What counts as CAS?

Ask yourself:

• Do you like it?  

• Does the experience allow the opportunity to grow relative to one of the learning outcomes?

Creativity: Exploring an extending ideas leading to an orignal or interpretive product or performance

• What is the product (physical or abstract)?

• Are you bringing something new into existence or showing innovation?

• Does this allow you to be imaginative?

• Are you using creativity to promote a service or activity?

Examples: taking an art class, participating in the school play, taking a dance class, trying a new art technique, creating a new recipe

Activity: Physical exertion contributing to a health lifestyle

• Will this allow you to be physically active?

• Will it enable you to improve in fitness or health?

• Is it above and beyond your normal physical activity?

• Did you set an attainable goal for yourself?

• Are you tracking your progress?

• Do you need to reassess goals and expectations?

Examples: taking a PE class, joining a dojo, playing a school sport, starting a walking regimen, biking

Service: Collaborative and reciprocal engagment with the community in response to an authentic need 

• Have you identified a person/group who needs help? Who are you working with from that group (your contact person)?

• Do you have evidence that they need help?

• How have you worked with your contact person to identify how your action will address the real need?

• Does your activity maintain the dignity of all participants and recipients of service?  Does it empower the persons served?

• Have you considered the ethical implications of your work?

Examples: Volunteering to read at the nursing home, leading a basketball clininc for local kids, raking the leaves for your elderly neighbor

What doesn't count as CAS?

• Anything you get paid for

• Your family/home responsibilities

• Political activities intended to advance a particular political party, candidate or agenda

• Religious activities intended to spread a particular faith

• Activities completed as part of an RHS DP course for credit/grades