Wherever you’re planning to travel, your fundraising activities can tag along. With a little brainstorming and research, you and your students can learn and earn at the same time. Here are more money-making ideas that tie back to the trip location:
Theme-based fundraising ideas by country
Italy—Sure you could have a bake sale with cookies and brownies. But why not dive into the paesano spirit right from the get go. Think about having a biscotti bake off instead. In addition to buying the sweets, let people cast votes for best recipe.
Japan—Spread news about Japan before even taking off for your tour. Teach students that the fortune cookie, commonly believed to be a Chinese tradition, actually has Japanese origins. Instead of typical candy grams, start myth busting by selling true Japanese fortune cookies. Bake them yourselves and insert fun lines or find a novelty baked goods online retailer to help.
Mexico or Spain—Ready for more trivia? Where the piñata is part of Hispanic custom now, its origins are actually Chinese. And, they were first made with clay pots. Have a school dance or fair coming up? Stuff a large Mexican piñata with student favorites, like iTunes gift cards, and sell raffles tickets for chances to take a swing at the hanging treasure trove.
New York City—Get geared up for the “City that Never Sleeps” by sponsoring an all-night dance-a-thon. Ask students for donations to request songs for the Gotham playlist. Sell candy apples for Big Apple-style refreshments. (Did you know the nickname Big Apple comes from a term jazz musicians used in the ‘20s and ‘30s? To pick the big apple meant to upgrade from small-town gigs and play in New York City.)
Greece—Stage an Olympian board game tournament with Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit and even Chess competitions. Include “sportive” games like a three-legged race or ultimate frisbee. Charge an entry fee for teams or individuals, and let the grand winner earn a fitting prize like a Nintendo Wii.
These are just a few ways you can draw on a tour destination’s traditions or customs to drum up support for your educational trip. Did we spark any more ideas? If so, post them in the comments to share with other Explorica groups. Check back often for more fundraising tips.