The Student Field Trip Fundraising Idea That Turned Play Into Purpose
Planning a family game night can feel like trying to wrangle a flock of wild geese, but Setauket Elementary’s fourth grade turned that energy into fuel for connection and creativity. Their family engagement fundraiser doubled as an interactive school game night that brought 76 families together in laughter, competition, and community spirit, all while raising funds for the annual field trip.
When Field Trip Costs Soared, One Teacher Created a Family Engagement Fundraiser
For years, the fourth grade capped its growth mindset unit with an adventure park trip. This year, however, the cost per student had jumped. “I was hesitant to send home permission slips with a big price tag,” says Eric Gustafson, a fourth grade teacher with 30 years in the district. Fundraising options felt thin. The team needed something families would actually enjoy, not just tolerate.
He remembered running a virtual family challenge during the pandemic. That spark became the plan, framed as a dual-purpose night, a fundraiser for the trip and a Family Connect Night activity that aligned with the school’s monthly no homework tradition.
“We were really stumped on how else to raise money. Selling bracelets or crafts would never have brought in the amount this did.” - Eric Gustafson
The event became more than a fundraiser. It was a true family engagement fundraiser that brought staff and families from across the school together virtually in one joyful night.
A Ticketed Game Night, with Prizes from the PTA
Eric and the fourth grade team sold entry to the game, while the PTA handled promotion and assembled prizes from local businesses. They secured more than $500 in gift cards and experiences, bundled into four prize baskets.
Interactive School Game Night Missions That Got Everyone Playing
The format was simple and fast, a one and a half hour window, clear instructions, and Missions that invited everyone in the house to play.
The Mission list mixed easy photo scavenger hunt challenges with joyful chaos. Find a battery, a candle, a feather, a paperclip. Snap a group hug. Wear mismatched socks, then unlock a new Mission to find mismatched shoes. School knowledge was tested with trivia questions: what is on tomorrow’s lunch menu, what number do you call to reach the nurse. And then there was the showstopper.
“We had an adults-only challenge where one adult in the house had to sing ‘Let It Go.’ The submissions were hilarious.” - Eric
Pop culture made cameo appearances too: K Pop Demon Hunter dance, and a “6, 7” impression challenge. Positive vibes mattered, families held up signs with one word to describe themselves, which unlocked a bonus Mission to write a quick teacher appreciation note.
Eric compiled those photos into a slideshow that he shared with staff the next morning. What a morale-boosting way to start the day!
Competitive Family Fun That Fueled an Unforgettable Game Night
Once the Missions kicked off, the competition came alive. Eric’s bonus points for funniest videos turned out to be a master stroke, keeping families glued to their phones and laughing through every challenge. The leaderboard updates became a mini-obsession, and by the end of the night, households were staging full-on performances to climb their way to the top.
Even staff members who rarely join in couldn’t resist. “People were very competitive for sure,” Eric said, laughing. One parent later called it “the best Family Connect Night we’ve ever had,” while another joked that they “didn’t know they’d have to clean the house afterward.” Between the dance contests, scavenger hunts, and bonus point battles, it felt less like a school event and more like a neighborhood block party that just happened to raise money for the field trip.
Student Field Trip Fundraising Idea That Really Paid Off
By the end of the evening, 76 families and 10 staff members participated, surpassing the original goal of 50. The event raised enough money to significantly reduce the field trip cost. It’s now one of the school’s favorite student field trip fundraising ideas - fun, affordable, and easy to repeat.
Lessons From a Teacher Who Turned Play Into Purpose
Eric framed the night with clear Missions, layered unlockable challenges that rewarded participation, and just enough surprises to keep everyone on their toes. His formula for success was simple: mix laughter with a touch of competition, keep the Missions short and doable, and always include a few that encourage genuine connection between families.
For Eric, the real magic came from the community moments between the Missions: the families dancing in their living rooms, the laughter echoing through video submissions, and the teachers cheering from their own homes.
Plan Your Own Family Engagement Fundraiser or Interactive Game Night
Setauket’s story is simple: Make it playful, make it purposeful, and watch your community show up. When the experience is engaging, the results follow: more connection at home, more smiles at school, and a field trip fund that gets everyone on the bus. Experience is everything.
What is Goosechase for Educators?
Goosechase is an online platform that helps educators create and run interactive learning experiences in their classrooms and beyond. Sign up and try creating an Experience, or contact us to learn more about our school and district-wide solutions!
