The Badge Archive

Budget Sharing

Items Needed:

  • Large sheet of paper or whiteboard
  • Markers
  • Paper and pencils or crayons for scouts
  • Optional: Play money for visual aid

Instructions (Estimated Time: 20–30 minutes):

  1. Set a Budget (3 minutes)
    • Each scout imagines they have $15 to give back or help others.
    • They can choose to donate all, some, or just a little.
  2. Brainstorm Ways to Give (7–10 minutes)
    • As a troop, make a list of ways scouts can help others.
      Include ideas that:
      • Use money (like donating to a shelter or pet rescue)
      • Don’t need money (like sharing toys, helping a neighbor, or making cards)
  3. Make a Giving Plan (10–12 minutes)
    • Each scout picks one way to give.
    • They decide how much of their $15 they’d spend, save, or use in another way.
    • They can draw or write about their choice.
  4. Share and Compare (5 minutes)
    • Scouts share their plans with a buddy or group.
      Ask:
      • Why did they choose that idea?
      • What could they do with any money left over?

Ways to Give That Cost Money

This is a pretend price list to show examples of ways to help that cost money. Scouts can also think of other ways to help others that don’t cost anything and add them to the list.

Giving IdeaEstimated Cost
Buy canned food to donate to a food pantry$3–5
Purchase pet treats or toys for an animal shelter$5–8
Pick out baby supplies (wipes, pacifiers) for donation$5–10
Buy school supplies for a student in need$4–6
Choose socks or mittens to give to a shelter$5
Buy a birthday card and a toy for a child in need$7–10
Donate part of their money directly to a causeAny amount
Buy ingredients to make kindness cookies for neighbors$5–7
Create “thank you” packs (granola bar + card) for helpers$3–5 per pack
Make a small care bag (toothbrush, soap) for donation$5–6
Buy reusable bags to give out or promote waste reduction$2–3 each
Pick out coloring books or crayons for kids in hospitals$4–6
Tia Kennard