During September, I participated in a creativity-based community service experience where I volunteered to teach art activities and conduct interactive creative sessions for children. The service was held from 13 September to 28 September and took place only on weekends. My main responsibility was guiding the children through different creative art techniques—such as string painting, sponge painting, and simple craft-based activities. On the final day, the children showcased their artwork for their peers. This experience helped me work toward several CAS Learning Outcomes and contributed to my personal growth.

LO 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Through this experience, I discovered that one of my strengths lies in being able to explain creative techniques in simple and engaging ways. I wasn’t sure initially if I would be able to keep the kids focused or help them understand new art methods. But I realised that being patient, friendly, and enthusiastic made it much easier to connect with them. I also identified areas where I could improve, such as giving clearer step-by-step instructions and ensuring that quieter or more hesitant children felt included. I learned that teaching creativity isn’t just about demonstrating an activity—it’s about understanding children’s needs, adapting to their pace, and creating a supportive environment. Moving forward, I hope to continue improving my communication and organizational skills in similar situations.

Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.

Teaching creative activities came with its own set of challenges. Some children were extremely energetic and would rush through the activity, while others were shy or anxious about “messing up” their artwork. I had to quickly adjust my approach depending on the group. For example, we began introducing fun warm-up mini-doodles or colour-mixing exercises to help everyone settle down and get comfortable before starting the main activity. I also learned how to guide a group, manage time better, and come up with alternate explanations or demonstrations when the kids didn’t understand something. Overcoming these challenges helped me grow personally and socially—I learned how important patience, flexibility, and reassurance are while working in a creative classroom setting.

Learning Outcome 4: Show Commitment to and Perseverance in CAS Experiences.

Volunteering every weekend required dedication, especially on days when I felt tired from school or had other academic work. It took effort to prepare materials, plan each session, and ensure each activity would run smoothly. There were moments when the children became restless or lost interest halfway through, and I had to stay calm, encouraging, and consistent to bring their focus back. Maintaining this commitment throughout the experience taught me the value of perseverance. Seeing the children proudly display their final artwork on the last day made all the effort feel incredibly meaningful.

Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrating Collaborative Skills and Recognizing the Benefits of Working in a Team

This creativity project was highly collaborative, as I worked closely with a team of volunteers to plan and conduct all the sessions. We shared materials, coordinated tasks, and helped each other whenever the workload increased. On days when volunteer turnout was low, we had to divide the children into smaller groups—some with me and some with the other volunteers—so that each child received enough attention and guidance. This experience taught me that teamwork is more than dividing responsibilities. It involves listening, cooperating, and stepping in when someone needs support. Strong communication and collaboration helped us maintain smooth, engaging sessions for the children.

Overall, this creativity experience allowed me to support children in exploring art while also helping me understand my own abilities better. Through each session, I learned how to guide them patiently, adapt to their needs, and work effectively with my team. Watching the kids enjoy the activities and proudly display their artwork made the entire experience meaningful and rewarding.