Hosting a Youth Week event starts with an idea. Then, with a little planning and a little creativity, the other pieces fall into place.
Here you will find several event ideas along with some how-to information about hosting an event in your school. Please note, many of these also work for organizations and businesses.
The great thing about a Youth Week event is that anything goes. Just make sure it is:
In order to help you let your school and community know about the events you are holding for Youth Week, we’ve put together some ideas that you can use to promote your event and help spread the word about Youth Week!
Description: Have you ever wanted to create your own team and compete against others in your favorite sport? This event would be a great opportunity for students to stay active, get involved, have fun and fundraise all at the same time. You could also try having a teachers vs students game!
Where would this event take place? School gym, outside in a field
How many volunteers would you need to run the event? 10+ (including referees and score keepers)
What are some of the sports you could participate in?
What supplies or materials would you need?
What are the event costs? The event costs are very minimal, because your school will likely have all the sports equipment needed for the competition.
Could this event be a fundraiser? Yes – tickets can be sold to students, parents and staff so that they can watch the fun!
Description: Have you ever wanted to get back at your teachers for all the homework they pile on you? This is your chance to get them back by throwing a pie in their face – but be nice, as they are still your teachers!
Where would this event take place? School gym or cafeteria.
How many volunteers would be needed to run this event? 5 +
What supplies/materials would you need?
What are the event costs? Cost of pies plus raffle tickets = approximately $50 – $75.
Could this event be a fundraiser? Yes – charge students a dollar or two per pie. The more they purchase, the more pies they can throw at their teacher.
Description: Who doesn’t love fresh cookies and treats? That’s why this event would be a big hit at any school!
Where would this event take place? Main foyer of school, gym or cafeteria.
How many volunteers would be needed to run this event? 5 +
What supplies/materials would you need?
What are the event costs? If all the volunteers bring in their own homemade cookies and treats, the event will have no cost except what money is required to make the cookies and treats at home. If you decide to buy the cookies and treats, then there will be a higher cost. Hopefully you can get students to make their own. Another alternative is that you can have the foods class make some of the cookies and treats.
Could this event be a fundraiser? Yes – depending on how much you charge, the students could recover their costs if they plan to buy the cookies and treats. If they plan to make them, they can donate the money to a cause of their choice and maybe have a little left over.
Description: People can watch a movie at lunch time in school and enjoy popcorn as well.
Where would this event take place? School gym, big classroom or cafeteria.
How many volunteers are needed to run this event? 2+
What supplies or materials would you need?
What are the event costs? Cost of popcorn + movie rental = $50-$65. You can get the screen/TV/DVD player from your school, which will help to minimize costs!
Could this event be a fundraiser? Yes, you could charge people for the popcorn or leave a donations jar on the popcorn stand.
Description: Ever get tired of listening to the same music over and over? Exchange CDs and get a taste of someone else’s music. Students can prepare mixed CDs and then trade them at an exchange fair. You can organize the CDs in categories if you have enough submissions.
Where would this event take place? School gym (for bigger exchanges), classroom (for smaller ones)
How many volunteers are needed to run this event? 6+ (bigger); 4+ (smaller)
What supplies or materials would you need?
What are the event costs? Slim. The CD player and the boxes could cost some money, but most likely you can borrow them.
Could this event be a fundraiser? You could possibly to charge a slight amount to raise funds, but it is best to keep it a fun event.
Description: Do you have a hidden talen? If so, this is the perfect event for your school! Showcase everyone’s abilities by holding a school-wide talent show.
Where would this event take place? School gym, theatre or cafeteria.
How many volunteers would be needed to run this event? 10+
What supplies/materials would you need?
What are the event costs? Cost will depend on the sound equipment. Hopefully your school has most of it already. If not, maybe you can get it donated. Band equipment may be your biggest expense. Having only acoustic musicians may lower costs.
Could this event be a fundraiser? Yes – if you wanted it to be and students are willing to pay. There could be an entry fee for participants and/or you could sell tickets to watch the show. Or, maybe you want to make the event free so everyone can have fun and enjoy!
Description: Have you ever wanted to auction yourself off for a good cost? Teachers can bid on students to have them help out with small tasks throughout the week, and students can receive volunteer hours for participating in this event.
Where would this event take place? School gym or theatre
How many volunteers would be needed to run this even? 10-15
What supplies or materials would you need?
What are the event costs? Most materials you will need can usually be found at your school. It may cost you around $20-$30 to make the signs for the event and print off other materials for people to sign up for the auction
Could this event be a fundraiser? Definitely! All the money collected from teachers bidding on students can go to a charity of your choice.
Who doesn’t love a competition? Especially a video game competition! Rock Band or Guitar Hero are some popular options. Let there be a battle to see who rocks it out!
Where would this event take place? School gym
How many volunteers would be needed to run this event? 5+
What supplies/materials would you need?
What are the event costs? The cost of the prize varies with amount and type, but $50 should cover those costs. As for the TV/projector, it is likely you can borrow these from the school. For the gaming console, most students have a Wii, Rock Band or Guitar Hero. If you can borrow the equipment, there is no cost for this.
Could this event be a fundraiser? Very possibly – You can charge a slight amount to enter the competition ($1 or $2), and the final prize for the winner will attract more people and give them motivation to sign up with their friends!
