Compare Two Adventure Budgets

Items Needed:

Instructions (Estimated Time: 25–30 minutes)

Set the Budget (2–3 minutes)
- Each scout gets $15 to spend.
- Teams calculate the total budget by multiplying $15 × number of scouts in the troop.
  - Example: 10 scouts × $15 = $150
Divide Into Two Planning Teams (2–3 minutes)
- Split the troop into two equal teams.
- Each team will plan one full-day troop outing that fits within the total troop budget.
Build Your Plan (10–15 minutes)
- Using the Pretend Price List, each team selects:
  - One main activity that everyone can do
  - A shared meal or snack option for everyone
  - Optional extras (treats, souvenirs, supplies)
- Teams must calculate the total cost for the whole troop, not per scout. They adjust their plan to stay within the troop budget.
Share and Compare (7–10 minutes)
- Teams take turns presenting their adventure plan:
  - What they chose to include
  - Their total cost
  - Why they made their choices
Then lead a group reflection:
- Which trip seems like the best value?
- Which stretched the budget more creatively?
- Could you combine ideas for an even better outing?

Prices are per scout. Multiply by number of scouts to find total troop cost.

Adventure Activity	Price per Scout
Bowling (ticket + shoes)	$10
Art class (1 hour)	$12
Roller skating	$9
Nature walk + scavenger hunt	$5
Chocolate factory tour	$15
Petting zoo visit	$8
Snack + drink	$4
Ice cream treat	$3
Small souvenir	$3
Group rate discount (4+ scouts; main activity only)	–$2 per scout

Tip: The group discount applies only to the main activity, and only if at least 4 scouts attend.

Tia Kennard