Students and Guests Celebrate Together at DOVE’s Halloween Carnival

On Friday, October 23, the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) at Seton Hall University hosted its annual Halloween Carnival, welcoming more than 100 guests, including adults with developmental disabilities and their caretakers, to campus for an evening filled with games, activities, dancing and community.

The Halloween Carnival is a beloved DOVE tradition that brings together members of the Seton Hall community and guests from local organizations and group homes. Each year, the event provides an opportunity for guests to celebrate Halloween in a fun and welcoming environment while connecting with Seton Hall students.

Throughout the evening, student organizations and DOVE student leaders hosted tables featuring a variety of Halloween-themed games and activities. Students volunteered their time to run the different stations, welcome guests and participate in the festivities alongside them. From playing games to dancing together, students and guests had many opportunities to interact and enjoy the celebration.

The involvement of student organizations from across campus also made the carnival a community-wide effort. By hosting activity tables and spending time with guests, Seton Hall students were able to contribute to an event centered on inclusion, friendship and service.

For many student volunteers, the Halloween Carnival has become an event they look forward to each year. Returning volunteers had the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces while helping create new memories.

“I really enjoyed my time helping out at the carnival! This was my second year doing it, so it was nice to see familiar faces and to help the guests have a fun and memorable experience,” said Miriam Kimani ’27.

The event also welcomed students who were experiencing the Halloween Carnival for the first time, providing them with a new way to get involved with DOVE and the surrounding community.

“This was my first Halloween Carnival with DOVE and I had a great experience interacting with the guests and spending time with them!” said Caitlin Harvey ’29.

Beyond the Halloween decorations, games and festivities, the carnival reflects DOVE’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for service and connection. Events like the Halloween Carnival allow students to move beyond simply volunteering their time and instead build relationships with the individuals and communities they serve.

Through the support of DOVE student leaders, student organizations and volunteers from across Seton Hall, the 2026 Halloween Carnival was an evening filled with laughter, dancing and new memories. Most importantly, the event brought the Seton Hall community and its guests together for a celebration rooted in joy, inclusion and service.

With the holiday season approaching, DOVE is looking forward to continuing this tradition of community and celebration at its upcoming Christmas Carnival. The Christmas Carnival is another great opportunity for Seton Hall clubs and organizations to get involved by hosting an activity table for guests. Student groups are encouraged to participate, get creative and join DOVE in making the celebration a memorable experience for everyone.

Interested in getting involved? Clubs and organizations can sign up to host a table at the Christmas Carnival using this link.

Categories: Community Engagement, Faith and Service