program Director
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