Under bright skies in the courtyard, students crowd to club booth t
ables, eager to learn about the many activities and opportunities waiting for them.
On Friday, Sept. 5, Bowie hosted its annual Club Fair during both first and second lunch in the courtyard. The Club Fair showcased only a portion of the 100+ clubs Bowie has to offer.
“It was definitely fun when I had a break from my own club to walk around the courtyard and check out the many other clubs,” junior Rose Florence said. “I liked having the chance to check out and be informed about a lot of the clubs. I even signed up for a lot of clubs myself that I thought were interesting.”
Many club leaders expressed that they were pleasantly surprised
by how engaged students were at this year’s fair. While treats like candy and sweets often attract attention, several club members noticed that students seemed genuinely curious about what each club had to offer. The Club Fair not only gives students the chance to explore new interests, but also helps clubs connect with potential members.
“I think the most surprising part is how many people really seemed to be interested in the club that I helped managed the booth for because usually a lot of people just want the candy or the food that are at the booths, but I think there was a lot of people that came over that wanted to know more about our club and were looking into their future,” junior Andrea Garcia said. “The Fair definitely helps all of the clubs grow a lot by getting new volunteers and members.”
For clubs that don’t always get a lot of attention, the event gave them a chance to show students what they are all about. That spotlight helped students see new opportunities and gave clubs a chance to connect with people who might not have noticed them otherwise.
“The Club Fair definitely brings people together and it allows students to realize that they have something in common with other people, and they can build connections that way,” ASL
honor society and ASL club sponsor Jess Bartell said. “It really makes a difference to how people feel accepted and welcomed. Anybody with any interests or skills can find somewhere they belong, and that’s why Club Fair is so crucial and I am glad Bowie has Club Fair each year.”
Clubs found different ways to stand out at this year’s fair, from colorful posters to interactive displays that drew students in. For some clubs, it wasn’t about people signing up, but about sparking curiosity and starting conversations. The Freedom to Read club highlighted the unique aspects of their club by prompting students to ask questions, and leaving them with something to think about.
“I think Club Fair is a good way for clubs to interact wi
th people that are wanting to learn more about clubs and try to get people interested on what their club is,” senior Riley Soffera said “We had a bunch of books that are banned at our club booth, and it’s really interesting for people to stop by and say that they had no idea a book was banned and we would inform them about everything there is to know about the books and our club as well.”
Students can get involved on campus in a variety of ways Senior Jack Lowe finds that many clubs offer a flexible and welcoming way to explore their interests, meet new people, decide what activities are the right fit for them, and that clubs create opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zones.
“Clubs are something everyone should try at least once, especially if they match your interests, because you’ll meet people who share those same passions as you,” Lowe said. “I would say
clubs are the best way to meet new people, that is how I met a lot of my friends I have today.”
