Too spooky to wear just once!
Could your Scout Group give Halloween costumes a second life?
A costume worn for one Halloween can still have plenty of adventures left in it. Before buying something new this year, why not see what could be shared, swapped or given a creative makeover?
Inspired by Halloween costume swaps organised by library services and schools right around the country, it would be fantastic to see Scout Groups giving it a go too.
Donate, swap or choose
The idea is simple: families donate clean costumes and accessories in good condition, and children choose something “new to them” for Halloween.
Outgrown outfits, homemade creations and costumes that have lost their appeal are all welcome.
A small activity with a practical purpose
Reusing costumes helps families save money and keeps clothing in use for longer. When a reused outfit replaces a new purchase, it also reduces the need for new materials, manufacturing and packaging.
For young people, it's a chance to experience sustainability through something fun and familiar: sharing what we have and making good use of it.
Let Scouts take the lead
Young people can design posters, organise collections, arrange costumes by size and help families find an outfit. A repair or creative reuse station could add another dimension, with spare fabric and a little imagination giving older costumes a fresh look.
Keep the choice open to everyone, with no pressure to dress up or take something home.
Try it in your Group
Collect donations over a couple of meetings, then arrange a swap session before Halloween. Let families know what to bring, when to browse and that everyone is welcome, whether or not they have donated.
Agree a home for any leftover costumes, and count how many outfits are rehomed. Young people can then share what they achieved and what they learned.
One costume swap will not solve our waste problem, but it's an easy, enjoyable way to put reuse into practice together.
This Halloween, the best costume might be one that already exists!
