How to Start an After-School Gaming Club in Your Public High School
Starting an after-school gaming club can be a rewarding experience for students and educators alike. This type of club fosters teamwork, strategic thinking, and creativity, making it an excellent addition to any school's extracurricular offerings. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or an enthusiastic parent, this guide will walk you through the steps to establish a thriving tabletop roleplaying gaming club at your public high school.
Introduction to Tabletop Roleplaying Gaming Clubs
Tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) are games where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. They collaboratively create stories, solve problems, and embark on adventures, all while guided by a set of rules and a game master (GM). Popular games like Dungeon Crawl Classics have brought RPGs into mainstream culture, making it easier than ever to start a club focused on these activities.
Why Start a Gaming Club?
Educational Benefits: RPGs enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. They also encourage reading, writing, and math.
Social Interaction: Gaming clubs provide a safe and structured environment for students to socialize and build friendships.
Inclusivity: These clubs can appeal to a wide range of students, including those who may not participate in more traditional extracurricular activities.
Step 1: Garner Interest and Support
Identifying Potential Members
Begin by assessing interest among students. You can do this by:
Conducting Surveys: Distribute a survey during homeroom or study periods to gauge interest in RPGs.
Posting Flyers: Place flyers around the school with information about an interest meeting.
Speaking with Students: Talk to students who might be interested in gaming, including those who are involved in similar activities like chess club or fantasy literature groups.
Gaining Administrative Support
Before you can officially start your club, you’ll need the approval of your school’s administration. Here’s how to secure it:
Prepare a Proposal: Draft a formal proposal outlining the club’s goals, activities, and potential benefits to students.
Align with Educational Goals: Highlight how the club supports the school’s educational mission by developing skills such as literacy, teamwork, and problem-solving. RPGs from our publisher, Witch Pleas Publishing, specifically focus on blending education with gaming.
Identify a Faculty Sponsor: A faculty sponsor is essential for the club's success. Look for teachers who may have an interest in RPGs or who are known for supporting student activities.
Step 2: Organize the First Meeting
Planning the Agenda
Your first meeting is crucial for setting the tone and direction of the club. Consider the following agenda:
Introduction: Explain the concept of tabletop RPGs and the purpose of the club.
Club Goals: Discuss what members hope to achieve, whether it’s playing specific games, creating campaigns, or learning game design.
Membership Guidelines: Outline rules, meeting times, and expectations for behavior.
Elections: If applicable, elect club officers such as president, treasurer, and secretary.
Providing Materials
It’s important to have the right materials on hand:
Rulebooks: Bring copies of core rulebooks like Dungeon Crawl Classics, Powered by the Apocalypse, or FATE.
Character Sheets: Have blank character sheets available for students to start creating their characters.
Dice: Ensure there are enough sets of dice for each group to use.
Examples of Play: If possible, have experienced players run a short session to demonstrate gameplay.
Step 3: Establish a Regular Meeting Schedule
Determining the Best Time
Work with your faculty sponsor and members to find a time that works for everyone. Consider:
After School: The most common time for clubs to meet. Ensure meetings don’t conflict with other major school activities.
Weekends: If there’s significant interest, you might consider weekend sessions.
Frequency: Most clubs meet weekly, but this can vary depending on student availability and interest.
Securing a Meeting Space
A dedicated space is necessary for uninterrupted gameplay. Consider the following options:
Classrooms: Use a classroom with ample space for multiple tables.
Library: Some school libraries may have rooms that can be reserved.
Community Rooms: If school space is limited, local community centers or libraries might offer space.
Setting Up the Space
Arrange the room to create a conducive environment for gaming:
Tables and Chairs: Ensure there are enough for everyone to sit comfortably.
Storage: If possible, arrange for storage of game materials between meetings.
Whiteboards: Useful for keeping track of game details, maps, or initiative orders.
Step 4: Develop Club Activities
Regular Gameplay
The core of your club’s activities will be the games themselves. To keep things organized:
Rotating GMs: Encourage different students to take on the role of Game Master. This helps develop leadership skills and keeps the club dynamic.
Game Selection: Allow members to vote on the games they want to play. You might rotate between different RPG systems to keep things fresh.
Campaigns vs. One-Shots: Decide whether the club will focus on long-term campaigns or shorter, self-contained adventures.
Educational Workshops
Incorporate educational elements into your meetings:
Game Design: Offer workshops on how to design RPGs, including creating rules, settings, and narratives.
Storytelling: Teach students how to craft compelling stories and develop interesting characters.
Mathematics in RPGs: Some games require calculations for probability and statistics, providing a real-world application for math skills.
Events and Competitions
Hosting events can boost excitement and involvement:
Game Tournaments: Organize tournaments for different RPG systems or for other tabletop games like Magic: The Gathering.
Guest Speakers: Invite local game designers, authors, or experienced players to speak to the club.
Inter-School Events: Coordinate with other schools to organize gaming competitions or joint campaigns.
Step 5: Promote the Club
Creating Awareness
Promotion is key to sustaining and growing your club:
Social Media: Create a club page on platforms like Instagram or Facebook to share updates, photos, and events.
School Announcements: Use the school's announcement system to regularly remind students about meeting times and events.
Word of Mouth: Encourage current members to invite friends and spread the word.
Retaining Members
Keeping members engaged requires ongoing effort:
Member Feedback: Regularly solicit feedback to ensure the club is meeting members’ needs and interests.
Variety in Activities: Offer a mix of activities to cater to different interests and skill levels.
Recognition: Acknowledge achievements, such as completing a campaign or designing a new game, with certificates or small prizes.
Step 6: Sustain and Grow the Club
Securing Funding
While many RPGs are relatively inexpensive, some costs can add up. Consider these funding strategies:
School Budget: Request a small budget from the school for essential materials.
Fundraisers: Organize fundraisers like bake sales, car washes, or crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for the club.
Community Donations: Reach out to local businesses or game shops for donations or sponsorships.
Involving the Community
Building ties with the broader community can enhance the club’s activities:
Collaborations with Local Game Stores: Partner with local game stores to get discounts on materials or host events.
Community Workshops: Offer workshops open to the community to raise awareness and support for the club.
Library Partnerships: Work with local libraries to access more resources or host larger events.
Expanding the Club
As your club grows, consider expanding its scope:
Multiple Game Groups: If interest is high, establish multiple game groups based on different RPG systems or themes.
Advanced Campaigns: Offer more challenging campaigns or sessions for experienced players.
Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced players with newcomers to help them learn the ropes.
Conclusion
Starting an after-school gaming club in your public high school can be a fulfilling endeavor that benefits students academically, socially, and creatively. By following these steps, you can create a thriving club that provides a safe and engaging space for students to explore the world of tabletop roleplaying games.
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.
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.
