Introduction: On August 9th, 2023,AYLUS Pearland orchestrated an exceptional and engaging event at LSA’s SMILE camp. The event, named the SMILE Mini Market, was designed to provide a unique learning experience for special needs campers, focusing on the fundamental concepts of earning and managing money. This report outlines the details of the event, highlighting its objectives, activities, and outcomes.
Event Objectives: The primary goal of the SMILE Mini Market was to create an inclusive and educational environment where special needs campers could learn about financial concepts through practical and interactive activities. By participating in this event, campers were exposed to the concepts of earning, spending, and counting money, all while having fun and engaging with volunteers and fellow campers.
Preparation and Planning: Prior to the event, diligent planning took place. A list of chores, each assigned with corresponding points, was distributed to campers. The engagement of parents in supervising and guiding campers through these chores aimed to impart the sense of responsibility and reward. This preparation set the stage for the subsequent activities, instilling an understanding of effort and its relationship to earning.
Event Highlights: The event commenced with eager volunteers distributing money to campers based on their completed chore lists. This interactive exercise allowed campers to physically handle money and learn the value of counting and managing it. As a hands-on extension of learning, volunteers collaborated with campers in creating fresh pressed lemonade, which was then sold to the youth advocacy troop also present at the venue.
The event further showcased the establishment of five distinctive stalls, offering a variety of products including t-shirts, lunch bags, snacks, and toys. Volunteers seamlessly transformed into salespersons, guiding special needs shoppers through the shopping experience. The process included introducing merchants, explaining prices, assisting in item selection, guiding money counting, and facilitating transactions. This comprehensive interaction not only fostered a sense of independence among campers but also facilitated their comprehension of real-world transactions.
Positive Outcomes: The SMILE Mini Market event yielded a plethora of positive outcomes for both the special needs campers and the volunteers involved. Campers were able to engage in a dynamic, educational, and enjoyable environment where they gained practical skills related to money management. The hands-on experience of earning, spending, and interacting within a simulated market setting left an indelible impact on their understanding.
Volunteers, too, benefitted from the event. Witnessing the campers’ enthusiasm and growth firsthand provided a sense of fulfillment and motivation to continue such meaningful endeavors. The event’s success further solidified AYLUS Pearland’s commitment to organizing more similar events in the future, thereby continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of special needs individuals.
Conclusion: The Pearland Branch of AYLUS successfully organized the SMILE Mini Market event, effectively achieving its goals of imparting financial awareness and independence to special needs campers. The event’s carefully designed activities, engagement of volunteers, and impactful outcomes underscore its significance in enhancing the lives of participants. The positive experiences shared by both campers and volunteers serve as a testament to the success of the event and highlight the potential for future similar initiatives.
Volunteers:
8/8 (2 hrs）Aila Jiang, Tina Dong
8/9 (4 hrs): Aila Jiang, Derek Zhu, Iris Yang
8/9 (6 hrs): Jordan Zheng, Abigail Zheng, Erica Gao, Fiona Byrd
Parent on Duty: Carol L. (Aila), Fang F. (Tina)
