Best way to manage high school camping gear exchange?
November 5, 2023 9:48 AM Subscribe
There must be some sort of online exchange software, where parents can sign up and list their gear to borrow or buy, and where other parents can go to find second-hand equipment. I would manage the database, but ideally the entire process could be mostly automated. What sorts of software solutions should I investigate?
My kid's school has annual camping trips for every grade from 6-12, and students are required to acquire personal gear. This can get quite expensive just at the age when growth spurts make clothing obsolete. A parent has been storing unwanted and outgrown gear in their garage near school and offering items to students who would prefer getting something used to buying expensive new stuff, but that parent's kid will be graduating at the end of the year. I've volunteered to take over, but I live far from campus and have no storage space.
My kid's school has annual camping trips for every grade from 6-12, and students are required to acquire personal gear. This can get quite expensive just at the age when growth spurts make clothing obsolete. A parent has been storing unwanted and outgrown gear in their garage near school and offering items to students who would prefer getting something used to buying expensive new stuff, but that parent's kid will be graduating at the end of the year. I've volunteered to take over, but I live far from campus and have no storage space.
seems to me, the HS needs a rental service/gear library/second hand shop operated by it's outdoor club. and a caring advisor to oversee and watch any money. rental/store sounds a Lot more complicated of the three.
these guys near me do second hand shop as a non-profit.
i don't immediately have an app idea for these. maybe a squarespace template is available?
posted by j_curiouser at 11:09 AM on November 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
these guys near me do second hand shop as a non-profit.
i don't immediately have an app idea for these. maybe a squarespace template is available?
posted by j_curiouser at 11:09 AM on November 5, 2023 [1 favorite]
Where I live, Buy Nothing serves this purpose, but selling is not allowed. Nextdoor might be useful.
posted by theora55 at 11:12 AM on November 5, 2023
posted by theora55 at 11:12 AM on November 5, 2023
Our HS music department does this with musical performance wear. Parent volunteers manage the database of sizes and inventory but it’s stored at the school and generally most active at the beginning of the year/quarter. Clothes are donated.
Ask the school for dedicated space. If items are sold, funds can offset loaned equipment for students who cannot purchase or store necessary equipment. Perhaps a nearby Venture crew could help parents manage it.
posted by childofTethys at 12:36 PM on November 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
Ask the school for dedicated space. If items are sold, funds can offset loaned equipment for students who cannot purchase or store necessary equipment. Perhaps a nearby Venture crew could help parents manage it.
posted by childofTethys at 12:36 PM on November 5, 2023 [2 favorites]
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Your first job, as the new volunteer, is to find place(s) to store it. Free is best, perhaps some other parent. The fewer places you use, the easier it will be to disburse and return, but a volunteer or N volunteers at designated times could manage dispersed storage.
posted by the Real Dan at 10:09 AM on November 5, 2023 [1 favorite]