As Scout leaders, it’s always fun to bring a touch of Scouting to community events. With our Christmas fair stall coming up, we’ve been brainstorming ways to engage visitors with activities that showcase a bit of what we do in Scouts while keeping things festive. Here’s a list of ideas to inspire your stall this holiday season:
1. Lucky Bags and Sweet Sales
A classic choice that’s easy to set up and always popular with the kids. Fill bags with small surprises and sweets for an affordable, fun takeaway.
2. The Quick Knot-Tying Challenge
Charge 50p for participants to compete in a knot-tying challenge. Keep a scoreboard and crown the day’s quickest knot-tier with a prize, like a festive selection box. It’s a simple activity that lets people try their hand at a key Scouting skill!
3. Sleeping Bag Stuffing Race
Another lighthearted timed challenge: see who can stuff a sleeping bag back into its sack the fastest. It’s a surprisingly tricky task that kids and adults alike find amusing.
4. S’mores Station
Bring the warmth of a campfire to your stall by offering a “make-your-own-s’mores” experience. Set up small burners or tea candles for visitors to toast marshmallows and assemble s’mores – a tasty and memorable treat for any Christmas fair.
5. Crafts: Mini Catapults or Emergency Compasses
Hands-on activities are a great way to engage visitors. Provide materials for a quick craft, like mini catapults using lolly sticks or emergency compasses made with corks, needles, and magnets. Both are quick to make and serve as cool keepsakes!
6. Chocolate and Alcohol Tombolas
Set up two tombolas: one for kids, with chocolate prizes, and one for adults with bottles of wine or spirits. A good tombola is always a crowd-pleaser and is an easy way to raise funds.
7. Hot Chocolate and Treats Stand
For a cozy refreshment option, consider selling hot chocolate with marshmallows. If space allows, add a small tuck shop with a selection of sweets, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.
8. Interactive Games
If space allows, set up a soft archery or tomahawk throwing station for a small fee. Or, if you want something simpler, try a “hook a duck” game with a Christmas twist.
Bonus Idea: The Human Fruit Machine
A personal favorite! Have three volunteers act as a human fruit machine, each pulling Christmas-themed items out of a sack (like baubles, candy canes, or mini presents) as a player “spins.” If all three match, the player wins a prize. This game adds a touch of holiday magic and is always a huge hit!
Running a Christmas fair stall is a fantastic way to engage with your community and show them what Scouting is all about. We hope these ideas help you bring a festive Scout spirit to your next event. **Merry Christmas and happy Christmas Fete planning !**
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