As a child, I fondly remember the simplicity of youth sports. At just 8 years old, I eagerly joined a local soccer team after my parents signed me up with a mere few dollars and a simple permission slip. I was thrilled to wear my bright red T-shirt as part of the “Red Hots,” playing on a school field with volunteer referees and no requirement to sell anything. We brought our own water, enjoyed the games, and even kept our shirts at the end of the season.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape of childhood activities has dramatically changed. Fundraising has turned into a relentless cycle of selling overpriced items, from cookie dough to candles. Recently, I was asked to help sell candles for a school trip, which cost $75 per child. The catch? Only 10% of the profit would go toward the trip expenses. Each candle was priced at $25, but they were smaller than those found in stores. So, to fund this trip, I would need to sell 30 candles. Seriously? Who has a network of 30 people who need that many candles?
I understand the financial demands of running school programs. As someone who’s managed a PTA budget, I know firsthand how expensive assemblies, dances, and field trips can be. But do we really need to go all out? Today’s field trips resemble mini-vacations, complete with fancy buses and Wi-Fi. The class parties I remember were delightful yet simple, involving games like Simon Says and a cookie or two, not extravagant events that require significant parental funding.
I get it; fundraising aims to help families who may not have the extra cash to spare. But perhaps we need to rethink our approach. There’s no need for elaborate parties with bounce houses and DJs. Kids would be just as happy with a tray of brownies and some music. It seems that many of these hyperbolic events stem from parents who feel the need to outdo one another rather than what truly benefits the children.
Before you dismiss my perspective, let me admit that I have also contributed to the fundraising frenzy. I’ve asked for donations for school supplies and organized events that have veered into excess. But when will it end? We need to return to the basics. Less truly can be more, and today’s parents often forget that children find joy in simple pleasures.
PTAs and sports associations are sitting on substantial budgets, sometimes more than what an average family earns in a year. This reality raises the question: what are we trying to prove? I’m ready to step away from the fundraising madness, and I hope others will join me in voicing their concerns. Supporting our kids doesn’t mean we have to sell every overpriced item that comes down the pike.
Instead, I’ll ask what activities actually cost and skip the stale pies and candles that only end up in the trash. But if someone is selling those delicious chocolate-covered pretzels, please let me know!
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In summary, it’s time we shift our focus from extravagant fundraisers to more reasonable activities that don’t strain family budgets. The joy of childhood doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag.