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Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Campus Life

Clubs and Activities

List of 28 items.

  • 1912 Student Newspaper

    1912 is Hamden Hall’s student newspaper that is printed six times per year. While it reports regularly on in-school events and issues, it prides itself on expressing diverse and provocative opinions about the issues of the day, both within the school and in the larger world. 

  • Amnesty International

    Amnesty International is a worldwide organization whose mission is to defend liberty and human rights.  Through a variety of advocacy activities, Amnesty International works to end injustices such as torture, censorship of the press, mistreatment of prisoners, and the death penalty. 

    Hamden Hall’s chapter of Amnesty International, founded in the spring of 2008 by Hamden Hall graduates, Samuel Genecin and Tobenna Nwangwu, is committed to increasing awareness of human rights issues, to raising funds for Amnesty and other organizations that support its core mission, and to engaging in activism to support prisoners of conscience and other victims of oppression around the world.  We have run campaigns on human rights abuses in Tibet, Sudan, and Libya.

  • Anime, Comic, Game, and Novels Club

    Anime, Comic (or manga), Game, and Light Novels (ACGN) Club focuses specifically on the products about Cartoons and we will work together on some activities about it. We hope our members can use this club to enjoy and develop their favorite Cartoon.

  • Art Club

    The purpose of the Art Club is to get students together who are interested in art. They do not have to be artists or be part of any art classes at school.  Those who find an interest in art are welcome to join. We will sit down and discuss our own and other’s art pieces. The Art Club will not only be observational but hands-on as we will work on group projects with the members.

  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Union (AAPI)

    Formerly the Hamden Hall Asian Student Union, AAPI strives to foster inclusivity, equity, and anti-racism in the Hamden Hall community and beyond.

    We recognize the immense diversity of Asia and Asian people, and we are inclusive to Asians of all backgrounds.  Our goal is to provide both a voice and a safe space for Asian students on campus.

    In addition, we will host events that bring awareness to issues surrounding the Asian American community, including Asian cultures, global interactions, and the current plight of the Asian community at a school level.

  • Biology Olympiad

    As the premiere biology competition for high school students in the United States, the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) enriches the life sciences education of nearly 10,000 talented students annually. It provides the motivation, curricular resources, and skills training to take them beyond their classroom experience to the level of international competitiveness.

    The BO exam is administered once a year (usually in February or March), and consists of 50 college-level biology questions. Students prepare independently or in small groups, reading up on various bio topics using a biology textbook. Students are encouraged to try their hand at the Open Exam every year (students are eligible up until they accept college admission). If a student meets the score cutoff on the open exam, they would progress to the semifinal exam given about six weeks later. If they meet the score cutoff on the semifinal, they would progress to the finals. 

    Regardless of the outcome on the exam, participation in Biology Olympiad is a great way for students to explore their interest in the life sciences.

  • Black Student Union

    The Black Student Union is a cultural organization that seeks to foster a supportive, interactive, and safe community to celebrate black culture and identities within the African Diaspora. The BSU aims to create a stimulating environment to provide learning spaces in which students can interact.

  • Book Club

    The Hamden Hall Book Club is a place for bookworms and reluctant readers alike. Roughly every month, we pick a book together and discuss it at a 35-40 minute meeting.

  • Carbon Footprint Club

    CarbonTrack is a group of passionate students dedicated to using STEM and technology to promote global awareness of climate change and sustainable development.

    Our club is open to anyone who wants to contribute and make a difference whether you’re a tech geek, an environmentalist, or simply an internet user, we value all input.
     
    In our meetings, you’ll be introduced to our original Carbon Accounting website, learn how to use it, and work together as a team to develop it. We also participate in ecology-related competitions, and in the future, we plan to turn our website into an iOS app. Join us and be part of the change.

  • Chess Club

    The Chess Club meets on Thursdays following school. Students and faculty play pick-up games and also compete on a ladder ranking scale. Twice a year the Club holds a student tournament open to the entire school.

  • Chinese Culture Club

    Chinese Culture Club (CCC) is a club that welcomes all students to learn about Chinese culture. We have a lot of fun activities, such as practicing calligraphy, playing board games, watching Chinese movies/TV series, and doing paper cutting!

    In addition, we organize the annual Chinese New Year Assembly to honor our culture by showcasing students’ talent. At the club, you can learn some basic Chinese, experience Chinese culture beyond textbooks, make new friends and have a lot of fun!

  • Computer Science Club

    Computer Science Club made for those who are interested in the study of computer science. It is welcome to those with and without coding knowledge. We will learn, collaborate, and have lots of fun! You can code in whatever language you want, but we will be teaching basic coding in python and are here to support you. You can make your own projects with a theme that everyone decides on! We will host our own competitions and projects and participate as teams in a global hackathon at the end of the year.

  • Conservation Club

    Students learn about and participate in conservation and recycling efforts at school, in the community, and in the world.  We are responsible for much of the recycling on campus and educating the student body about this effort. This is an ideal situation for anyone trying to earn work-study hours or if you just like to have fun doing something good for the community. 

  • Dance Club

    The Dance Club is a Hip-Hop and choreography based organization, which provides students who have not been exposed to street dance the opportunity to try it out, train for it, and provide a stage for talented students to perform during Homecoming and Mayfest.

    The purpose of the club is to allow students to present and express themselves through dance movements, running an Instagram account, shooting short videos, and attending performances are the main focuses this year. Anyone interested in dance is welcome to join.

  • Debate Team

    The Debate Team meets to give students a sense of how to properly organize and present lucid, structured arguments in preparation for tournaments online and in-person.

    Often derived from a “values” or ethics framework, topics are studied before arguments are lined up on both sides of the issue at hand and practice rounds are run. Recent topics discussed have included areas under the umbrellas of societal needs (including issues of “greatest common good”), political freedom, and freedom of speech. In practice, speeches are delivered which receive both cross-examination (in a timed questioning period) and refutation. Arguments are then revised to meet the opposition more directly and forcefully.

    Debate is an activity that has many ramifications in regard to gaining the skills needed to form structured, timely, relevant arguments in many areas of the humanities.

    Over the past twenty-five years, Hamden Hall Debate has also taken part in numerous regional high school tournaments sponsored by the Harvard and Princeton debate teams over weekends in the winter and spring.

  • Environmental Club

    Participants will promote local biodiversity through invasive species management, urban gardening, tree planting, and animal surveillance. Native plants will be introduced to plots of land around campus. Club members will document regional wildlife and send their findings to the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The club plans to send representatives to volunteer with organizations such as the Connecticut River Conservancy, CT Forest and Park Association, plus Save the Sound Cleanup, all of which offer robust habitat restoration programs.

    The club will also advocate for clean, energy-efficient infrastructure around campus. Coordination with other school organizations focused on sustainability will likely occur. An eclectic array of programs to satisfy any environmentalist interest defines the eco club.

  • FACES Literary Magazine

    FACES is the literary magazine for grades 9-12. The FACES board, comprised of 12-14 members in any particular year, is led by an editor- or editors-in-chief, an art editor, and several associate literary and art editors. Membership is open to interested students.

    The FACES board meets once a week throughout the fall and winter months and more frequently in the spring as final submissions are judged, laid out and proofread for publication.  Weekly meetings generally fulfill two missions: previewing submitted work and devising ways to promote FACES submissions among the student body (such as prize contests and assembly “skits”). 

    In recent years the submission process has become more open-ended; the editors now return work to authors that are nearly acceptable so that they can craft effective rewrites of their work. FACES is distributed to the student body on Prize Day in June.

  • Fiber Arts Club

    Fiber Arts Club is open to students of all levels. Projects have included crocheting caps for babies in the NICU, creating crochet/knitted animals, scarves for gifts, winter mittens, and hats.  Learn a new skill and find new challenges!

  • Film Club

    Here at Film Club, we will collaborate in creating short films. We will be storyboarding, acting, filming, the whole film making process. If you are interested in creating films, operating a camera or a mic, directing, writing, or video editing, then join Film Club!

  • Gaming Club

    The Gaming Club is a social club that meets weekly during club time to play board games, tabletop games, and card games. This year, Gaming Club is partnering with industry game designers to make our own games!

    Gaming Club hosts multiple after-school events where board games, tabletop games, card games, and video games are played. 

  • Girl Up!

    Girl Up! is a national organization created by The United Nations Foundation in 2010. In our branch, we plan on hosting discussions that are relevant to issues women face in society on a local, regional, national, and international level.

    Our main goal is to raise awareness and funds for programs that help some of the world's hardest to reach adolescent girls. This club is for anyone, regardless of gender. We hope to bring in a guest speaker, and will be hosting a bake sale to support Girl Up funds.

  • Great Thinkers Club

    The Great Thinkers Club explores the world of philosophy, ideology, ethics, and religion. We will learn about ancient Greek, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean and Egyptian wisdom (Maybe you can also bring something new, too!)

    Our goal is to allow students to share their opinions and philosophies with each other without judgment. Philosophy takes up a part of our lives that many people don’t recognize. It is the root of our art, our writing, our theater, our stories, and even music.

    Throughout the year, we will read passages from the great thinkers before us, watch videos, and even make our own book or writings.

  • Green and White / Admissions Ambassadors

    Green and White is a service organization on campus.  It gives selected students in Grades 7-12 an opportunity to share their Hamden Hall experiences with prospective students and their families.  The club meets several times during the first six weeks of school to familiarize members with its objectives and to train them as tour guides and hosts/hostesses.  Green and White does not meet on a regular basis and should not interfere with other extracurricular activities.

    The primary purpose of this club is for students to function as tour guides for Open House and to serve as hosts/hostesses for prospective students visiting Hamden Hall for the day. To become a member, a student must be in good academic/social standing.

  • High Schoolers into Business

    Are you interested in exploring the world of corporate business, entrepreneurship, and building a strong professional network? Join High Schoolers Into Business (HIB), a club for ambitious students eager to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

    Through hands-on scenarios and real-world challenges, you'll collaborate to solve complex business problems while connecting with alumni and industry leaders.

    As Seth Godin once said, “There’s no shortage of remarkable ideas, what’s missing is the will to execute them.” At HIB, we’re here to help you turn your ideas into action. Join us today and start shaping your future in business!

  • Hispanic and Latino Student Union

    A place for Hispanic and Latino students to feel represented and safe and to further educate non-Hispanic students on Hispanic Culture.

  • Interact Club

    The Interact Club is the main branch of community service at Hamden Hall and is recognized worldwide. We are very fortunate to be sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Hamden and Branford. The Interact Club oversees all service projects, making sure that they are organized in a professional manner and completed well.

    Each month throughout the school year, the entire school community will do its best to support one of our local organizations. In addition to helping out the local community for the majority of the year, the Interact Club also participates in one international community service project.

  • Italian Culture Club

    Benvenuto! The Italian Culture Club will meet every other Monday at 2:15. During our time together, we will explore Italian culture through a variety of activities. Members will come to meetings prepared to participate in learning about Italian culture through films, foods, and phrases! The history of Italian culture will also be another main focus of ours. You do not need to have any prior knowledge or relation to Italian culture, everyone is encouraged to join!

  • Jewish Student Union

    The Jewish Student Union will work in solidarity with other affinity groups and promote shared experiences to create a more inclusive community. We would like to integrate our core values into the Hamden Hall community, such as spreading light onto one another and creating an environment that enables everyone to live to their fullest potential.

List of 28 items.

  • Linguistics Olympiad

    The North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad is a contest in which high-school students solve linguistic puzzles. In solving these puzzles, students learn about the diversity and consistency of language, while exercising logic skills. No prior knowledge of linguistics or second languages is necessary. Professionals in linguistics, computational linguistics, and language technologies use dozens of languages to create engaging problems that represent cutting edge issues in their fields. The competition has attracted top students to study and work in those same fields. It is truly an opportunity for young people to experience a taste of natural-language processing in the 21st century.

  • Math Team

    Varsity: This Upper School team usually has six competitions (meets) per year at various high schools. Following the six math meets, the top schools are invited to the State Competition, usually held in March. The top four schools in the state are invited to the New England Competition, which Hamden Hall has qualified for in the past. 

    Junior Varsity: This team competes three times per year as a practice for the varsity level. Subjects for these competitions span from 7th grade math to Pre-Calculus. Participation enhances a student’s ability to be a better problem-solver, while also reinforcing the memory of previous material, thus boosting confidence and encouraging further growth in mathematical ability.

  • Middle School Advocates

    The Middle School Advocates are a group of juniors and seniors who, through an intensive interview process, are chosen to work with and mentor Middle School students. They work with the faculty in daily study halls by taking attendance, answering questions, and acting as tutors.

    Other responsibilities include working with the seventh and eighth graders to prepare for student government elections, giving speech writing workshops, and helping with related meetings and activities. The Advocates work with interested Middle School students by preparing assemblies on issues of importance to Middle School students.

    They meet monthly with Middle School students to discuss the challenges of adolescence and pertinent topics relating to Middle School. They may run a monthly club or help a faculty member with a club as well as assist with annual Middle School activities such as: Middle School Olympics, Halloween Costume Contest, Eighth Grade Celebration and Skits. Most importantly all Advocates act as role models, mentors, tutors and friends to all Middle School students.

  • Mock Trial Club

    The Mock Trial Club provides students with the opportunity to experience real-life courtroom proceedings by taking on the roles of lawyers and witnesses. The club focuses on teaching members about the legal system, public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation. Participants collaborate to prepare cases, often based on fictional scenarios or actual legal cases, and have the chance to showcase their talents in courtroom settings through regional, state, and international competitions. This experience offers the perfect environment for students who are interested in law, acting, and investigative work.

  • Model U.N.

    Model United Nations provides students the opportunity to learn about and discuss today's most relevant world issues through participation in an authentic simulation of the United Nations and other international organizations. In both pre-conference preparation and in-conference debate, Model UN seeks diplomatic and creative solutions to complex problems. The HH Model UN has received awards from events such as BosMUN at Boston University and NYUMUNC at NYU, with plans to diversify further events. Those interested in internationalism, foreign affairs, or simply want to learn more about the complex issues in the world would find themselves at home.

  • Multicultural Student Interests

    Multicultural Student Interests (MSI) strives to increase cultural, religious, racial, and ethnic awareness, and provide students a safe environment to be able to discuss difficult issues. MSI aims to provide students with the skills and opportunities to make our school a place where all students feel welcomed and supported. 

    This year, we plan to embrace all cultures so don’t be afraid to join! We want to celebrate cultures, have fun activities such as henna or dancing, and sample traditional food. In previous years, the club has planned and presented projects for Diwali, held discussions, put together a multicultural cookbook, participated in Mayfest, and enjoyed food-share! We would like to invite speakers and network with other clubs that promote diversity and understanding.

  • Music4Smiles

    Music4Smiles is a music service club that aims to bring music and smiles to our community. We organize dedicated HH instrumentalists to give concerts at local senior homes. Together, we believe that music can be a transformative force for good in the world. Club members are required to practice the music independently and participate in dress rehearsals prior to the concert.

  • Muslim Student Union

    The mission of the Muslim Student Union is to create an inclusive environment for all students by promoting understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture. We can do this by organizing events with regard to the culture of Muslim countries, inviting speakers to inform students about Islam, collaborating with other student unions to build unity, and advocating for the establishment of a prayer room open to students of all religions.

    The purpose of MSU is to give Muslim students a spot in the Hamden Hall community, bring awareness about the Islamic traditions and culture within the school community, help Muslim students to be comfortable and embrace their ethnic background and holidays, and advocate for the interests of Muslim students.

  • North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad

    NACLO is a contest in which high-school students solve linguistic problems. In solving these problems, students learn about the diversity and consistency of language, while exercising logic skills.

    No prior knowledge of linguistics or second languages is necessary. Professionals in linguistics, computational linguistics and language technologies use dozens of languages to create engaging problems that represent cutting edge issues in their fields. The competition has attracted top students to study and work in those same fields. It is truly an opportunity for young people to experience a taste of natural-language processing in the 21st century.

    This is a great activity for students who enjoy puzzles and problem solving – you don’t have to be a language “whiz” to succeed.

  • Photography Club

    In this club, we welcome all students who are interested in photography. Every two weeks, we will announce a theme. Students can create a piece, learn about composition and critique. Students can also add their interpretation and explanation of their work to help the audience understand the work. This club is for students interested in photography to gather and discuss their understanding of photography and learn from others.

  • Physics Bowl

    The Physics Bowl Contest is an international high school competition. School teams compete regionally with other school teams. Students will take a 40-question, 45-minute timed, multiple-choice test under their school’s supervision. 

    Division I is for first-year physics students and Division II is for second-year physics students. Each Division has 15 regions that have been established across the country to allow schools in each region to compete against one another.

  • Poetry Club

    If you love writing or reading poems/prose of any kind, then poetry club is the right place for you! You don’t need to have written any poetry to join, just as long as you have an interest in it.

    We foster a safe environment where you can share your work and receive feedback from other like minded students. Shorter pieces of narrative prose or excerpts from longer creative works will also be workshopped.

    Throughout the year we’ll explore all different styles and genres of poems, submit to contests, host a poetry slam, and more!

  • Pride Alliance

    Hamden Hall’s Pride Alliance provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for all members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. The club facilitates activities and events that pertain to current issues within the community.

  • Production Crew

    The Production Crew is a club run by the Theater Technical Director. This club meets twice a week and on some weekends to build and paint sets, hang stage lights, and set up sound for all Hamden Hall productions and special events in the Taylor Performing Arts Center. Basic carpentry, safe tool practices, faux painting techniques, and basic stage rigging are just a few of the projects that students are introduced to. Crew members get first hand experience in understanding how the backstage of a theater works, from basic design concepts to special effects.

  • Puzzle Team

    The Hamden Hall Puzzle Team meets weekly to practice and prepare for monthly local and international puzzle competitions. In past years, we have been able to participate in escape rooms and in-person events hosted by Boston Area Puzzle Hunt League (BAPHL).

    We solve all kinds of puzzles - from trivia crosswords to complex logic and math riddles. The past two years have been some of the most successful for the Puzzle Team, consistently ranking high in many competitions.

    In Puzzle Team, you will learn, and eventually master, the art of cooperative puzzle solving and teamwork through the plethora of puzzles we will encounter. 

  • Red Cross Club

    Red Cross is a club that gives students a chance to make a difference in communities for those in need of help. The volunteering program branches off of the Red Cross organization that sends emergency kits, holds fundraisers, and blood drives to Humanitarian Crises or simply those in need of emergency relief. The Club organizes a spring blood drive and hopes to achieve much more with your help! 

  • Robotics Club

    Hamden Hall Robotics Club participates in the Vex Robotics Competition. If you are interested in science, engineering, programming, or are just curious about robotics, please join us!

    No background in these areas is needed, just a willingness to participate and learn! We will be participating in a regional competition in addition to building our own robots according to the interests of members.

    Meetings will be every Monday from 2:00-3:00 in SC 232, and competitive teams may have multiple meetings per week during competition season (November-February).

  • Rocketry Club

    Rocketry Club competes in the American Rocketry challenge where we try to launch and build a rocket that safely flies above 800 meters in the air without breaking the two eggs inside.

    If you’re interested in building rockets, projectile motion or launching things into the area, consider joining!

  • Science, Innovation & Design

    The Science Club originally formed in 2004 evolved into the Science Inquiry Group, which was an umbrella organization under which students carry out many different activities. In 2012 it became the Signature Program called Science, Innovation & Design. The program has two main goals: 1) to encourage students to engage in independent projects and 2) to focus on the development of a culture of inquiry at Hamden Hall. 

  • Socratic Society

    The Socratic Society is dedicated to fostering an environment of mutual respect and thoughtful dialogue among students. We hope to promote understanding across different political thought, enhance critical thinking skills, embrace diversity and prepare members for leadership roles through the practice of civil discourse.

    We host fun activities that are centered around political, social and ethical discussion. This club welcomes members of all political standpoint and perspective and encourages interaction among students.

  • Sports Journalism

    Interested in learning about Sports Journalism, and reporting on Hamden Hall Athletics? If you are, Sports Journalism Club is the place for you.

    We want proactive and dedicated writers who have an interest in working in this way. We can also use website designers, or anyone with a creative eye. If any of this sounds interesting to you, we’d love to have you at the Sports Journalism Club!

  • Student Government

    Hamden Hall Student Government has four officers and 16 class officers who serve as leaders within the school community by acting as liaisons between the student body and faculty.  The Student Government meets once a week with their Class Deans.

    The four Student Government officers are elected by their peers to oversee all student activities in the Hamden Hall Community, including dances, community service projects, the prom, and fundraising events.

    Classes either have their own President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer who have duties specific to the position, or have committee members who oversee the responsibilities jointly.  All of the members must be responsible, reliable, and able to lead by example.  

  • Student Musicians Union

    The Student Musicians Union (SMU) is a student-run organization dedicated to furthering the growth of music and musical talent on campus.  SMU strives to create an active musical environment for the school community and anyone who plays or performs music, instrumental or vocal, in an ensemble or solo can be part of this organization.

    The group plans and contributes to numerous events on campus such as school assemblies, Homecoming and Prize Day festivities, and Thursday night coffee houses. It also raises funds for equipment and other student needs to support creative student endeavors inside and outside of school. 

  • Swarm: School Spirit

    "You've been swarmed!" Swarm was started to help build school spirit among students, faculty, and community members at various school events throughout the year. The main goal of Swarm is to not only raise awareness of the many events, but to increase spectator participation and support of those events. 

    Over the years students have "Swarmed" sports games, concerts, theater productions, and art shows. In addition to attending events, members of swarm help to spread the word on campus by hanging posters, making announcements at assembly, and organizing "Green-outs." 

  • Taylor Swift Society

    The Hamden Hall Taylor Swift Society is a club that brings students together who share an interest in Taylor Swift. Whether they are die-hard Swiftie, newer fans, or don't know anything about Taylor Swift, all interested students are welcome to join.

    Meetings will consist of discussions about favorite albums, eras, and songs as well as trivia, games, crafts, and other fun events!

    If you are a Taylor Swift fan looking to "make the friendship bracelets" then we have a blank space and we'll write your name!

  • Thespians/Drama Club

    The Thespians are made up of students who have participated in at least three Hamden Hall productions. Members are inducted at the end of every year. The thespians raise money for field trips, dinners, and theater improvements.

  • Women in STEM

    Are you a girl who has always been interested in science, technology, engineering, and math but couldn’t find an outlet to further explore your interests? Join WISTEM! Here, girls will be exposed to the world of science and encouraged to pursue careers in S.T.E.M.

    We plan on fostering a passion for S.T.E.M disciplines through hands-on activities, mentorship, speaker series’, community service events, and educational games. 

  • Yearbook

    This is composed of students dedicated to creating a yearbook full of lasting memories. Throughout the year, members take pictures of everyday happenings at Hamden Hall that will provide a foundation for the yearbook. This will include everyday life at HH, sports events, theatre productions, class trips, community service projects, and much, much more. Through the creation of the yearbook, the club is able to represent the community and show the unique qualities of this school. 

Hamden Hall Country Day School

1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org

About Us

Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.

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