Volunteering at a church’s Halloween event was both rewarding and exhausting. Tasked with supervising a playground full of kids aged 3 to 13, I quickly realized I was a bit in over my head. Majority of the volunteers for the day just didn’t show up, so it was a lot more stressful than it should’ve been. Dressed in costumes ranging from superheroes to princesses, the kids were hopped up on candy and a desire to make anyone around them have a more difficult life.
My role involved ensuring their safety while encouraging them to have a fun time. Whether it was guiding the little ones on the playground equipment or helping diffuse the occasional squabble, the day was a continuous struggle but one I was happy to go through.
For the younger kids, I offered a calming presence, while the older ones needed a more firm voice for when things got out of hand. Despite the challenges of managing such a wide age range, the experience was one I’m glad I had.
Seeing the joy on their faces reminded me of the importance of community and creating a safe space for children to thrive. By the end of the night, I was exhausted but fulfilled, knowing I had played a small part in making their Halloween special.