November DCM
AZ, Escondido, D23
I had a blast at the November DCM. It was my first ever time going to a DCM overall, however going there opened me to just how diverse our division’s key clubs are. I loved that I got to meet a lot of new people who are in key clubs alike but at different schools. From talking with fellow members, I was introduced to many new volunteering and fundraising options for RHS’s key club to pursue. Following, at the DCM, I learned a lot more about the key club’s mission statement for their noble effort to fundraise for the PTP and Yes Initiative. I also enjoyed playing fun games like telephone charades and murder mysteries. Overall, my experience at the DCM was pretty awesome.
New Year DCM Joint
JW, Crescenta Valley, D03N
As a member of Crescenta Valley Key Club, I came to realize how much fun Key Club had to offer and the service experience was an added plus. I had the most fun at Fall Rally this year, especially at the spirit sessions and the rides we got early access to in the morning. I also had lots of fun during the prep of Fall Rally—learning the cheers and making spirit gear. For the next year, I hope to gain more experience being in Key Club and gain leadership skills through being an officer.
UCLA Circle K Visit
JL, Lakewood, D13N
On November 19th, 2023, UCLA’s Circle K hosted an event for Region 8’s Key Clubs to visit the UCLA Kerckhoff State building. Lakewood Key Club was one of the many clubs invited to attend. It was a very informative learning experience for students looking into colleges. Four presentations were shown throughout the first half of the day. The first was a personal statement workshop where you learned tips on how to improve your college essays. The next was a financial aid presentation that went over various ways on to save money throughout college. After was a presentation on how to get used to college life. Lastly was a workshop on how to do well in an interview, allowing us to better prepare ourselves for upcoming job and intern opportunities. Next up on the agenda was the most awaited part of the day, lunch. The Circle K was kind enough to provide us with pizza and if members wanted, we could adventure to the student store to buy additional snacks! Once lunch was over, Circle K members hosted a Q & A session. This was an opportunity for upcoming college students to swarm the members with questions. Eventually, Key Club members were given a tour of the vast campus. Two groups were formed based on if you would like to see more stem based buildings or the humanities buildings. Lakewood Key Club went with the 2nd group. We were able to see such beautiful and famous sights! It was truly a magical experience as we explored the prestigious campus. Unfortunately, the tour finally came to an end. Circle K members ended the event with handing out small multicolored beaded lizard keychains and handmade bracelets!
Dog Toy Service
ST, Agoura, D42E
The Key Club service project, which was creating dog toys to be donated out of old socks and water bottles, illustrates the main concept of Key Club, which is to help the community, and also teaches members that empathy can be given to not only humans but also our animal friends. This act of kindness is not only helping animals but also showing the level of care and compassion we have and should have for people and animals alike.
These toys also give us personal gain as well: we instill change in our club and treat them how we would like to be treated hoping to spread kindness to everyone. Every toy was made with a high level of care. We build ties between our members and we build ties between animals and all creatures alike. We hope to change the world for the better through our charity work. We hope that the dogs receiving these toys find joy and happiness while they play with them, the same way that we were happy and joyful while we created these toys.
Our world is becoming less and less hands-on with our charity, but through Key Club, we spread the idea that the touch of extra care knows no bounds when it comes to charity. It encourages us to think about others who may not be as privileged as us, along with thinking of the dogs who may not have a family or a family who can buy toys for them. All in all, Key Club promotes charity, empathy, and kindness to all involved in this Club's amazing donations.
November DCM
AS, Fremont, D34S
During the November DCM, Fremont hosted their annual baby blanket making service event! Using fleece brought from Joann, members of D34S made baby blankets which are to be donated to a hospital. In addition, attendees made the blankets so quickly that they were also able to make several dog toys from the fleece scraps (thanks to Mr.Holthouse)! We're hoping we'll be able to donate these dog toys to an animal shelter.