What to do for CAS? 10 tips for service

 

Service ideas

When I first started IB, I had pretty clear ideas for creativity and activity but finding a service place was stressful. I spent hours online trying to find opportunities and reading lists like this and, in the end, I did find some good ideas. There is so many service opportunities, you just have to find yours. 

1.  Volunteer in library

Maybe you local library has some volunteering opportunities? Go to their website or go and ask them

2. Knitting and other crafts (for donation)

If you know how to knit socks and you are introverted, this is a perfect CAS experience that you can do on your own. But if you don't know, this is your sign to learn and get some creativity hours done, too. Check out places like charity shops, NGOs or FB to find out where you can donate. If there is no open ones, organize one with your friend and get your CAS project done. 

3. Volunteer for elderly people 

Volunteering at a local nursing home can be an amazing learning experience. You get to chat with people with interesting life stories while getting your hours in. Check your local one for volunteering opportunities. 

4. Trash picking or collecting bottles

It will depend on your CAS coordinator whether they accept trash picking as an experience but it is worth a try. This is easy for everyone to do but very important work. If in your country you can return empty bottles for money, you can collect those and donate the money for a good cause. 

5. Run or help a club at your school

This is the perfect opportunity to get you CAS while doing something that you enjoy. Ask the leaders of your clubs if they need any extra help. But if all positions have been filled, start your own club. 

6. Make study materials

Ask your teachers if you could prepare some study materials for the whole class. Suggest flash cards for psych studies or sample drawings for bio

7. Tutoring

Maybe you can help younger students in your favourite subjects. Ask your teacher if they know anyone who needs help or contact local middle/elementary schools

8. Organize a bake sale 

This must be one of the most common CAS experiences. And for a good reason: who doesn't like baked goods🍰

9. Participate in other students' CAS projects

Often students might need some extra help in their CAS projects so ask your friends what they are doing for their projects. 

10. Do something with your hobbies and interests

If you play a sport, maybe you can couch kids' teams. Or perhaps you can help organizing events for your team or raise money. If you like reading, start a book club. If you spend most of your past time on social media, maybe start an account for study tips or raise awareness on a social issue. Ask the teacher of your favourite subject, if they have anything you could help them with e.g. sort the books in lit class or water the plants in bio class. 

Hope you found useful tips. Comment your ideas, too!

Service is not supposed to be something super stressful although at times it might feel like it. You'll get good stuff to write about in your CV and school applications. You'll also learn so much if you decide to volunteer. So even if this is out of your comfort zone, the future you can appreciate the experiences.