Optional Fundraising Ideas for Camp Families

At Shooting Star Adventures, we know families use many different approaches to make camp possible. While we work throughout the year to secure grants and donations to support camperships, some families also choose to explore optional personal fundraising to help cover part of their camp costs.

Fundraising is entirely optional and is not required to attend camp or to be considered for financial aid. This resource is simply here to share ideas for families who are interested in community-based ways to support their camper’s experience.

Individual Efforts

Some families start small, using activities that are easy to organize and age-appropriate for their camper:

• Lemonade stands or bake sales
• Car washes
• Babysitting or mother’s helper jobs
• Yard sales
• Chores or neighborhood services (weeding, dog walking, leaf raking)
• Recycling cans or bottles for cash

These options often allow campers to take an active role and feel proud of contributing toward their own camp experience.

Community Engagement

Other families reach out to their broader community for support:

• Writing a simple sponsorship letter to local businesses, sharing what a week at camp means to their child
• Connecting with local service organizations such as Lions Club, Rotary Club, or Kiwanis Club
• Hosting a small community fundraiser, such as a neighborhood gathering or school-based event

Often, people are happy to support when they understand how meaningful the camp experience is.

Online Options

Some families choose to use online tools to share their story with friends and family:

• Creating a crowdfunding page on platforms like GoFundMe or Fundly
• Sharing a short message or update on social media explaining their camper’s camp goal

We encourage families to keep sharing within circles that feel comfortable and appropriate.

A Few Important Reminders

• Fundraising is optional and never expected
• Participation in fundraising does not affect campership eligibility or award decisions
• Families may combine fundraising with payment plans or partial campership support
• We encourage families to choose approaches that feel respectful, safe, and aligned with their values

Camperships remain an important part of how we support families, and we’re grateful for the many ways our community comes together to help campers attend.

If you have questions about camperships, payment plans, or fundraising options, please reach out to us at
office@shootingstaradventures.org — we’re happy to help.

Using a Sponsorship Letter

Some families find it helpful to share their camper’s camp goal in writing when reaching out to family members, friends, or local businesses. A sponsorship letter can be a simple way to explain why camp matters and how community support can help.

To make this easier, we’ve created three sample sponsorship letters:

• A general version that works for any Shooting Star Adventures program
• A version specific to Ohdaka Day Camp
• A version specific to Camp Two Roads

Families are welcome to use whichever letter best fits their camper’s experience, or to adapt the language to feel personal and authentic.

Using a sponsorship letter or participating in fundraising is entirely optional and does not affect campership eligibility or award decisions.

---

Sponsorship Letter Templates

👉 Download Sample Sponsorship Letters
(Includes general, Ohdaka Day Camp, and Camp Two Roads versions)

---

Helpful Tips

• Letters are intended as starting points, not scripts
• Families are encouraged to personalize the letter or include a short note written by their camper
• Letters can be used for email, print, or in-person conversations
• Families should share only within circles that feel comfortable and appropriate

If you have questions about fundraising options, camperships, or payment plans, please contact us at
office@shootingstaradventures.org — we’re happy to help.