Outside of school, many students care for younger siblings, work as camp counselors, or babysit on the weekends. For those who wish to continue working with children while on campus, student organizations offer a variety of opportunities.

Every Tuesday evening, members of Jr. Bearcats read picture books and play board games with the children of faculty and staff. The club also hosts activities throughout the year, such as rock painting, the annual Easter Egg hunt, and trick-or-treating. Charlotte Wood ’25, co-head of Jr. Bearcats, said, “We are here to foster friendships and give kids support. It is super cool for them to have people they can greet in the hallways, FFC, and dorms.”

St. Luke’s Society, the school’s community service organization, helps students volunteer at daycare centers in Millerton and Salisbury. Students also volunteer with Salisbury Central School’s SOAR enrichment programs, teaching classes such as “Arts and Crafts,” “Board Games and Building,” and “Scratch Coding.” 

St. Luke’s has recently introduced sports clinics that bring local children to the school and pair them with student-athlete volunteers. Julia Widen ’24, co-head of St. Luke’s, said, “We think sports clinics are important, as they introduce young kids to older athletic role models. Seeing Hotchkiss players excel both academically and athletically helps build their confidence.”

Both Jr. Bearcats and St. Luke’s recognize ability of community service to bridge the gap between the school and the local community. Wood said, “The school can seem so isolated from the rest of the local community—community service is one way to bridge the gap. I think it is our responsibility to make a positive impact on other people’s lives.”

After returning from Long Winter Weekend, St. Luke’s will host an ice hockey clinic on February 11.