Charity Scavenger Hunt

Vital Stats

Malloree W

Lincolnshire, IL

  • people helped100
  • People Doing It 80

The Problem

Altruism is attainable in many forms. I am passionate about community service. During high school I have been one of 1600 volunteers in my school’s largest club, G.I.V.E, working my way up to executive board. My responsibilities include leading and organizing events throughout the school, and encouraging others to get involved. Being part of this club has raised my awareness that numerous students participate out of a sense of academic obligation or legal requirement, rather than a moral willingness. My solution was to create an event, unrelated to school, showcasing a different type of community service; one that would appeal to those students who think service events are limited to visiting nursing homes or hospitals. Hence, the “Charity Scavenger Hunt” was born.

Plan of Action

After five months of preparation, organization and brainstorming a list of 200 items, tasks and locations, I solicited teams of participants. I advertised and invited people from my swim team, classes, fellow lifeguards, referees, waitstaff, and even strangers. It cost $5 to participate; the winners’ prize was to choose where the money was donated. I ran this event from my garage; I had no finances or assistance from adults, as this was unrelated to school. Never, in my wildest dreams, had I anticipated such success. The hook was this: “Are you bored on Saturday nights? Are you competitive? Do you like to help the world? Do you want to do something super fun?” These questions sparked the attention from students from all different backgrounds and interests, and allowed them to come together for a unified cause. The following was announced to the participants explaining how the event would be run: “We will be meeting at the house to distribute information and hunt lists. Arrive early to ensure a prompt and timely start at six o clock. You may come as early as five thirty. Each team needs four people (including captain), a car, a camera, and twenty dollars. At 5:50, the captains will go to the "sign in table" to get their lists and turn in their money. At six, everyone goes out and begins and returns at nine sharp! After the hunt, you will give us your camera/materials. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen possessions, but that won't be an issue, of course. The items will be counted in the house while people can wait, either at the park or leave and return. The results will be announced at ten. Prizes for costumes, winners, etc will be awarded. Keep in mind that we are playing for a charity, so when you check in, you will give us your charity suggestion. We will have community service forms at the event. Make sure to get the address. All teams need to be reported (on the event wall) by this Friday, the fourteenth. Keep inviting your friends! Please let us know if you have any questions! Thanks for participating!”
Go
Education

Related Stuff