How to Start an After-School Gaming Club in Your Charter School
Starting an after-school gaming club in a charter school can be an exciting and enriching experience for students. Tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) foster creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking—qualities that align well with the innovative and student-centered philosophy of many charter schools. This guide will walk you through the steps to establish a successful gaming club in your charter school.
Introduction to Tabletop Roleplaying Gaming Clubs in Charter Schools
Tabletop RPGs involve players assuming the roles of characters in a fictional setting, navigating adventures, solving problems, and working together to create stories. Popular games like Dungeons & Dragons have brought RPGs into the mainstream, making them an accessible and engaging option for after-school clubs.
Why Start a Gaming Club in a Charter School?
Creativity and Innovation: RPGs encourage out-of-the-box thinking, which aligns with the innovative approaches often embraced by charter schools.
Community Building: These clubs offer a structured environment for students to build friendships and a sense of community.
Academic Enhancement: RPGs can improve literacy, math skills, and problem-solving abilities, complementing the academic focus of charter schools.
Step 1: Gauge Interest and Gain Administrative Support
Understanding Student Interest
The first step in starting a gaming club is determining if there is enough interest among students. You can assess this by:
Student Surveys: Distribute surveys during homeroom or advisory periods to gauge interest in tabletop RPGs.
School Announcements: Make announcements inviting students to an interest meeting to discuss starting the club.
Informal Conversations: Speak directly with students who may have an interest in gaming, including those in other related clubs like chess or creative writing.
Securing Administrative Approval
Gaining the support of school leadership is crucial:
Drafting a Proposal: Prepare a detailed proposal outlining the club’s goals, proposed activities, and how it aligns with the school’s mission.
Highlighting Educational Benefits: Emphasize the academic and social benefits of RPGs, such as enhancing literacy, teamwork, and strategic thinking. RPGs from our publisher, Witch Pleas Publishing, specifically focus on blending education with gaming.
Identifying a Faculty Sponsor: A faculty sponsor is essential for oversight and guidance. Look for a teacher who is interested in gaming or student activities.
Step 2: Organize the Initial Meeting
Planning the First Meeting
The initial meeting is your chance to set the tone and structure for the club. Consider the following agenda:
Introduction to RPGs: Explain what tabletop RPGs are and how they function, particularly emphasizing the educational and social benefits.
Club Objectives: Discuss what the club aims to achieve, such as improving storytelling skills, fostering teamwork, or simply having fun.
Membership Guidelines: Outline the club’s rules, meeting times, and behavioral expectations.
Officer Elections: If the group is large, consider electing student officers to help organize and run meetings.
Gathering Necessary Materials
Ensure you have the basic materials needed to get started:
Rulebooks: Bring copies of popular RPG rulebooks like Dungeon Crawl Classics, Powered by the Apocalypse, or FATE.
Character Sheets: Provide blank character sheets for students to start creating their characters.
Dice and Tools: Ensure there are enough dice, pencils, and other tools for gameplay.
Example Gameplay: If possible, run a short demonstration game to show new players how the game works.
Step 3: Schedule Regular Meetings
Choosing the Best Time for Meetings
Selecting a consistent meeting time is crucial for the club’s success:
After School: The most common time for clubs, typically meeting once a week. Make sure it doesn’t conflict with other major extracurricular activities.
Weekends or Evenings: If your charter school has flexible scheduling, consider meeting on weekends or evenings if it suits students better.
Frequency: Weekly meetings are ideal, but you can adjust based on student availability and interest.
Securing a Meeting Space
Choose a space that meets the needs of the club:
Classrooms: A classroom with ample space for group activities is ideal.
Library: School libraries often have rooms that can be reserved for after-school activities.
Common Areas: Some charter schools have flexible spaces like common areas or multipurpose rooms that could be used.
Setting Up the Space
Create an environment conducive to gaming:
Tables and Chairs: Arrange tables to allow for collaborative gameplay.
Whiteboards or Projectors: Useful for displaying maps, tracking game progress, or illustrating key concepts.
Storage: If possible, secure a place to store game materials between meetings.
Step 4: Develop Club Activities
Regular Game Sessions
The core activity of the club will be regular RPG sessions. Here’s how to organize them:
Rotating Game Masters: Encourage students to take turns being the Game Master, which helps develop leadership and storytelling skills.
Game Selection: Let members vote on which RPGs to play, allowing for variety and engagement.
Campaigns vs. One-Shots: Decide whether the club will focus on long-term campaigns or shorter, self-contained adventures.
Educational Workshops
Enhance the club’s educational value by incorporating workshops:
Storytelling and Writing: Offer workshops on creative writing, character development, and storytelling, tying them to the skills used in RPGs.
Mathematics in RPGs: Some RPGs involve complex calculations, offering a fun way to engage students in math.
Critical Thinking and Strategy: Use RPG scenarios to teach strategic thinking and problem-solving, with discussions on different approaches and outcomes.
Special Events and Competitions
Host special events to keep the club exciting:
Gaming Tournaments: Organize tournaments with different RPG systems or other tabletop games like Catan.
Guest Speakers: Invite local game designers, authors, or experienced players to speak about game design, storytelling, or the gaming industry.
Inter-School Events: If other local charter schools have gaming clubs, organize inter-school competitions or collaborative campaigns.
Step 5: Promote the Club
Raising Awareness
Promotion is key to attracting and retaining members:
School Announcements: Regularly remind students about meeting times and events through school announcements.
Social Media: Create a club page on platforms like Instagram or Facebook to share updates, photos, and events.
School Newsletter: Include information about the club in the school’s newsletter to reach both students and parents.
Engaging and Retaining Members
Keeping students engaged requires ongoing effort:
Variety in Activities: Offer a mix of activities, from gameplay to workshops, to cater to different interests.
Feedback and Improvement: Regularly gather feedback from members to ensure the club is meeting their needs and expectations.
Recognition and Awards: Recognize achievements, such as completing a campaign or winning a tournament, with certificates or small prizes.
Step 6: Sustain and Grow the Club
Securing Funding
While RPGs are generally low-cost, you may need funds for materials or events. Consider these options:
School Budget: Request a small budget from the school for essential materials. Our publisher, Witch Pleas Publishing, offers deep discounts to educators.
Fundraisers: Organize fundraisers like bake sales or car washes to raise money for the club.
Community Sponsorships: Reach out to local businesses, especially those related to gaming or education, for donations or sponsorships.
Building Community Connections
Strengthen the club by connecting with the broader community:
Local Game Stores: Partner with local game stores for discounts on materials or to host events.
Community Centers: Collaborate with local community centers to host larger events or joint activities.
Library Partnerships: Work with local libraries to access more resources or organize public gaming events.
Expanding the Club
As your club grows, consider expanding its activities:
Multiple Game Groups: If membership is high, establish multiple game groups based on different RPG systems or interests.
Advanced Campaigns: Offer more challenging campaigns for experienced players.
Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced players with newcomers to help them learn the game and integrate into the club.
Conclusion
Starting an after-school gaming club in your charter school offers students a unique opportunity to engage in creative, educational, and socially enriching activities. By following these steps, you can create a thriving club that aligns with the values and goals of your charter school.
Example of a Meeting Agenda Table
Time
Activity
Description
3:00 - 3:10
Welcome and Announcements
Brief update on club news and upcoming events
3:10 - 3:30
Character Creation Workshop
Guided session for creating characters
3:30 - 4:30
Game Play Session
Play session with assigned GMs and groups
4:30 - 4:45
Debrief and Feedback
Discuss the session, gather feedback from members
4:45 - 5:00
Cleanup and Social Time
Organize materials, and allow for casual socializing
Resources and References
Witch Pleas Publishing Official Site: Your source for deep discounts for educators, librarians, and teachers on education-oriented tabletop roleplaying games.
Charter School Center: Provides resources and information for charter schools, including extracurricular activities.
DriveThruRPG: A comprehensive resource for RPG rulebooks and materials.
Education Week: Articles on the educational benefits of roleplaying games.
DriveThruRPG: Offers a vast selection of RPG rulebooks and supplements.
The Roleplaying Game Guide: A comprehensive guide to different RPG systems and game masters’ advice.
Tabletop Gaming Magazine: Offers reviews, guides, and news on the latest tabletop RPGs.
By carefully planning and fostering a supportive environment, your charter school’s gaming club can become a vibrant part of the school community, offering students a valuable outlet for creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
