School Fundraisers: School Camping Night

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School Fundraisers: School Camping Night

A school camping night offers something different from traditional fundraising events. It creates a memorable experience for pupils and families while strengthening community connections.

Key benefits include:

Encouraging family engagement
Strengthening relationships between parents, staff and pupils
Promoting teamwork and outdoor activity
Generating funds through ticket sales and additional activities

With access to a large field or playground area, schools can transform their grounds into a vibrant camping village for the evening.

Choosing the Best Time of Year

While School Fundraisers: School Camping Night events can be hosted at various points throughout the year, spring and early autumn are often ideal. The evenings are cool enough to create an authentic camping atmosphere but not uncomfortably cold.

If your school has a covered outdoor area or school canopy, this can provide valuable shelter for communal activities, dining spaces, or protection should the weather change unexpectedly. A sheltered area ensures the event can continue smoothly, whatever the forecast.

Ideas to Make Your School Camping Night a Success

To maximise attendance and fundraising potential, consider offering a variety of activities and inclusions.

1. Ticket Pricing & Inclusions

Charge a reasonable but profitable fee per tent pitch. For example, £10–£15 per family. This could include:

Evening hot chocolate
Marshmallows for toasting
A light breakfast the following morning
Access to organised games and activities

Additional refreshments or meal options can be offered at an extra cost to increase fundraising opportunities.

2. Food & Catering Options

Depending on your facilities, you could:

Use the school kitchen to prepare simple meals
Offer a BBQ (weather permitting)
Allow families to bring their own camping stoves (subject to safety guidelines)
Provide snack stations or sweet treats

Clear safety procedures and risk assessments should always be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.

3. Organised Games & Activities

Structured activities help maintain energy levels and encourage participation. Ideas include:

Rounders or football matches
Sports day-style competitions
Team challenges
Treasure hunts
Storytelling sessions under a canopy

Dividing pupils and families into teams promotes collaboration and builds school spirit.

Strengthening Your School Community

One of the most valuable aspects of school camping night events is the opportunity they create for connection. Parents often have limited time to socialise during busy school runs. A relaxed evening setting encourages conversation, helping families and teachers build stronger relationships.

These events can also support transition periods, such as welcoming new Reception families or strengthening Year 6 leavers’ bonds before moving on to secondary education.

Practical Considerations

To ensure your camping fundraiser runs smoothly:

Conduct a full risk assessment
Provide clear arrival and departure times
Establish fire safety guidelines
Ensure appropriate supervision ratios
Arrange access to toilet facilities
Provide a sheltered area in case of rain

Investing in permanent outdoor structures, such as canopies or covered walkways, can significantly enhance the usability of your outdoor spaces for fundraising events throughout the year. Schools that maximise their outdoor areas often find they can host more frequent and diverse events, increasing fundraising potential long-term.

Creating a Memorable and Profitable Event

A well-organised school fundraiser, the School Camping Night event, delivers more than just financial benefits. It creates lasting memories for pupils, encourages family engagement and showcases the school’s commitment to community.

With careful planning and the right outdoor facilities, your school grounds can become a versatile venue for fundraising events that pupils and parents look forward to year after year.

If you are exploring ways to enhance your outdoor space to support school events and fundraising activities, Able Canopies would be pleased to provide guidance on creating practical, high-quality covered areas designed specifically for educational environments.

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

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