One new after-school club at Field Elementary School is proving that unplugged fun is more popular than ever. The Game Club, launched this year and open to second through fifth graders, has been a runaway success – so much so that there was even a waiting list to join.
The idea for the club was sparked by the childhood experiences of its creators, staff members Jessica Mosconi and Olivia Szpunar, who were looking to recreate the kind of screen-free fun they grew up with.
“We both reflected on our childhoods and wanted to provide an opportunity for students to disconnect from technology like we used to,” the pair said. “Due to the increase in technology over the years, there has been a lack of social skills. Therefore, we wanted to show them that there is a different joy that comes from sitting in a circle and playing board games with friends, no matter where you are.”
They chose a focus on second- through fifth-grade, as those students are at an age where they are starting to explore social skills, teamwork and strategic thinking.
“They’re old enough to follow game rules and young enough to benefit the most from structured play that supports learning and friendships,” Mosconi and Szpunar said. “It felt like the perfect age group to launch this kind of club with. We also considered transportation and safety for students given their age, since it was an after-school activity.”
While the two hoped the idea would be well-received, the enthusiasm from students exceeded all expectations. “The waiting list really showed us how eager students were for something that combined fun with social interaction. It’s been amazing to see how enthusiastic they are every week.”
Games are chosen with intention, focusing on teamwork, creativity and communication. The selection includes cooperative board games, simple strategy challenges, and even outdoor group activities (weather permitting).
“We also made sure they were accessible and engaging for all skill levels,” the advisors said. “Additionally, as we got further along in the club, we asked for student input on games and activities that could be played both inside and outside.”
The impact goes far beyond fun and games. Students are learning how to take turns, solve problems together, and handle winning or losing with grace.
“These are skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives, and it’s great to see them developing in such a natural, playful environment,” Mosconi and Szpunar added.
For second grader Audrey V., the club is a perfect way to play games with her friends.
“I really like playing Disney Hedbanz,” Audrey said. “I’m really good at it, especially because I have the game at home.”
The staff members also said there has been a noticeable change in student behavior, with some students on the shier side opening up, new friendships form across grade levels, more kindness, and a boost in confidence.
Given the club’s popularity, there are already talks of expanding it in the future.
“We’re definitely looking at options,” the pair said. “Whether it’s adding more sessions, dividing up by grade level, our goal is to make it more accessible. We’re just working out how to scale it without losing the quality of the experience.”
Ultimately, the goal is to help students feel connected and seen: “We hope they leave each session feeling seen, heard, and connected. We want them to remember that learning and growing doesn’t always look like sitting at a desk—it can come through laughter, teamwork, and just having a good time with friends. We also wanted them to know that there is fun beyond a screen and whether it is with us at game club- or at home there are different ways to have fun.”
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