Reported by: Kevin Dong
Posted by: Karen Li
On November 23, AYLUS (Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States) members enjoyed a meaningful morning with their special needs friends at DCFC. Each volunteer paired with a friend, guiding them through activities that emphasized social boundaries, respect, and body flexibility through dancing.
In the second part of the session, members of AYLUS hosted a drumming activity for children with special needs. This event aimed to provide a fun, hands-on musical experience while fostering interaction, engagement, and enjoyment for the children in a supportive setting.
The volunteers dedicated their time and effort to introduce the children to the basics of drumming. The activity began with a demonstration of simple drum rhythms by the volunteers, followed by an opportunity for the children to try the drums themselves.
Each child received individualized attention to ensure they felt comfortable and supported. The volunteers patiently guided them in exploring drumsticks, beats, and rhythms, celebrating their curiosity and efforts. The focus was not on achieving perfect rhythm but on creating a positive, pressure-free environment where the children could freely express themselves through sound and motion.
While the children did not perform as a group, the session was successful in encouraging participation and spreading joy. The smiles and laughter throughout the activity highlighted the impact of music as a tool for engagement and connection.
This event reinforced AYLUS’s mission to serve the community and create inclusive opportunities for children with special needs. The volunteers were deeply moved by the experience, leaving with a sense of accomplishment and a strengthened commitment to giving back.
Volunteers:
Kevin Dong (Event leader): 4 hours + 2hrs preparing drum class
Shibo Zhou: 3 hours
Shang Sun: 3 hours
Sophie Cho: 3 hours
Amelia Kuo: 3 hours
Olivia Xu: 2 hours
Ruishu Zhang: 3 hours
Samuel So: 3 hours
Andrew Wang: 3 hours
Karen Li: 1 hours – Preparing the flags used for the drumming activity
Supervising parent: Sumin Fan 4 hours
Supporting parent: Li Wan 4 hours + 4 hours pre-event coordination and material purchase
