Purpose

Through volunteering with Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs, I spent countless hours assisting in daycare sessions that focused on developing children's social and life skills. During these sessions, I noticed that many students struggled with sensory processing, fine motor skills, and dexterity. Everyday activities such as molding clay, mixing ingredients, or coping with bright lights could be challenging, limiting their ability to fully engage in learning and play. These experiences inspired my Girl Scout Gold Award Project, Care4Senses. My goal was to create a more inclusive, supportive environment where individuals with special needs could build essential sensory, motor, and dexterity skills that promote greater independence in everyday life. To accomplish this, I designed and implemented a sensory room alongside a hands-on STEAM curriculum at FCSN, providing students with engaging activities that encourage exploration, confidence, and skill development in a safe and welcoming space.