On 7th February 2026, I participated in Bal Mela, an event organized to create a joyful and inclusive environment for children from underprivileged backgrounds. Along with my friend, I was responsible for conducting the spoon and lemon race. Although it seemed like a simple game, it required planning, coordination, patience, and responsibility. The energy and excitement of the children made the experience extremely rewarding and meaningful.
I decided to volunteer for this activity because I wanted to take on an active role rather than just observing or assisting. I wanted to challenge myself by managing a group activity and interacting directly with the children. This experience allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and develop both leadership and service skills.
LO1: Identify Own Strengths and Develop Areas for Growth

Through this activity, I realized that one of my strengths is communication. I was able to confidently explain the rules and guide participants clearly. However, I also identified an area for growth: managing large, energetic groups. At times, it was difficult to control the crowd and ensure everyone followed instructions. This experience helped me understand that I need to further develop my leadership and crowd-management skills.
LO2: Demonstrate That Challenges Have Been Undertaken, Developing New Skills

Conducting the spoon and lemon race was a new challenge for me. Managing multiple rounds, handling competition among participants, and ensuring fairness required quick thinking and decision-making. I developed new skills such as organizing participants efficiently, resolving minor conflicts, and adapting when unexpected situations occurred, such as children dropping the lemon or arguing about results.
LO3: Demonstrate How to Initiate and Plan a CAS Experience

Before the event, my friend and I discussed how we would conduct the race. We planned how to arrange the participants, explain the rules clearly, and manage time effectively so that everyone could participate. We also thought about safety, ensuring enough space so no one would get hurt while running. This planning helped the activity run smoothly and showed me the importance of preparation in any service activity.
LO4: Show Commitment and Perseverance

Throughout the event, we conducted many rounds of the race so every child had an opportunity to participate. It was physically tiring and sometimes chaotic due to the excitement of the children. However, I stayed committed to my responsibility. Even when I felt exhausted, I continued motivating participants and maintaining order. This strengthened my perseverance and taught me that commitment means staying dedicated despite challenges.
LO5: Demonstrate Skills and Benefits of Working Collaboratively

Teamwork was essential for the success of this activity. My friend and I divided responsibilities efficiently—one organized the line and explained the rules, while the other monitored the race and announced winners. We continuously communicated to ensure fairness and smooth execution. We also collaborated with other volunteers to distribute prizes and manage the crowd. This experience improved my teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills, showing me how collaboration leads to better outcomes.
LO6: Demonstrate Engagement with Issues of Global Significance

Bal Mela made me reflect on the broader issue of inequality in access to recreational activities. Many children do not get regular opportunities to participate in structured games or events. Seeing their excitement over a simple race made me realize how important inclusive spaces are for children’s happiness and development. This experience deepened my awareness of social inequality and the need to create equal opportunities for all.
LO7: Recognize and Consider the Ethics of Choices and Actions

While organizing the race, I ensured fairness and respect for every participant. We explained the rules clearly and judged honestly. We encouraged children who felt disappointed and made sure no one was excluded or treated unfairly. We also maintained safety and discipline to prevent accidents. This experience helped me understand that ethical responsibility involves fairness, empathy, and respect for everyone involved.
Overall, participating in the spoon and lemon race at Bal Mela was a comprehensive CAS Service experience. It helped me grow personally by identifying strengths and weaknesses, developing new skills, planning effectively, demonstrating perseverance, collaborating with others, understanding global issues, and acting ethically. Most importantly, it allowed me to bring joy to children while learning valuable life lessons that I will carry forward in future service experiences