have you ever fundraised to send your child on a school trip

[crisi]

When I was in Junior High, I went to Washington DC for a class trip. We didn't "fundraise" but as suggested, I babysat, raked leaves, and did other odd jobs.

My Girl Scouts are planning a trip - they are using cookie money. They'll need some more, their parents will pitch in but we are thinking about a garage/craft sale. We'll see. Their ideas are bigger than their motivation.

Around here, you can't sell in school unless its for an approved school club - the girls can't sell cookies in school because Girl Scouts isn't a school club. Also, because you are not a non-profit and this is directly benefiting a specific child, all profits will be taxable. Also be aware that there are regulations around food sales - its hard around here to do a spaghetti dinner or pancake breakfast to the public (you can do them at church to the membership).

I'd combine odd jobs with asking friends, relatives and places of business for sponsorship. But I wouldn't be shocked if people turn you down, the list of kids I'd sponsor for something like this is probably on one hand (but there are a few kids I'd give a significant donation to if they won something like this - kids whose attitudes are exceptional).

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

OP, you never say if your son actually WANTS to make the trek to Colorado to pick up the award. Some kids like doing that kind of thing, others don't. If he wants to go, he should be doing what he can to earn some or all of the trip money. If he's really not interested in going, then--don't go. Have the award sent to his school, and they can present it to him during an awards ceremony, infront of his friends and teachers and so forth.

But to answer the question asked, no, I would NOT fundraise in the ways you mentioned. My kids have to participate in way too many fundraisers a it is--scouts, baseball, a gazillion for school, and so on. My DD16 is going to Peru next month--she has two actual jobs, a number of babysitting clients, and she house-sits. DS14 works weekend as a lift attendant at a local ski resort--no trips for him, he just wants an iPod Touch.

 

[Nayan]

Fundraising for one child to go on a trip is just as tacky as fundraising to throw your kids a birthday party (yes I did actually see this!). Either have your son work for the money himself or you pay for it.