Get Involved: Charity Event Ideas for Beavers, Cubs & Scouts
One of the best ways to help young people understand kindness, responsibility, and community is by getting them involved in charity work. Whether it’s raising money, collecting donations, or simply giving their time, Scouts of all ages can make a big difference locally.
Below are achievable, fun, and meaningful charity event ideas tailored for Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts — each one designed to link with badgework and suit groups in any location. These aren’t just good deeds — they’re memorable learning moments that bring everyone together.
🐾 Beavers (Ages 6–8)
Simple, feel-good activities that are hands-on and community-focused.
1. Kindness Card Drop
What: Make and deliver handmade cards to a local care home, hospital, or neighbours.
Badge link: My World, Community Impact, Personal Challenge
Why: Teaches empathy and connection with the local community.
2. Mini Sponsored Walk / Obstacle Course
What: Hold a short fun run or obstacle course in a park. Each Beaver gets sponsors for completing the laps or stations.
Badge link: My Adventure, Health and Fitness, Teamwork
Why: Builds team spirit while raising money for a local cause or animal shelter.
3. Toy or Book Swap for Charity
What: Beavers bring in a book or toy to swap. Others can make a donation to take part.
Badge link: My World, My Skills
Why: Encourages sharing and recycling while raising funds.
4. Penny Trail
What: Lay out a giant penny trail in the shape of your section logo. Collect and donate all coins to a chosen local cause.
Badge link: Community Impact, Teamwork
Why: Visual, fun, and easy to do at your Scout hall or school.
🐻 Cubs (Ages 8–11)
Projects with a bit more planning and leadership involved.
1. Charity Car Wash
What: Cubs work in teams to wash cars (with adult supervision). Use a local community centre or school car park.
Badge link: Community Impact, Teamwork Challenge, Skills Challenge
Why: Builds work ethic, teamwork and raises funds visibly.
2. Reverse Advent Calendar
What: Instead of getting, Cubs give — collect one food item a day for a local food bank across a month.
Badge link: Our World, Community Impact
Why: Easy to run over time, reinforces daily action and generosity.
3. Sponsored Silence or Screen-Free Challenge
What: Cubs get sponsored to go silent for an hour or give up screens for a day.
Badge link: Personal Challenge
Why: Encourages personal growth while fundraising.
4. Pet Food Collection Drive
What: Set up a donation station for pet food and supplies to help your local animal shelter.
Badge link: Animal Carer, Community Impact
Why: Connects with animal-loving Cubs and helps local causes.
🔥 Scouts (Ages 11–14)
More independence and leadership, with activities that can scale up.
1. Community Café or Soup Kitchen Pop-up
What: Scouts cook and serve soup or snacks at a community centre for donations.
Badge link: Chef, Community Impact, Team Leader
Why: Teaches life skills and gives visible help to others.
2. Charity Gaming or Film Night
What: Host a low-cost ticketed event with popcorn and a projector — proceeds go to charity.
Badge link: Skills Challenge, Teamwork, Fundraising Activity
Why: Easy to organise with a clear fundraising focus.
3. Litter Pick for Sponsorship
What: Scouts clean up a local area with gloves, bags, and tally how much rubbish they collect.
Badge link: Environmental Conservation, Community Impact
Why: Good for the planet, good for the area, and a great team achievement.
4. Charity Talent Show
What: Scouts plan, host and perform — charge small ticket price, and include donation buckets.
Badge link: Entertainer, Teamwork, Community Impact
Why: Builds confidence and creativity while raising funds.