100+ CAS Ideas for 2023/2024: Ignite Your Creativity, Engage in Activities, and Serve the Community
Written by Anzhelika Tauber, MSc
Are you looking for new and interesting CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) ideas to enhance your personal growth and make a positive impact? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of 100+ CAS ideas relevant for 2023/2024. Whether you’re a student seeking inspiration or an individual eager to contribute to your community, these diverse suggestions will ignite your creativity, engage you in exciting activities, and give you the opportunity to serve others. Let’s dive in!
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100+ CAS Ideas relevant in 2023/2024
Creativity
Cooking and baking ideas:
- Explore the world of baking and experiment with new recipes.
- Master the art of cooking and surprise your loved ones with delightful dishes.
- Embrace vegan cooking and create delicious plant-based meals (check out @earthyandy IG account for some plant-based inspiration <3).
- Compile your favorite recipes into a unique recipe book.
- Share your culinary adventures on a YouTube channel dedicated to cookery.
- Host a supper club and showcase your cooking skills to a wider audience.
- On your culture’s special day host a traditional dinner for your friends to let them learn more about different cultures and their cuisines.
DIY ideas:
- Learn the craft of knitting and create beautiful handmade items.
- Express your style by designing and making your own clothes or accessories.
- Open a Depop account to sell your handmade creations and donate the proceeds to a charity for an additional service element.
- Create an online platform or blog showcasing traditional crafts and artisans from your region, promoting cultural heritage and supporting local artisans.
- Design and produce a series of environmentally friendly fashion accessories, using sustainable materials and promoting ethical fashion practices.
Media ideas:
- Capture captivating moments through photography and develop your skills.
- Produce a documentary to shed light on a subject close to your heart.
- Produce a short film or documentary that sheds light on a social concern or generates awareness about a local community project.
- Create a multimedia exhibition combining photography, painting, and digital art to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on the environment.
- Collaborate with a local film club or cinema to organize a film festival focused on independent films that address social or cultural issues.
- Increase awareness about societal and environmentl problems by being the Guy with a Sign 😉
- Develop a website or mobile application that serves as a platform for emerging artists to showcase their artwork and establish connections with potential buyers.
- Produce a podcast series featuring interviews with local entrepreneurs, artists, and change-makers, sharing their inspirational stories and valuable insights.
Writing and literature ideas:
- Write articles for your school magazine or take the initiative to start one if it doesn’t exist yet.
- Join or establish a book club to explore literature with fellow enthusiasts.
- Channel your creativity into writing a novel or crafting captivating short stories.
- Bring your written work to life by creating a film adaptation.
Event ideas:
- Organize a community music festival featuring local bands and artists, with proceeds going to a charity of your choice.
- Design and execute a large-scale mural in a public area that conveys a specific message or theme significant to your community.
- Design or organise (or both) an interactive art installation in a public space that engages passersby in an immersive experience, promoting dialogue and reflection on a chosen topic.
- Coordinate a photography exhibition showcasing the artistic work of local photographers, with a focus on capturing the essence and character of your city or region.
- Host a fashion show or design competition that specifically utilizes recycled materials, promoting sustainable fashion and emphasizing the importance of waste reduction.
- Coordinate a cultural exchange program where students from different schools or regions come together to share and celebrate their cultural traditions and practices.
- Develop a coding or technology club where students can learn programming skills and work on innovative projects or apps.
- Join or establish a debate club or public speaking forum, organizing events or competitions to improve communication skills and foster intellectual discourse.
- Organize a science fair or exhibition, providing a platform for students to showcase their scientific experiments, inventions, or research projects.
Art ideas:
- Collaborate with a local theater group to stage a performance that combines different art forms, such as theater, music, and visual arts, to explore a social or cultural issue.
- Host a creative workshop series for children, teaching them various art techniques and encouraging self-expression through different mediums.
- Organize a community-wide art competition centered around a specific theme, inviting participants of all ages to showcase their artistic skills.
- Compose and perform an original play or musical that tackles a compelling subject, such as mental well-being or the preservation of the environment.
- Establish a club or publication dedicated to fostering creativity in writing, allowing students to exhibit their literary skills and share their narratives or poetry.
- Create and present a contemporary dance performance that explores the richness of cultural diversity and celebrates inclusiveness.
- Curate an interactive art exhibition that actively engages the audience, encouraging their participation, while exploring the themes of identity and self-expression within the context of the digital era.
- Create a community-based theater or performance group, staging plays or productions that address social issues and provoke thought and discussion.
Gardeing and outdoors ideas:
- Establish a community garden where volunteers can come together to grow organic produce, promoting sustainability and providing fresh food for local food banks or shelters.
- Start a community garden project, involving volunteers in planting and maintaining a shared space for growing organic produce.
- Start buying vegetables and other products from your local farmes to decrease transportation and import demand.
If you need help with the creativity part of your CAS project and you are into writing, photography, videography or content creation, reach out to us. We would have lots of projects for you.
Activity
Running:
- Challenge yourself to take up running and set goals such as participating in a 10km race or even a marathon.
- Participate in th Wings for Life World Run (and cover the charity part too). Learn more.
- Form a running club and motivate others to embrace an active lifestyle.
- Train for a triathlon or Ironman if you enjoy swimming, cycling, and running.
Outdoors:
- Experience the thrill of climbing, whether indoors or outdoors.
- Plan and lead a series of outdoor adventure activities, such as hiking, camping, or rock climbing, to promote physical fitness and environmental appreciation.
- For Viennese residents, open an Outdoor Hiking club and complete all the 12 hiking paths in Vienna (More info here). Trust me, they are very easy!
- Spend an adventurous day at an outdoor adventure club like Go Ape parks (for UK residents).
- Challenge yourself with windsurfing or paragliding for an adrenaline rush.
- Hit the slopes and enjoy skiing or snowboarding.
- Test your skills in kayaking or white-water rafting.
- Embark on thrilling mountain biking adventures.
Team sports:
- Learn to play a new team sport like beach volleyball at your local club (more info for Austrian and Slovakian residents).
- Organize a sports tournament or league for a specific sport, involving participants from different schools or community organizations.
Fitness and yoga:
- Join your local gym and embark on a journey towards physical fitness (get inspired by the documentary about Arnold 😉 ).
- Shake things up with a lively Zumba class.
- Indulge in a rejuvenating yoga retreat to find inner peace.
- Start a daily yoga challenge with Asana Rebel or another yoga app.
Dancing:
- Explore ballroom dancing styles like foxtrot, waltz, and cha-cha.
- Dive into the world of breakdancing and organize a dance show at your school.
Environment and community activites:
- Commit to cycling to school for a specific number of days per week, promoting eco-friendly transportation (it’s a MUST DO, seriously!)
- Initiate a community service project focused on renovating or beautifying a local park or public space.
- Conduct regular fitness or wellness workshops for your peers, covering topics like healthy eating, stress management, or mindfulness.
- Arrange a series of workshops or classes on a particular art form, such as painting, pottery, or photography, to engage community members and develop their artistic skills.
- Organize a fundraising event, like a charity walkathon or a fun run, to support a local non-profit organization or a cause you are passionate about.
- Start a school or community-based mentorship program, connecting older students or adults with younger individuals who can benefit from their guidance and support.
- If you play a sport, organise a little getting-to-know my sport training for younger students to motivate them to join.
- Collaborate with a local animal shelter or rescue organization to volunteer your time and assist with animal care activities or adoption drives.
- Create and lead a sports and fitness program for children or teenagers, encouraging them to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Collaborate with local environmental organizations to organize a beach or river cleanup event, raising awareness about the importance of protecting our ecosystems.
Service
Initiatives:
- Launch a sustainability initiative in your school or community, implementing measures such as recycling programs, energy conservation campaigns, or educational workshops on eco-friendly practices.
- Arrange a series of educational workshops or tutoring sessions to support underprivileged students or those struggling academically.
- Start a fundraising campaign to provide necessary resources or support to schools or communities in need, both locally and internationally.
- Initiate a Junior CPR Program to educate others about life-saving techniques.
- Participate in fundraising walks, runs, or events for specific health causes, raising awareness and funds for research and support services.
- Plan a tree-planting event in your community, promoting sustainability and green initiatives.
Volunteering:
- Volunteer at a local hospital or community center, engaging in activities that bring joy and companionship to sick individuals.
- Volunteer at a local charity shop and contribute to their noble cause.
- Devote an hour each week to volunteering at a nursing home, bringing joy to the elderly.
- Offer your assistance as a volunteer at a local hospital, supporting healthcare professionals.
- Sing, play an instrument or reed poetry at a local hospis.
- Volunteer at an after-school club, offering your skills and knowledge to benefit younger students.
- Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food bank, helping to prepare and distribute meals to those in need (check out our article with shelters and kitches for homeless in Austria).
- Volunteer at a local hospital or healthcare facility, providing companionship to patients or assisting with administrative tasks.
- Volunteer at a community center or youth organization, organizing activities or mentoring young people.
- Volunteer at a senior center or retirement home, spending time with older adults and engaging in activities or conversation.
- Volunteer at a local community garden, helping with maintenance, planting, and harvesting.
- Get involved with organizations that support refugees or immigrants, offering language support, cultural exchange, or mentorship.
- Volunteer at a local shelter or organization that aids individuals experiencing homelessness, offering assistance and support.
Charity:
- Organize a talent show at your school, charging an entry fee, and donate the funds to a charity.
- Participate in a charity fun run, such as the Race for Life events in the UK.
- Arrange a bake sale at your school to raise money for charitable organizations.
- Host a summer fair at your school, featuring various stalls and donating the proceeds to charity.
- Organize a charity raffle to engage the community and raise funds for a good cause.
- Conduct a “Guess the Baby” charity competition at school, charging an entry fee and rewarding the winners.
- Organize a clothing or book drive to collect items for donation to shelters or underprivileged communities.
- Participate in fundraising events or campaigns for charitable organizations or causes you care about.
Environment:
- Join the Fridaysforfuture climate march and contribute to environmental activism.
- Establish a butterfly conservation space in a local green area to support wildlife.
- Participate in a beach or park cleanup event, helping to preserve and protect the natural environment.
- Engage in environmental conservation efforts, such as tree planting, creating awareness campaigns, or participating in recycling initiatives.
- Join a local disaster relief organization, offering assistance during emergencies or participating in preparedness initiatives.
- Contribute your time and skills to local conservation projects, such as habitat restoration or wildlife monitoring.
- Organize a beach clean-up event if you live near the coast, preserving marine ecosystems.
Other help:
- Offer tutoring or mentorship services to younger students, supporting their academic progress and personal development.
- Assist in organizing and running community workshops or classes, sharing your skills or knowledge with others.
- Support a local animal shelter by walking dogs, socializing with animals, or assisting with adoption events.
- Offer your skills in graphic design, web development, or social media management to non-profit organizations to enhance their online presence.
- Assist in organizing and running sports programs or events for children or individuals with disabilities.
- Support organizations that provide educational opportunities to underprivileged communities, such as tutoring or donating school supplies.
CAS ideas for helping victims of the war in Ukraine
- Fundraising Campaign: Organize a fundraising campaign in your school or community to collect donations for humanitarian aid organizations working in Ukraine. Raise awareness about the situation and encourage people to contribute.
- Clothing and Supplies Drive: Coordinate a clothing and supplies drive to collect essential items such as warm clothing, blankets, toiletries, and non-perishable food items. Partner with local organizations to ensure the collected items reach the affected regions in Ukraine.
- Volunteer at Refugee Centers: Reach out to refugee centers or organizations supporting displaced individuals from Ukraine. Offer your time and assistance by volunteering to help with language tutoring, organizing activities, or providing emotional support to those who have been affected by the war.
- Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by organizing information sessions or presentations at your school or community center. Share stories of affected individuals and highlight the need for continued support.
- Peace Education Initiatives: Advocate for peace and understanding by organizing workshops or seminars on conflict resolution, empathy, and tolerance. Educate others about the importance of peaceful dialogue and finding common ground.
- Online Support: Utilize social media platforms to share information about the war in Ukraine, promote fundraising initiatives, and create online communities that provide support and solidarity to victims and their families.
- Letter Writing Campaign: Initiate a letter writing campaign to send messages of hope, encouragement, and support to individuals affected by the war in Ukraine. Partner with organizations that can help distribute the letters to those in need.
- Art for Healing: Organize art workshops or exhibitions to provide a creative outlet for individuals affected by the war. Encourage participants to express their emotions and experiences through various art forms, fostering healing and resilience.
- Collaborate with Aid Organizations: Reach out to established humanitarian organizations working in Ukraine and explore opportunities for collaboration. Offer your assistance in their ongoing projects or propose new initiatives based on the specific needs of the affected population.
- Cultural Exchange Programs: Arrange cultural exchange programs with students or youth groups from Ukraine. Foster understanding, cultural appreciation, and solidarity by organizing activities that allow participants to learn from each other’s experiences and traditions.
CAS ideas for helping animal shelters
- Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter: Contact your nearest animal shelter and inquire about volunteer opportunities. Offer your time to assist with tasks such as cleaning, feeding, grooming, and socializing the animals.
- Organize a Donation Drive: Coordinate a donation drive within your school or community to collect items needed by animal shelters, such as pet food, bedding, toys, cleaning supplies, and medications. Deliver the collected items to the shelter.
- Foster Animals: Become a foster parent for animals in need. Provide a temporary home for animals until they find their forever homes. Work with local shelters or rescue organizations to become a foster caregiver.
- Fundraising Events: Organize fundraising events, such as bake sales, car washes, or fun runs, with the proceeds going to animal shelters. Raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and encourage others to support the cause.
- Start a Crowdfunding to help a local shelter: Crowdfundings are getting more popular and people are usually very willing to donate for animals. Use Instagram or other digital resources to get funding for your local animal shelters.
- Adoption Advocacy: Create awareness about the benefits of adopting animals from shelters rather than purchasing from breeders or pet stores. Educate your community about responsible pet ownership and the positive impact of adoption.
- Awareness Campaigns: Design and distribute informational pamphlets or organize presentations about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of spaying/neutering pets. Share success stories from animal shelters to inspire others.
- Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs: Collaborate with local healthcare facilities, retirement homes, or schools to establish animal-assisted therapy programs. Train and certify therapy animals and their handlers to bring joy and comfort to people in need.
- Pet Adoption Events: Organize adoption events where animal shelters can showcase their available pets. Provide a platform for potential adopters to meet and interact with the animals, increasing their chances of finding loving homes.
- Volunteer Pet Care Service: Offer your assistance to pet owners in your community who may be unable to provide adequate care for their pets temporarily. Help with pet sitting, dog walking, or grooming to ensure the animals receive the attention they need.
- Community Education Workshops: Conduct workshops on animal care, responsible pet ownership, and animal welfare at local schools, community centers, or libraries. Engage participants in interactive activities to promote empathy and understanding for animals.
Conclusion
Engaging in CAS activities provides a valuable opportunity for personal growth, self-expression, and community service. The list of 100+ CAS ideas for 2023 presented above spans various areas, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Remember, CAS is not only about accumulating hours but also about making a meaningful impact. Embrace these ideas, adapt them to your interests, and embark on a transformative journey that will shape your character and benefit those around you.
About the Author
Anzhelika is a PhD candidate in Genetics and a marketing consultant at U4Success from Vienna, Austria. She leads our website and social media content strategy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How can I choose the best CAS activity for myself?
Select an activity that aligns with your interests and passions. Consider the impact you want to make and the skills you wish to develop.
Can I combine multiple CAS activities?
Absolutely! In fact, combining activities often enhances the overall experience. For example, you can organize a charity event that incorporates elements of creativity, activity, and service.
What if I can't find a suitable CAS opportunity in my community?
If you’re unable to find an existing opportunity, consider creating one yourself. Identify a need within your community and take the initiative to address it through a CAS project.
How can I document my CAS experiences?
Keep a journal or digital portfolio to record your CAS activities, reflections, and the impact they have had on you and others. This documentation will be valuable when sharing your experiences with others.
How do CAS experiences benefit students beyond high school?
CAS experiences provide students with valuable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and a global mindset, that are highly valued by colleges and universities. They also contribute to personal growth and the development of a well-rounded individual.