The start of a new school year can mean a lot of different things for different schools - but one thing that never changes is the possibility to join new clubs! Clubs are a pivotal way to get involved in your school and community, discover or continue your interests and hobbies, and get a breather from the constant go-go-go of high school. Here are the top 11 clubs you should consider joining this year!
Newspaper Club
If you enjoy writing in any capacity, this club is for you. Of course, I may be biased on this one, but I genuinely think Newspaper Club is one of the best clubs you can join. You are given the opportunity to share your opinions, express yourself, discuss a conflict, connect with readers, whatever you can think of!
At first, the thought of joining my school newspaper and publishing my writing for the whole school to see was terrifying; but as I began to connect with my fellow writers, and I published more and more articles, I began to feel proud of my writing and even encouraged others to read my work. I would, however, be aware of the commitment requirements the club may have - luckily, at my school, it’s a publish-as-you-feel vibe, but at other schools there can be a minimum requirement of articles or pieces of writing you have to publish.
This can be stressful at times, but I would pretty confidently say that this club is less involved than other clubs like Yearbook or Speech and Debate. Getting to meet and connect with fellow writers is also a great opportunity, particularly in a more relaxed environment separate from the stress and pressure of writing for class essays and assignments.
Yearbook Club
There’s something for everyone in Yearbook club - whether it’s organizing the layout of the pages, taking photographs, coordinating with faculty members, brainstorming funny and unique ideas for different pages, or working on the publication, promotion, and ordering of the books. This club can also be more of a time commitment and the deadlines are more rigid - but it is incredibly rewarding to see the finished product, and you’ll have a blast in the process.
This club doesn’t tend to meet too often, so it can require members to devote more out-of-club time to their designated position, but this amount of time can vary depending on your availability and the position you choose.
Book Club or Creative Writing Club
English-heavy clubs such as creative writing or book clubs are a great way to escape from your busy life and calm yourself in a peaceful way. I’ve always found creative writing to be a great outlet to release my emotions even when I’m feeling tired or down. Book clubs tend to have a bit more conversation and sharing with other members, and it’s a good way for those who may usually be shy to open up and share their opinions on the book or the topic at hand.
Drama/Theater Clubs
I’ve never been too into drama or theater, but my friends absolutely love drama club. It’s a way to both learn new skills and practice your acting, as well as playing games, having fun, and bonding over a similar hobby. It’s totally pressure-free and it’s up to you how much you want to participate and challenge yourself. My friends and I have found that members of this club tend to be incredibly welcoming and excited to see new faces join their club.
Speech/Debate (similar to Model UN or Model Congress)
Speech and Debate is perhaps one of the most “intense” and rigorous clubs, though it can also be one of the most rewarding. If you enjoy public speaking, arguing, or even just stating your opinion, I would highly recommend joining this club. If you are primarily involved in the “Speech” part, you can choose from various categories to perform, from poetry, to political speeches, to personal essays; often your school will compete against surrounding schools and you will compete against other students.
The Debate side of this club behaves like a typical courtroom, split into the prosecution and the defense; after being given your speaking points, you must make your case for whichever side you are given. Whether you choose speech, or debate, or something inbetween, this club will help you become comfortable with public speaking, speaking your mind, and will certainly look good on college applications.
Sports Clubs
Any type of Sports clubs are always fun and engaging. Whether you’re joining a sport you’re currently playing competitively, a sport you’ve always enjoyed playing for fun, or whether it’s your first time playing, it’s bound to be fun! Clubs will typically say on their flyer or advertisement what their “level of intensity” is - that way you know the competitiveness of the club, the level of dedication required, and whether they are looking for experienced members or members who want to try it for the first time!
I always recommend finding a friend who has a similar interest in the sport. That way, you’ll feel even more confident walking into the club on the first day; if none of your friends are interested, that’s okay too! Don’t let that stop you from joining! There’ll be plenty of people to meet and you’re sure to all bond over your love for the sport.
Robotics
Robotics is a great club to join if you’re interested in computer science, coding, electronics, and electronic design. If your brain is still not satisfied after a full day of classes, this club is for you! You’ll be able to meet people with a similar love and passion for electronics, and your robotics room will become your new home!
There is often close teamwork to create the best robot in order to compete with your team at competitions, very similar to being on a sports team! You’ll often become friends with people of all different grades, and you’ll bond throughout the year as you work together to create the best robot.
Cooking Club
Of course, this is one of my all-time favorites (though I get the feeling it could be everyone’s favorite). You often don’t need anything but yourself, and it’s always a fun time with music, food, and of course eating. The members decide what you want to create, and it’s not a rigid and structured environment. Cooking club is always a great way to either wind down the day or take a breather during the busy school day to get together with friends and do some cooking!
National Honors Society (NHS)
This club is highly selective, and it’s less of a “choice” and more of a positive outcome of many other accomplishments. To be accepted into NHS, you must
- Be in grades 10–12
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence
- Be involved in voluntary contributions to their school or community without compensation
- Be considered a leader (the website defines student leaders as “those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors”
- Have “good character”, defined as, “cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record”
. Acceptance and participation in this club is often looked for by college admissions committees and if you meet the criteria, I would highly recommend joining this club. Although it can require a large amount of commitment, once you meet the criteria to remain in the club it is a relatively low commitment as long as you maintain the 4 pillars of requirements.
Foreign Language Clubs
Although these may sound “scary” or “intimidating”, but I’ve only heard, and experienced, positive things from these clubs. There is so much more to these clubs than simply speaking the language - you get to learn about and experience their culture, taste food, watch movies, celebrate holidays, connect with others in the community, whatever you can think of, language clubs will offer! The best part is that, normally, you don’t even have to speak the language or be taking a language class.
Of course, it may help with understanding the language and the meaning behind certain holidays or traditions, but either way the club members will be sure to explain everything to you. Language clubs are a great way to get involved and meet people you normally wouldn’t be able to, and they’re loads of fun.
Community Service Clubs
Not only does a community service-based club look impressive on a resume, but it’s a great way to get involved and help your community. You will find a newfound appreciation and gratitude for the small things in life, and helping others in your community always fills you with pride. This club may encourage you to help out after school or on the weekends, particularly if you are organizing a big project or fundraiser, but overall the workload is relatively small.
