The Badge Archive

Grocery Budget Challenge

Items Needed:

  • Play money ($30 per scout)
  • Paper
  • Pencil or pen
  • Optional: Computer, phone, or tablet to check real prices

Instructions (Recommended Time: 30–40 minutes):

  1. Get Thinking (5 minutes)
    • Scouts think of a time they saved money or wanted to buy something. They write or draw what it was and how it felt.
  2. Learn the Goal (2–3 minutes)
    • Explain that money helps us buy things we need to stay healthy—like food, clothes, and shelter. Today, scouts will shop for groceries to keep their “character” healthy and strong.
  3. Plan a Meal (5–7 minutes)
    • Scouts pretend they have $30 to spend.
    • They make a list of five healthy grocery items they need.
    • They can think of:
      • Ingredients for a favorite meal
      • Snacks with protein, grains, fruits, or veggies
  4. Price the Groceries (10–15 minutes)
    • If internet access is available, scouts look up prices for their items.
    • If not, adults can offer estimated costs.
    • Scouts write down the price next to each item.
  5. Check the Total (5–7 minutes)
    • Scouts add up their grocery total.
    • If they have enough money, great job!
    • If they go over $30, they must decide what to remove or change to stay in budget.
  6. Reflect (3–5 minutes)
    • Scouts share or write down:
      • What they bought and why
      • What was hard about staying on budget
      • One smart money choice they made
Tia Kennard