Introduction
As part of my CAS experience, my friends and I organized and managed a stall during our school’s Garba feast celebration. At the stall, we sold chilled Limbu Soda to attendees who were participating in the Garba festivities. The event required us to plan the stall setup, organize resources, manage pricing, and interact with customers throughout the evening. Since Garba events involve a lot of dancing and physical activity, many attendees felt tired or dehydrated. Our idea was to provide a refreshing and affordable beverage that would help participants cool down and recharge.
Through this experience, I had the opportunity to apply entrepreneurial thinking in a real-life situation. It involved teamwork, communication with customers, and quick decision-making while managing the stall. Overall, the activity allowed me to explore small-scale business operations while contributing to the festive atmosphere of the event.
LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
This experience helped me identify several personal strengths, particularly in communication and organization. I was confident when interacting with customers and explaining the product we were selling. I also contributed to planning aspects such as pricing and stall organization. However, I realized that time management and planning logistics in advance are areas where I can improve. Managing multiple tasks during the event taught me the importance of preparation and coordination.
LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
Running a stall in a busy event environment presented multiple challenges. We had to manage customer flow, maintain supplies, and ensure that the drinks were served efficiently. This required quick thinking and adaptability. Through this process, I developed new skills such as handling customer service, managing small-scale sales, and solving problems on the spot.
LO3: Initiate and plan a CAS experience
This CAS activity required careful planning before the event. My friends and I discussed the idea of selling Limbu Soda, arranged the materials needed, and planned the stall setup. We also considered pricing strategies and how to attract customers. Initiating and organizing the experience helped me understand the importance of planning and preparation in making an activity successful.
LO4: Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experiences
During the Garba feast, we had to stay at the stall for an extended period and continue serving customers even when it became busy or tiring. Despite the challenges of managing the stall in a crowded environment, we remained committed to ensuring that customers were served quickly and efficiently. This experience strengthened my ability to stay focused and dedicated during demanding activities.
LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Teamwork played a major role in the success of our stall. Each member of the group had a role, such as preparing the drinks, handling payments, or interacting with customers. By working together, we were able to manage the workload effectively and keep the stall running smoothly. This experience showed me how collaboration can improve efficiency and help achieve shared goals.
LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
While running the stall, we ensured that our pricing was fair and that customers received good service. We also focused on maintaining hygiene and providing a quality product. Being mindful of ethical choices helped us build trust with customers and maintain a positive environment during the event.
Conclusion
Overall, the Garba feast stall was a meaningful CAS experience that allowed me to apply teamwork, communication, and entrepreneurial thinking in a real-life setting. It helped me develop practical skills such as planning, customer interaction, and problem-solving while also highlighting the importance of collaboration and ethical decision-making. The experience not only contributed to the festive atmosphere of the event but also helped me grow personally by developing new skills and reflecting on areas where I can improve in future projects.
