The Badge Archive

School Supply Budget Challenge

Items Needed:

  • $20 in play money per scout
  • Paper
  • Pencil or pen
  • Optional: Computer, phone, or tablet to check real prices

Instructions (Recommended Time: 30–40 minutes):

  1. Imagine the Task (3–5 minutes)
    • Scouts think about what supplies they would need for school.
  2. Make a List (5–7 minutes)
    • Each scout writes a list of school supplies they want to “buy.” Suggestions: ruler, binder, notebook, pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, highlighters
  3. Find Prices (10–15 minutes)
    • Scouts look up prices online, with help from an adult, or use estimated prices.
    • They write down the cost for each item next to their list.
  4. Stay on Budget (5–7 minutes)
    • Scouts add up the prices.
      • If their list is under $20, they’re within budget.
      • If it’s over $20, they decide which items to remove or swap.
  5. Think Smart (5–6 minutes)
    • Scouts talk about or write down:
      • What they chose and why
      • If any supplies could be shared or bought in a group (like splitting a pack of pencils with a sibling or friend)
      • One smart way they saved money
Tia Kennard