When winter weather is at its worst, staying indoors doesn’t have to mean staying bored. A couple of nights ago, youth in Special Needs 17 (SN17) turned a cold evening into a warm, high-energy karaoke night—and it was exactly the kind of indoor activity that supports connection, confidence, and fun.

Why Karaoke Works During the Winter

Karaoke is more than a microphone and a playlist. It’s a simple activity that generates significant positive momentum—especially when outdoor options are limited.

• Relationship-based: Youth and staff share laughs, encouragement, and “you’ve got this” moments.

• Competence-centered: Every song is a chance to take a risk, practice a skill, and feel proud afterward.

• Developmentally focused: Youth choose their comfort level—sing solo, join a group, or receive support from the audience.

• Trauma-informed: The environment can be structured, predictable, and emotionally safe—without pressure to perform.

Some youth jumped right in with confident song choices. Others warmed up slowly—starting by picking the music, clapping along, or singing with a partner. And that’s the best part: karaoke naturally meets youth where they are. Participation can include singing, cheering, DJing, selecting the next song, or simply staying present in the room.

How Staff Helped Make It a CARE Moment

The magic is in the approach. Staff helped keep the night light, respectful, and inclusive by:

• offering low-pressure options (duets, group songs, or “sing from your seat”)

• modeling encouragement (applause, positive comments, celebrating effort)

• keeping structure (clear start/end time, simple rules, turns, and boundaries)

• reinforcing strengths (“I noticed you stayed with it even when you felt nervous”)

These small choices build trust—and help youth feel safe enough to take healthy risks.

Try It Yourself: Quick Karaoke Night Setup

If your unit is looking for an easy winter activity, karaoke is a great go-to.

What you need:

• a speaker or TV

• a phone/tablet/laptop with karaoke videos or instrumental tracks

• a simple sign-up list (optional)

• “audience roles” for anyone not singing (DJ, hype crew, scorekeeper, etc.)

Pro tip: End the night with a group favorite that everyone can join—something upbeat and familiar.

Celebrating SN17

We’re proud of SN17 for turning a cold winter night into a positive memory. Karaoke gave youth a chance to express themselves, support each other, and build confidence—one song at a time.

If the weather outside is saying “no,” SN17 is proving that indoors can still be full of connection, growth, and fun.