This article is part of a series focused on this year’s motto of Unum: Engage, which highlights how students engage as one in different groups across campus. 

At CCHS, we are so lucky to have 131 clubs available for students to join! Joining clubs is a great way to stay connected with your community and make new friends. One club that stands out in this regard is the Board Games with Senior Citizens Club (BGWSC). The BGWSC Club is dedicated to bringing generations together, and to providing service opportunities for students at CCHS.

“We wanted to start BGWSC to share our love of board games with other members in our community who might not get to enjoy them as often,” says club leader Leandra Liem (’26). Fellow leader Julia Sindici (‘26) adds, “We soon realized we not only could connect others with this love, but we could also bring young energy to nursing homes who crave and appreciate it.”

Lucy Hetherington (‘26) attended one of these visits last year. “It was a super nice experience, and I actually had a lot of fun meeting the senior citizens,” says Lucy. “I would definitely recommend this club to other students because it’s a great opportunity to branch out and make someone’s day!” 

When asked about how their club is set apart from other service clubs at CCHS, Julia explains, “BGWSC does multiple off-campus volunteering events at retirement homes every year. Our club allows teenagers to make connections with an age group they wouldn’t normally interact with. BGWSC welcomes all to learn and play new games with no experience required.”

Last year, I personally attended a few of these visitations, and they were truly such special experiences. Most visitations take place at Casa Mañana, a nursing home in La Jolla. “The responsibilities of our club’s members is to show up to our events with a positive attitude and excited to play,” says Julia, “I hoped to share my passion for board games in a unique way. My goal for BGWSC is for students to see that volunteering can be fun!”

Leandra and Julia know that being in this club will have a long-lasting impact on both the students, and the seniors citizens. “We hope to unite our generations through an enjoyable activity and spend time with those who might not get company often,” says Leandra, “Our club allows students to be of benefit to the community in a unique and creative way, through board games!”

The Board Games with Senior Citizens Club is a great embodiment of our school’s theme, Unum, by bringing generations together in such a special way. This club is a fun service opportunity for all CCHS students, and is definitely recommended! Game on!