Night at the Races Fundraiser for Scout Troops

Help Your Scouts Raise $1,000-$2,500 for Summer Camp, Jamboree Trips, and Equipment

Real Revenue Example: Scout Troop Event

Here’s how a troop of 25 scouts with families (80 total attendees) can raise funds in one evening:

Everything Your Scout Troop Needs in One Package

Download instantly and start planning your successful Night at the Races fundraiser

What Your Night at the Races Can Fund

One successful event can cover major expenses your scouts are working toward

Is this appropriate for youth scouting organizations?

Absolutely. Night at the Races fundraisers are family-friendly entertainment events that have been successfully used by scout troops for decades. There is no actual gambling involved – participants make small wagers on pre-recorded horse races purely for entertainment, similar to playing board games for small prizes. The focus is on community building and fun, making it perfect for scouting values.

How many parent volunteers do we need?

Most scout troops run successful Night at the Racess with just 4-6 parent volunteers handling different roles like betting stations, concessions, setup, and coordination. If you choose our Premier Package with the virtual host system, you need even fewer volunteers since the host guides the entire event professionally. Many troops also involve older scouts in helping with various tasks, providing them with valuable leadership experience.

What venue works best for a scout troop Night at the Races?

Scout troops typically use venues they already have access to, making this very cost-effective. Popular choices include school cafeterias or gymnasiums, community centers, church halls, or VFW posts. You need a space that can accommodate your expected attendance with room for tables, a screen for the races, and a small concession area. Most venues that host regular troop meetings work perfectly with minimal modification.

Can scouts participate in organizing the event?

Definitely, and we encourage it. This is an excellent opportunity for scouts to practice leadership skills and potentially earn credit toward leadership-related merit badges or rank advancement. Older scouts can help with setup, manage betting stations, assist with concessions, create promotional materials, or even serve as junior hosts for younger attendees. Parent volunteers should supervise, but scouts can take active roles throughout the planning and execution.

How much should we charge for race bets?

Most scout troops find success with bets ranging from one dollar to five dollars per race, making it affordable for all families. A common approach is to sell betting packages at the door – for example, ten dollars gets someone bets on all races plus entry. You can also offer family packages at a slight discount to encourage whole families to participate. Our revenue guide includes detailed pricing strategies and examples from successful troop events.

What if we have never organized a fundraiser like this before?

That is exactly why we created these comprehensive packages. Everything is included with step-by-step instructions, from the technical setup to managing bets to maximizing revenue. Many first-time organizers choose our Premier Package specifically because the virtual host walks everyone through the evening professionally, eliminating the stress of not knowing what to do next. Our planning guide breaks everything down into manageable tasks over eight weeks.

How do we promote the event to maximize attendance?

Start by communicating directly with all scout families through your regular channels like email lists and troop meetings. Encourage scouts to invite extended family, friends, and neighbors. Create simple flyers to post at local businesses. Use your troop’s social media presence to build excitement with countdown posts. Many troops partner with their chartered organization to reach a broader community. The key is starting promotion early and communicating consistently so people save the date.

Can we use the package multiple times?

Yes, absolutely. Your purchase includes unlimited use rights, meaning you can host Night at the Racess as often as you like. Many troops make this an annual tradition, while others run multiple events throughout the year to fund different activities. Some even coordinate with other troops in their district to take turns hosting, with each troop using their own package. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective investment that continues delivering value year after year.

What equipment do we need to run the event?

You will need a projector or large TV to display the races, a sound system so everyone can hear the action, a laptop or computer to play the race videos, and basic supplies like tables and chairs. Most troops can borrow this equipment from their meeting place or from troop families. We provide all the digital content and printable materials – you just need the standard equipment to present it to your attendees in an engaging way.

What is the difference between your three packages?

All packages include professional race videos, complete race ticketing systems, and revenue guides. The Starter Package has six races and works well for smaller troops or first-time events. The Complete Package includes eight races plus an alternate final race and is perfect if you have experienced volunteers comfortable hosting. The Premier Package adds our virtual host system, which provides professional guidance throughout the evening and is ideal for parent volunteers who want less pressure. Most scout troops choose Premier for the peace of mind it provides.

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Join scout troops across America who are raising more money with less effort through engaging Night at the Races fundraisers