Give out seed packets to your local community

Planning this activity

• The seeds used in this activity could ideally be pesticide-free and organically grown by a sustainable grower. You may want to use bee-friendly or bird-friendly wildflowers to encourage local wildlife.
• Print out lots of small copies of some professionally-produced instructions for planting the seeds from a reliable source, such as the seed packet, that are about the size of the envelopes.
• Organise for the group to give out the seeds to members of the public in a central location, such as outside a supermarket. You might need to contact the local council or building owner for permission. 
• You may want to run this session over two weeks, with one week to make the seeds and another week to hand them out. 

On your visit

• Make sure everyone knows to come dressed for the weather. Don’t forget to check the forecast and be prepared for it to change.  
• It’s important to check the sunset times, making sure that you’ll have sufficient light throughout the activity. It’s best to run this activity on lighter evenings, such as in summer. 
• Remember to have suitable supervision, an InTouch process in place and activity consent forms. It’s important to make sure that anyone with medication, including an inhaler, brings it with them and gives it to a volunteer, too. 
• Make sure the area you visit is accessible for everyone, choosing a suitable place for drop off and collection. You may need to think about avoiding steps or steep gradients or including frequent breaks. 

Run the activity

Make the seed packets

1. Gather everyone together and explain you’re going to give out seeds to people in the local area for them to plant.
2. Ask everyone to sit at tables, as this helps reduce any mess.
3. Give out envelopes and a copy of the seed planting instructions. The instructions should be attached to the envelope securely, such as by using glue or a stapler. Alternatively, the instructions could be written out onto the envelope or placed inside.
4. Now everyone can draw on or design their envelope. People could write on what kind of seeds are inside, then draw include pictures of what the seed grows into. 
5. Fill each envelope or bag with the relevant seeds. You can do this over a container, such as a bowl, to catch any that fall. You may also want to use funnels to reduce spills. 
6. Everyone should tightly seal the envelopes and place them in a central basket, tub or pile.
7. Consider including a group email address on the packet, asking to see pictures of what grows.

Give out the seed packets

1. Everyone should head out to the outdoor space or meet at the chosen venue. Remember to take the seed packets.
2. Explain the boundaries of the area and where the no-go zones are. Young people should be paired up so no young person is left alone and they should stick together, always under adult supervision.
3. Tell people how they can use the space respectfully and approach people politely to give out the seeds. Remind people to be friendly and quiet, so you don’t disturb others.
4. Tell everyone where adults will be around the site and what people should do if anyone needs help. This should include setting memorable spot where an adult will stay at all times.
5. Everyone should give out their seeds to a member of the public, explaining what they are and how they’ll help the local environment.

This activity helps contribute towards some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Find out more about the SDGs, and how Scouts across the world are getting involved.