The Easiest Fundraiser for Summer Camps: Raise Money with GotSneakers
If you’re looking for a fundraiser for summer camps that’s simple, low-cost, and easy to run, you’re in the right place. Running a summer camp is rewarding—but it comes with expenses. From supplies and snacks to scholarships and transportation, costs can quickly add up. What if your camp could raise money just by collecting something most families already have at home?
That’s exactly what the GotSneakers sneaker recycling fundraiser is designed to do. It’s an eco-friendly, no-selling, no-stress way to raise funds while teaching campers about sustainability and giving back.
Why a Sneaker Drive Is the Perfect Fundraiser for Summer Camps
Unlike traditional fundraisers that rely on selling products, a sneaker drive is inclusive, cost-free, and educational. It also fits naturally into summer camp culture, which often includes outdoor play, community involvement, and personal growth.
Here’s why sneaker recycling works so well:
1. Zero Cost to Launch
There’s no upfront investment, no product inventory, and no financial risk. GotSneakers provides everything you need, including pre-paid shipping labels and collection bags.
2. No Selling or Money Handling
Parents and staff don’t need to buy or sell anything. You’re simply asking families to donate old sneakers they no longer need.
3. A Natural Fit with Summer Values
Summer camps emphasize teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. A sneaker drive supports all of those values while making fundraising easy.
4. It’s Hands-On and Camper-Friendly
You can engage campers by having them promote the drive, decorate donation bins, or sort shoes as a group activity.
How the GotSneakers Program Works
GotSneakers is a national sneaker recycling organization that turns gently used athletic shoes into funding for schools, nonprofits, and camps. You earn money based on the quality of the sneakers collected—and all shipping costs are covered.
Step-by-Step:
- Sign up for free at gotsneakers.com
- Receive a starter kit with bags, labels, and helpful instructions
- Spread the word to campers, staff, and families
- Collect sneakers at camp or during pickup/drop-off
- Ship the sneakers using free UPS labels
- Get paid via check or direct deposit:
- Excellent condition: up to $7/pair
- Good condition: $2/pair
- Fair condition: $1/pair
- Recyclable only: $0 (still keeps shoes out of landfills)
It’s that easy! No product sales, no complicated tracking, and no waste.
Fundraising Goals That Fit Any Camp
Whether your camp is big or small, urban or rural, nonprofit or privately run, a sneaker drive can help you meet a variety of funding needs:
- Cover the cost of art and activity supplies
- Fund field trips or guest speakers
- Support scholarship programs for underserved campers
- Replace worn-out sports or rec equipment
- Create a camper emergency fund
- Add eco-learning programs or green initiatives
The best part? You can run your sneaker drive at any time during your camp session, or even extend it to include pre-camp and post-camp family engagement.
How to Promote Your Sneaker Fundraiser at Camp
Promotion is key to maximizing your success. Here are some easy and effective ways to get the word out:
1. Include the Drive in Registration Materials
Add a line in your confirmation email or welcome packet that asks parents to send in any old sneakers they’re ready to part with.
2. Display Donation Bins at Pickup/Drop-Off
Place a well-marked collection bin where parents and campers will see it every day. Add signage explaining the purpose of the drive and how it helps the camp.
3. Make It a Camper Activity
Have campers make posters or announcements, or decorate the collection bin with eco-themed artwork.
4. Use Social Media and Email Newsletters
Share progress updates, post collection reminders, and celebrate milestones like “100 pairs donated!”
5. Create a Friendly Competition
Turn the fundraiser into a contest between camper groups, cabins, or age divisions—with a prize for the top contributors.
Combining a Fundraiser with Environmental Education
Sneaker drives offer an opportunity to teach campers about sustainability and the impact of conscious consumption. Consider incorporating a short lesson or activity into your programming, such as:
- A recycling-themed trivia game
- A presentation on how donated sneakers are reused
- A “footprint” craft project showing ways to reduce environmental impact
- Storytime or discussion sessions focused on environmental responsibility
The act of donating becomes more than a fundraiser—it becomes a teachable moment.
When to Run Your Sneaker Drive
Camps have several great windows of opportunity to hold a sneaker fundraiser:
- At the beginning of camp when families are cleaning out closets for the season
- Mid-camp, aligned with a sustainability or community week
- As a season wrap-up event, encouraging families to contribute one final gift
- Off-season, by mailing home donation bags or partnering with local schools
Thanks to the flexibility of GotSneakers, you can plan your drive whenever it makes the most sense for your camp calendar.
What Makes GotSneakers Different from Other Fundraising Ideas?
Most fundraisers for summer camps involve selling something—raffle tickets, cookie dough, t-shirts, or event access. These efforts often:
- Require purchasing or printing materials
- Involve financial risk
- Demand lots of volunteer time
- Exclude families who can’t afford to participate
GotSneakers avoids all of those issues. There’s no cost, no selling, and no pressure. Just a request to donate used sneakers that many people already have lying around.
And for environmentally minded camps, it aligns with your values. Every pair collected helps reduce landfill waste and extends the life of valuable materials.
Final Tips to Maximize Your Sneaker Fundraiser
- Set a clear collection goal (e.g., 500 pairs = $1,000)
- Share impact stories about what the funds will support
- Remind families 2–3 times during the drive
- Celebrate and share results when the drive ends
- Take photos of campers participating (with permission) to use in future promotions
Ready to Launch Your Fundraiser for Summer Camps?
Looking for a fundraiser for summer camps that doesn’t involve selling, doesn’t require a budget, and still delivers real value? GotSneakers makes it easy.
It’s an eco-friendly, turnkey program that lets you raise money, engage your campers, and reduce waste, all at no cost to your camp.
Start your sneaker drive now with GotSneakers and give your camp the fundraising boost it deserves without the hassle.