On 24 Feb 2024 , I had the opportunity to volunteer at Bal Mela, where I, along with two of my friends, facilitated a tyre dragging game for the children. This was my first time taking up the responsibility of managing a physical game, and the day was filled with valuable lessons, both personal and collaborative.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills

At first, the idea of guiding a group of energetic children through an outdoor activity seemed straightforward. However, once we started, I quickly realised that communicating instructions to excited young participants required much more patience and clarity than anticipated. Children were enthusiastic but often unfocused, so I had to adjust my approach to ensure the game ran smoothly. I learned how to simplify instructions and use non-verbal cues such as hand gestures and body language to keep their attention. This experience greatly improved my communication skills, especially when dealing with large, dynamic groups.

LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience

For this event, the Bal Mela administrator assigned me the responsibility of managing the tyre-dragging game. Though I didn’t choose the activity, I took initiative by planning how to run the game smoothly and make it enjoyable for the children. My first step was collaborating with my two friends to organize our approach. We agreed on rotating tasks so that one person would manage the flow of participants, and who would focus on explaining the game’s rules and overseeing the overall experience. This structured plan allowed us to maintain order and ensured that the children had a fun and safe experience.

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively

Collaboration was key in making the tyre-dragging activity a success. Without the support and coordination with my two friends, managing the large number of children would have been overwhelming. We communicated constantly, helping each other by stepping in whenever one of us needed assistance. For instance, when I was overwhelmed by a particularly large group, my friend took over some of the communication. We were able to work effectively by dividing our responsibilities, which ensured the experience was enjoyable for the children. Through teamwork, I realised that collaborating helps to lighten the load and brings out the best in everyone involved.

LO6 – Engagement with Issues of Global Significance

The event was not just about fun and games but had a broader context of addressing global issues such as inequality and access to education and play. The children we were working with came from disadvantaged communities, where opportunities for recreational activities are limited. By engaging in Bal Mela, I contributed to a larger conversation about children’s rights to play and the importance of inclusive environments for growth and development.

LO7 – Recognise and Consider the Ethics of Choices and Actions

During the event, I was assigned to manage the tire-dragging game along with two of my friends. At first glance, this seemed like a simple task, but soon I realized that ethical considerations played a critical role in how we approached the activity. The children came from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and we had to be mindful of our behavior and communication. It was essential that we treated each child equally, ensuring they all had a chance to participate regardless of their physical abilities or skill levels.

Overall, the Bal Mela experience was a blend of challenges and growth. From learning how to communicate better to effectively planning and working collaboratively, I gained valuable skills that will be useful in future CAS activities and beyond.