Cardboard Boat Race Fundraiser

A cardboard boat race is a common school-spirit competition for students of high school and college age, or for any group as part of a community festival. An entry fee is charged for each “boat”. A typical competition format allows competitors a fixed build time, using only a predetermined number of cardboard sheets, glue, adding machine tape, and paint. Duct tape is also often a key ingredient. Once completed, teams must race their boats across a shallow pond or river, using similarly constructed oars. The boats will almost always flood, sink, or shred under the weight, mostly due to the difficulties of waterproofing cardboard. Awards are often given out for effort and spirit, instead of victory. Some offer two categories – Fast and Funny. Boats are inspected pre-race to determine if they are “fast” or “funny”. The funniest boat winner gets a prize regardless of speed or floatability! Life jackets are required for all participants.

We have included a number of do-it-yourself fundraising ideas in this section that offer a break from traditional product sales. They were developed by groups just like yours in an attempt have a little fun with their fundraiser. Some of them are tried and true while others show a lot of creativity … and even wackiness in some cases. All of them are obviously not appropriate for every group, but sometimes, with only a little modification, your might find some fund raising ideas that are perfect for your group. If you have an idea for a do-it-yourself fund raiser you are willing to share with others, please send it to us via email. Include anything and everything you would want to know if you were hearing the idea for the first time.