How to Start an After-School Gaming Club in Your Parochial School
Creating an after-school gaming club in a parochial school setting can offer students a unique blend of fun, educational enrichment, and spiritual development. Tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) provide a platform for creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, making them an excellent fit for a parochial school’s mission. This article will guide you through the steps necessary to establish a thriving gaming club in your parochial school.
Introduction to Tabletop Roleplaying Gaming Clubs in Parochial Schools
Tabletop RPGs involve players assuming the roles of characters in a fictional setting, working together to navigate adventures and solve problems. Popular games like Dungeon Crawl Classics have gained widespread recognition, and they can be adapted to align with the values and educational goals of a parochial school.
The Unique Benefits of RPGs in a Parochial School Setting
Moral and Ethical Exploration: RPGs allow students to explore complex moral and ethical dilemmas in a safe and controlled environment.
Community Building: These clubs foster a sense of community and belonging, aligning with the parochial school’s emphasis on faith and fellowship.
Educational Enhancement: RPGs enhance critical thinking, literacy, and teamwork, complementing the academic and spiritual education provided by the school.
Step 1: Assess Interest and Gain Support
Understanding Your School's Culture
In a parochial school, it’s important to ensure that the gaming club aligns with the school’s values. Begin by:
Engaging with Students: Use surveys or informal conversations to gauge interest among students.
Consulting with School Leadership: Discuss your ideas with the school principal or other administrative leaders to ensure the club aligns with the school’s mission.
Securing Approval and Support
Gaining administrative and community support is crucial:
Drafting a Proposal: Create a proposal that outlines the club’s objectives, activities, and how it supports the school’s educational and spiritual goals.
Highlighting Educational and Moral Benefits: Emphasize how RPGs can be used to teach problem-solving, teamwork, and moral reasoning. RPGs from our publisher, Witch Pleas Publishing, specifically focus on blending education with gaming.
Identifying a Faculty Sponsor: Find a faculty member who is interested in gaming or who supports the idea of using games as educational tools.
Step 2: Organize the Initial Meeting
Planning the First Meeting
The first meeting is critical for setting expectations and building enthusiasm. Here’s how to structure it:
Introduction to RPGs: Explain what tabletop RPGs are and how they can be adapted to reflect the values of the school.
Club Objectives: Discuss what the club aims to achieve, such as fostering teamwork, enhancing creative writing, or exploring ethical scenarios.
Membership Guidelines: Set clear guidelines for behavior, attendance, and participation that reflect the school’s values.
Officer Elections: If the club is large enough, consider electing officers such as president, secretary, and treasurer to help manage activities.
Gathering Necessary Materials
Ensure that you have the appropriate materials to start:
Faith-Integrated Rulebooks: Consider using or adapting RPGs that align with your school’s values or creating your own game systems that incorporate elements of faith.
Character Sheets: Provide character sheets that allow for character development that aligns with moral and ethical growth.
Dice and Tools: Ensure you have enough dice, rulebooks, and other tools necessary for gameplay.
Examples of Play: If possible, demonstrate a short game session to show how the game works in practice.
Step 3: Schedule Regular Meetings
Choosing the Right Time
Select a meeting time that suits both students and faculty:
After School: The most common time for clubs. Ensure it doesn’t conflict with other key school activities or church services.
Weekend Meetings: If interest is high, consider hosting sessions on weekends or during extended school breaks.
Frequency: Weekly meetings are typical, but bi-weekly or monthly sessions might work better depending on students' schedules.
Securing an Appropriate Space
Choose a meeting space that aligns with the needs of the club:
Classrooms: Ensure the classroom is equipped with tables and chairs for group play.
Parish Halls: If the school has access to a parish hall, this space might provide more room and a more communal atmosphere.
Library or Study Rooms: Smaller rooms might be ideal for more focused game sessions.
Setting Up the Space
Create an environment conducive to gaming and aligned with the school’s values:
Tables and Chairs: Arrange tables to facilitate group discussion and collaboration.
Whiteboards or Chalkboards: Use these tools to keep track of the game’s progress or illustrate key concepts.
Decor: Consider including religious symbols or themes in the room’s decor to reinforce the connection between gaming and faith.
Step 4: Develop Club Activities
Regular Game Sessions
The heart of the club will be regular gaming sessions. Here’s how to manage them:
Faith-Aligned Campaigns: Develop or adapt campaigns that include moral and ethical dilemmas reflecting the teachings of the school.
Game Master Rotation: Encourage students to take turns being the Game Master to develop leadership skills.
Variety in Games: Consider introducing different RPG systems or creating custom games that reflect different aspects of faith and morality.
Educational Workshops
Incorporate workshops to enhance the educational value of the club:
Moral Dilemmas in RPGs: Host workshops on how to navigate moral dilemmas within the context of the game, tying these discussions back to faith teachings.
Storytelling and Narrative: Teach students how to craft stories that reflect their values and beliefs.
Mathematics and Strategy: Use RPGs as a way to teach math and strategic thinking, with real-world applications.
Special Events and Competitions
Host special events to keep the club exciting and engaging:
Ethics Tournaments: Organize tournaments where players must navigate complex moral scenarios, with prizes for the best outcomes.
Guest Speakers: Invite theologians, writers, or game designers who can speak to the intersection of faith and gaming.
Inter-School Competitions: If other parochial schools have gaming clubs, consider organizing joint events or competitions.
Step 5: Promote the Club
Creating Awareness
Promotion is key to growing the club:
School Announcements: Utilize the school’s announcement system to promote meetings and events.
Church Bulletins: Include information about the club in church bulletins to reach both students and parents.
Social Media: Create a private social media group where students can discuss the club and share resources.
Engaging and Retaining Members
Keeping members engaged is crucial for the club’s long-term success:
Regular Communication: Maintain communication through newsletters or group chats to keep members informed and excited.
Varied Activities: Offer a mix of activities to appeal to different interests and keep the club dynamic.
Recognition and Rewards: Recognize members’ achievements with certificates, awards, or public acknowledgment in school or church newsletters.
Step 6: Sustain and Grow the Club
Securing Funding
Funding can be a challenge, but there are several strategies to consider:
School Budget: Request a budget from the school for essential materials and activities.
Church Fundraisers: Organize fundraisers in conjunction with the church, such as bake sales or donation drives.
Community Sponsorships: Reach out to local businesses, particularly those with a focus on education or faith-based activities, for donations or sponsorships.
Building Community Connections
Strengthen the club by connecting with the broader community:
Church Involvement: Work closely with your church community to involve more students and parents in the club’s activities.
Collaborations with Other Schools: Partner with other parochial schools to share resources, host joint events, or even collaborate on larger campaigns.
Public Events: Consider hosting public game sessions or educational workshops to raise awareness and support for the club.
Expanding the Club
As the club grows, consider expanding its scope:
Multiple Groups: If interest is high, create multiple groups based on different RPG systems or thematic focuses.
Advanced Campaigns: Offer advanced campaigns or workshops for more 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 parochial school offers students a unique opportunity to explore creativity, develop critical thinking skills, and engage with moral and ethical issues in a supportive, faith-based environment. By following these steps, you can create a vibrant and meaningful club that aligns with the educational and spiritual goals of your school.
Example of a Meeting Agenda Table
Time
Activity
Description
3:00 - 3:10
Welcome and Prayer
Begin the meeting with a brief prayer and reflection
3:10 - 3:30
Character Development Workshop
Focus on creating characters with moral depth and purpose
3:30 - 4:30
Game Play Session
Play session guided by a faith-aligned campaign
4:30 - 4:45
Ethical Debrief
Discuss the ethical choices made during the game
4:45 - 5:00
Cleanup and Fellowship
Organize materials, followed by socializing
Resources and References
Catholic Education Resource Center: Articles and resources on incorporating faith into education.
Witch Pleas Publishing Official Site: Your source for deep discounts for educators, librarians and teachers on education-oriented tabletop roleplaying games.
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.
