If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything our school has to offer, you're definitely not alone. With over 100 clubs and organizations buzzing around campus, figuring out where you fit in might seem daunting. But that's exactly what makes CA special. Our school's mission of “honoring the individual” isn't just a phrase in the handbook; it's embedded in everything we do, especially when it comes to clubs.
Wednesday and Friday afternoons are set aside officially as “club blocks” when everyone, day students and boarders alike, gets to explore their interests. To discover all CA has to offer, make sure not to miss Winterfest and Club Expo. They are informative sessions where every single club sets up booths and pitches their organizations. It’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet where you can sample a little bit of everything. You can even buy club merch at these events! Keep your eyes peeled for all-school FYI emails and morning announcements, which are where clubs usually broadcast their meetings and special events.
An interesting aspect about CA clubs is that they are student-led. This means that we as students have the freedom to evolve, experiment, and sometimes even fail spectacularly, which is all part of our learning process. As a result of this dynamic and autonomous environment, some clubs have flourished briefly, while other organizations, like our beloved school newspaper, The Centipede, have been around for decades. Leadership gets passed down, with each generation adding its own ingredients while honoring the club's legacy.
Other clubs pop up spontaneously when someone gets passionate, whether it is Magic: The Gathering or geocaching. These new organizations reflect the school's commitment to accommodating diverse student interests, creating space for even the most niche hobbies and activities. The fluid nature of the club system allows for organic growth led by student enthusiasm. That's the magic of CA: there's room for everyone's obsessions.
So which club is right for you? These are not official designations, but I would group the many club options we have at CA as follows: casual clubs, affinity groups, student organizations, and extinct clubs.
Casual clubs are focused on specific interests without heavy commitments. Passionate about hair care? Then Frizzed is the club for you. Sing in the shower? Then, Pitches would love to have you hit the high notes. The beauty of these clubs is their flexibility, considering you can drift in and out as your schedule and interests allow. No membership lists, no pressure.
Affinity Groups serve as crucial safe spaces for specific communities. Groups such as Men of Color Alliance (MoCA), Transgender Affinity Group (TAG), and the Multiethnic Student Organization (MESO) provide belonging and support while tackling issues that matter to their members. They're open and welcoming while maintaining their essential role as havens for students who share common identities and experiences.
Student Organizations, like Model UN or The Centipede, are the heavy hitters that require real commitment. These clubs often have application processes and expect members to contribute meaningfully. Centipede staff writers, for example, are expected to attend regular meetings and write an article per issue. The time investment is higher, but so are the rewards in terms of practical skills, leadership opportunities, and participating in a tight-knit community.
Lastly, there's the fourth category: the extinct clubs. These are the academic urban legends that exist on paper but rarely, if ever, meet (ex, the Bee Club or the Cheese Club). However, if you feel like it, you can breathe life back into them.
Furthermore, if you can’t find a club you're interested in, starting a club is seriously doable. Just find a couple of friends and a teacher willing to sponsor you. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, there are plenty of teachers at CA who specialize in fields ranging from British Romantic Poetry and Earth Science to Documentary Film Production and Animal Husbandry. One of them will definitely share an interest with your passion and help you with the administration.
As you can see, there’s a club for everyone at CA… and if there isn’t yet, that just means it's your turn to create something amazing.