For my YNSG, I wanted to have a creative skill-sharing workshop, More specifically, I would show pre-teens, aged 7-14 how to use colorful loom bands to make friendship bracelets and keychains. After making them together, we would wear them and enjoy colourful and tasty refreshments.
To plan my event, I selected a sunlit, multi-purpose room in Vancouver and invited two school friends to “save the date” to help participants who had never used loom bands before. My younger brother would help at the check-in desk and ask participants to write a name label. I bought enough supplies for attendees (at least 1 bracelet and 1 keychain each) and contacted local businesses for food donations with my mom’s help. My first contact was Save-on-Foods since it was close to the venue. The store manager was very kind to offer colourful vegetable and fruit platters, which fit perfectly with my rainbow bracelets workshop. I gathered about 10 pre-teens to attend after reaching out through community online posters and word-of-mouth announcements.
My event went smoothly on May 10. Almost everyone who RSVPd was present. We had time to make at least 3 items each (e.g., 2 bracelets and 1 keychain) and also got to learn one another’s favourite colours, hobbies, school, etc. At the end, I asked for feedback and comments. Participants gave high ratings (averaging 4.3/5 stars), and someone suggested that background music could be played during the event.
To review, I learned a lot. Like how to apply for a grant and for food donations, design a catchy poster on the computer, and speak in front of a group of people. I was very nervous since English is my second language, so I practiced my introduction speech many times at home. Some pre-teens preferred to have their parents on-site to accompany them, so I was happy to accommodate. (I realized that I was a “stranger” and that, especially to younger participants, they can feel anxious if they are dropped off.) Overall, we had a great tim,e and I am grateful for the support for my event– from NSG, my family, my classmate assistants, parents who were willing to stay, and food sponsorship.
