Students in grades 6 through 12 are required to participate in at least one extracurricular activity per year. Many students are involved in several clubs and activities which enhances their overall school experience. This comprehensive list provides an opportunity for all of our students to find something of interest for them to join and become involved in our school community. Some of our clubs and activities listed are also offered to students in 4th and 5th grade.
If you have any questions, please contact the advisor(s) listed in the description for that specific club or activity.
American Heart Fundraising Committee
DVD presentations designed to answer the questions "Is there a God", "Is the Bible true" , "Is Jesus the way", "What is the grace of God". Please contact Mrs. Garrison if you have any questions - agarrison@caravel.org.
The Blue-Gold Club raises money and awareness for the DFRC (Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with intellectual disABILITIES). We will meet at various times throughout the school year, usually in the Lower School Library. The Blue-Gold Club also holds special events with the proceeds going to the DFRC. Please contact for more information.
4th Grade Book Club is for voracious fourth-grade readers that love to discuss books and compete against each other in teams. Meetings are held in the library on Mondays during H period. The club begins around midyear, and acceptance is by committee approval only. Please contact Mrs. Robelen (crobelen@caravel.org) for more information.
Book Club
If you love reading, then this club is for you! We will be meeting when my plan is last during the week and we will gather in Room ?. During the meetings, we will choose books to read together as a group and then reconvene and discuss. Or, we can discuss what everyone is reading and enjoy hearing about others' interests. It will be up to the members to dictate how the Club proceeds. We will have an informational meeting on ??? during H period for any student that would like to join. If you have any questions beforehand, feel free to reach out to ???
The Chick-fil-A Leader Academy members held a food and supply drive and donated almost 500 items to Our Daily Bread in Middletown, DE.
Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is a national high school leadership program focused on servant leadership and Impact through Action with meetings during H Period about twice per month. The program engages up to 30 students in Grades 9-12 with a monthly “Leader Lab” that exposes students to leadership principles and skills needed to put those principles into practice. Students will also create and carry out three service projects throughout the course of the year. Please contact Mrs. Sansone for more information - ssansone@caravel.org.
Lunch at Chick-fil-A after delivering all the supplies donated in May, 2023.
Caravel Academy's Debate Club is a formal debate team where students debate interesting and complex topics and learn how to form, support, and defend arguments while competing with schools across the region. Debate Club meets each A day (when G is last) during H period in room 501. For more information, please contact Mr. Drummonds (wdrummonds@caravel.org), or Mr. Bell (abell@caravel.org).
Caravel's Esports Club is for students in grades 8-12 (age 13+) who participate in video game competitions against other schools nationwide. We meet from 3:30-5:30pm Monday-Thursday in room 605. There is a fall season (September-December) and spring season (January-April). Please contact Mr. Regan (mregan@caravel.org), Mrs. Garrison (agarrison@caravel.org) or Mr. Forney (rforney@caravel.org) for more information.
Our club is for students of any athletic ability to come learn how to enjoy different kinds of training. We will learn how to lift weights, perform calisthenics, stretch, run, and more in a safe and positive environment. We will meet in the weight room from 3:30-5:00, on Mondays, Wednesdays, or both, depending on our members' availability. Please reach out to Mr. Forney with any questions - rforney@caravel.org.
Our new Finance Forward Club will help empower future leaders with financial literacy. We will meet in Mr. Wiz' room. Please reach out to Mr. Wisniewski mwisniewski@caravel.org or Anshika Rajalingari ca28raan@caravel.org.
International Club educates students about other countries, our international community and hopes to expands students' understanding of other cultures by examining their differences and similarities. Together, we will accomplish this by learning about the countries by creating crafts, watching short videos and having club discussions. The international club will meet on C days during H period in Room 608.
Our goal is to create a space where students can learn and collaborate while exploring topics such as global challenges, beauty and aesthetics, contemporary life, family and communities, and personal/public identities. Students will learn about the different aspects of a country's culture, which will include their language, customs, traditions, history, food, music and more! Join us for a globe trotting experience around the world! For more information, please contact Mrs. Brunke cbrunke@caravel.org.
The Jefferson Awards Club "stands behind the power of service to others in bringing out the greatness that lies within." As we restart the club this year, we will seek to multiply good through participation in public service projects throughout our school. For more information, please contact Mrs. Bishop (lbishop@caravel.org).
We have a new club for the 2024-2025 school year! Mr. Regan will be the advisor for the Level Up Club which is a developmental Esports club for students in grades 5-7. Please watch the video for more information. You may also contact Mr. Regan mregan@caravel.org with any questions.
Math League 9th Grade is a competitive club that participates in 4 monthly Regional competitions from November to February. Students travel after school to participating Regional schools once in each month. After snacks (usually pizza and soda) have been served, students complete individual and group problems which contribute to the team score. The top two teams from Regional competition qualify to compete in the State Invitational Meet which is held in April. Please contact mwisniewski@caravel.org for more information. The advisor for this club is Mr. Wisniewski..
Math League 10-12th Grade is a competitive club that participates in 4 monthly Regional competitions from November to February. Students travel after school to participating Regional schools once in each month. After snacks (usually pizza and soda) have been served, students complete individual and group problems which contribute to the team score. The top two teams from Regional competition qualify to compete in the State Invitational Meet which is held in April. Please contact mwisniewski@caravel.org for more information. Mr. Wisniewski is the advisor for this club.
MOEMS provides monthly problem solving contests for elementary and middle school students. Teams of up to 35 students can participate in either the Elementary division, grades 4 to 6, or the Middle School division grades 6 to 8.
The five monthly contests with five problems each consist of unique problem sets that must be administered each month from November through March.
Please contact Mrs. Erne if you would like to participate in Math Olympiad for 5th or 6th grade. k.erne@caravel.org
Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) was established in 1979 and is a math competition program. MOEMS includes students from every state and 39 countries. The objectives are to teach multiple strategies for out-of-the-box problem solving, develop mathematical flexibility in solving those problems, and foster mathematical creativity and ingenuity. The Math Olympiad Club meets to do practice problems in preparation for the monthly problem solving contests that run November - March. For more information, contact Mr. Wu - bwu@caravel.org.
Mass Communication focuses on sharing information with large groups of intended receivers. Often, this involves print sources, but it also includes virtual sources, including social media and broadcast video and audio.
The main objective of the Media Communications Club is to provide growth opportunities for upper school students interested in media careers. These interests may involve a multitude of media, from writing to photography to videography to digital editing and more. Overall, the club is dedicated to highlighting student and school achievements through ethical communications.
Media Club members will…
learn media literacy skills.
understand journalism ethics.
learn and apply the rules of framing and composition as they create and edit visual media.
explore the contributory and informative value of various forms of media, including Instagram and Twitter. Used conscientiously and effectively, these platforms serve as important communications tools.
apply their club-learned knowledge as they create content for the school’s various media outlets.
maintain a bulletin board displaying student-generated media projects.
Contact Mrs. Beardsley mbeardsley@caravel.org for more information.
The Caravel Academy Medical Club is for students interested in a career in healthcare. The club will help students connect with professionals in all types of healthcare fields, alert students to internship and shadowing opportunities, and discuss topics relevant to healthcare-interested students. Please contact Mr. Orlando for more information - rorlando@caravel.org.
This is for 5th - 8th graders who are interested in creating art. It is a open studio setting where you can create your own artwork. You can use various materials from canvas, markers, oil pastels to paints, watercolors and more. You will pick either Monday's group or Friday's group (you may only pick one day). We will meet during H period when it falls on Monday, when A period is last, or Friday, when A period is last. That is when you would come to art club. Please listen to the announcements when the sign up sheets are on my door to join the club. If you have additional questions, contact
One of our clubs for 5th and 6th graders is Middle School Science Club. In high school, they can join a team that competes against other schools. This is more of a relaxed format where the students compete against each other during school hours. They compete in events like straw tower, where they build a tower out of straws that has to support the weight of a tennis ball, egg drop, penny boat- where they build a boat from foil that is designed to hold the most pennies, and some research based quizzes as well. This club meets last period, once a week, in the Spring. For more information contact Mrs. Broehl - sbroehl@caravel.org.
Science Olympiad is a club offered to 7-8th grade students that prepares science enthusiasts for Science Olympiad by doing mock projects and events. During the school year, Caravel Academy team members will meet and practice for science olympiad events in a collaborative fashion in preparation for future competition.
Science Olympiad will meet H periods in either room 206 or 308. For more information, contact Ms. Larrew at llarrew@caravel.org.
The Middle School Sportsmanship Committee strives to educate, prepare, and encourage Caravel Academy’s middle school athletes to represent themselves, their school and their team in a positive way that shows good character, respect and fairness in all things.
This committee will serve as preparation for the leadership that is necessary to obtain the DIAA sportsmanship award at the middle school level and to be selected for the leadership conference in the future.
Committee member expectations:
- Attend meetings regularly (once / month with occasional additional activities). Meetings will be held during H period. Location may vary depending on availability.
- Set a positive example for teammates, classmates, and ALL Caravel students
- Serve as a liaison, communicate concerns about individual / team behavior that may negatively reflect on students/athletes and Caravel as a whole
- Document (write about and take pictures) community service that is done by your team
- Encourage younger students to show good sportsmanship and lead by example
- Participate in discussions and activities that promote and encourage good sportsmanship throughout the school.
Please fill out the Middle School Sportsmanship Interest Form if you would like to join this club. A maximum of 16 members will be selected based on the answers provided in the form below. If you have any questions, contact Mrs. Hutson at chutson@caravel.org.
The Middle School Student Council handles activities for the middle school students. Activities include organizing dances, doing fundraisers, and handling new student tours of Caravel. The group will meet once every 3 weeks or more if necessary. We will meet during lunchtime or during an H period. For more information, contact Mrs. Roarty, Mrs. Bishop or Miss Clark - droarty@caravel.org, lbishop@caravel.org, jclark@caravel.org.
The objective of the Technology Club is to explore, practice, and advocate creative and constructive uses of various technologies above and beyond the opportunities provided within the class curriculum. Please contact Mr. Boland (wcboland@caravel.org) for more information.
Are you feeling the stress from school work, friends or other pressures of life? Join the Mindfulness Club and learn different techniques to help relieve stress and anxiety .You can apply these techniques at your desk before a test, on the field/court before a game or anywhere you find the need to. Mindfulness is focusing on the present moment, while acknowledging and accepting your feelings and thoughts.
We meet on G days when "F "is last in room # 303. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Lafferty at nlafferty@caravel.org or Mrs. Erne kerne@caravel.org.
"YMCA Civic Engagement provides students in middle and high school with the opportunity to represent and serve their communities through model government, leadership and professional development, advocacy, and service-learning."
For more information about Model UN, please contact Mrs. Brunke at cbrunke@caravel.org.
National Honor Society is an organization that is committed to the values of service, scholarship, leadership and character. Students who have earned a 3.75 GPA or higher will be asked to join this prestigious club during the fall of their junior year. They must be in good academic and behavioral standing with the school in order to be accepted. Once accepted, each student will attend the NHS Induction Ceremony where each student will receive a certificate and pin commemorating their achievements. Please contact Mrs. Hastings or Mrs. Valentine (shastings@caravel.org or mvalentine@caravel.org) should you have any questions.
Caravel hosts a chapter of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) to highlight the school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Chapter membership recognizes students for their accomplishments, and challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. NJHS membership is by selection only. Students are invited to become members in either 8th or 9th grade based on their academic performance. Invitations for membership are sent out early in the first marking period. Applications for submission are due within a few weeks after that. The induction ceremony usually takes place at the beginning of the second marking period. For active members, a minimum of 10 service hours a year is mandatory. Please contact Ms. Banzhaf (rbanzhaf@caravel.org) or Dr. Nacrelli (cnacrelli@caravel.org) with any questions.
Students will learn, share, collaborate, and have fun with photography! All experience levels are welcome to join us on D-days (when C is last) in room 502 during H period. We will rotate these meetings with the Mock Trial club. Please direct any questions to Mr. Drummonds (wdrummonds@caravel.org) or Mrs. Hicken (ahicken@caravel.org).
Prom Committee is open to any junior who wants to help plan and prepare for prom. The committee picks the theme, color scheme, favors and decorations. They also help with prom set up leading up to prom day. Prom Committee meets during lunch or H period depending on availability in room 601. Times and dates for meeting will be on the morning announcements. Please contact Mrs. Baines or Ms. Rajan for more information abaines@caravel.org or srajan@caravel.org.
The Race Amity Club is a club with the mission of studying and promoting racial amity through friendship, understanding, and an open heart. Always attired with respect and courtesy, we celebrate unity through diversity and strive towards “E Pluribus Unum,” out of many, one. Please reach out to Mrs. Boedeker, Mr. Petersen, Mr. Wu, Mr. Patton, Ms. Rajan, or Mr. Boland for more information: aboedeker@caravel.org, jpetersen@caravel.org, bwu@caravel.org, apatton@caravel.org, srajan@caravel.org, wcboland@caravel.org
MS Recycling Club will work to help Caravel do their part to reduce, reuse and recycle. Members will be responsible for getting classroom recycling to the appropriate containers behind the cafeteria during H period. Come help Caravel recycle! Contact mdoyle@caravel.org for more information.
SADD stands for students against destructive decisions. Highlighted initiatives of this national organization are mobility safety, substance abuse prevention, and personal health and safety as well as other initiatives. Each year, SADD prepares for a "Prom Promise" assembly which takes place the day of or the day before prom. This club's meeting day and time will rotate based upon when our planning periods align with H period. The location of our meetings will be determined and announced in advance. When we are able to do so, we will meet in our personal classrooms; we are located in room 409 (Miss Clark - jclark@caravel.org) and room 608 (Miss Seador - sseador@caravel.org). If you'd like to learn more about SADD, please visit the official site at sadd.org.
For senior athletes committing to a college, we hold senior signing day ceremonies three times per year (fall, winter, and spring). These ceremonies are held in Caravel's big gym at 2:30 and are a chance for family and friends to honor these student athletes. Any senior who is ready to commit to college for athletics should email Kristin Caldwell at kcaldwell@caravel.org.
Caravel participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee every year. Students in grades 4-8 are eligible to compete. The speller's journey begins in the student's language arts class where teachers conduct class-level spelling bees. The class winner and runner-up move on to the school-wide spelling bee. The winner of the school-wide spelling bee goes on to the state-level spelling bee. The winner of the state-level spelling bee goes on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Class bees are usually held in Dec/early January; the school-wide spelling in late January; the state-wide bee in March. Spelling words are taken only from the approved Scripps Spelling Bee word lists, which are distributed to the teachers in December. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Banzhaf at rbanzhaf@caravel.org.
The Caravel Academy STEM Club is an incredibly productive and supportive environment in which students work together on building, repairing, and coding. Students work on various devices that are donated by the Caravel community. The club has worked on building a 3D printer and repairing devices like flatscreen TVs, servers, computers, and radios. If beyond repair, they disassemble. After disassembling, pieces are sent to the DSWA Newark Recycling Center. The club is looking for students who are interested in pursuing computer science or hope to explore STEM topics further. Stem Club will meet on B days during H period in Mr. Orlinda's room (503). If you are interested in joining or making a donation, please email jolinda@caravel.org.
The Caravel Table Game Club is a group of Upper School students interested in discussing and playing cooperative games, such as TableTop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs). These cooperative games are an excellent way to build leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. We meet regularly in rooms 501 and 504 to play various cooperative games. For more information, please contact Mr. Bell at abell@caravel.org.
The Caravel Academy Theater program is open to all students in grades 5-12. Each spring, the program produces a musical allowing students to participate as actors, and members of the crew and technical staff. The pictures attached are from last year's production of "Cinderella". Please reach out to catheater@caravel.org for more information.
Tri-M Music Honor Society is an honor society that focuses on influencing more futures in music education and in music advocacy and community service. We recognize students that have gone above and beyond in both music and academics, providing leadership positions to make a difference in their community through music based events.
In the future, Tri-M hopes to encourage all students to be musically involved in their communities. We also hope for students to continue to appreciate and pursue music and performance.
If you are interested in the Tri-M Music Honor Society, please email Ms. Boone (sboone@caravel.org) or Mr. Forney (rforney@caravel.org).
The Turkey Trot (1 Mile Run) is an optional event which will be held on one of the last school days before Thanksgiving Break.Tuesday.
All turkey trotters will run 4 laps around the track at the stadium. The order of events is as follows: 5th Grade Girls, 5th Grade Boys, 6th Grade Girls, and 6th Grade Boys. Those students who did not sign up to race will watch the races.
Awards will be given to all participants (A Turkey Charm). 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers for each competing group will receive a prize!!!
All students (even the non-runners) will leave at 1:15 to go to the stadium with their homeroom teachers. The races will begin at 1:30! When the races conclude, students will return to their homerooms for remainder of the day.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Graham (mgraham@caravel.org) or Mr. Oliver (soliver@caravel.org).
Do you love to read for pleasure? Do you enjoy sharing book titles with your friends? If you answered yes to either of these questions, please consider joining the Upper School Book Club. Book club participants will select the titles and lead the discussion. Email lschaefer@caravel.org with questions.
Upper School Chess Club is open to all interested Upper School students, on a first come first serve basis, who are interested in developing their chess game and playing in house tournaments. Every other week, club members are responsible for checking the chess bulletin board, locating their opponent, scheduling a convenient time to play that student (either in person or electronically), and playing their match. This is a great club for students who have an unpredictable schedule as it allows them the ability to make their own meeting times. Contact Mr. Delaney for more information - cdelaney@caravel.org.
Do you find yourself constantly distracted by thoughts and the “inner voice in your head?” Are you interested in learning techniques for how to manage stress or distractions? In this club, students will learn various techniques to develop various qualities of mind, including concentration, stress-reduction, and mindfulness, which is a state of awareness of being engaged in the present moment without judgment or distraction. There is a plethora of neuroscientific research about the benefits of mindfulness practices, and you can learn about these techniques and their context.
We will meet during A days when G is last, in room 401 beginning on 9.23.24. If you have questions, please contact Mr. Kunen at jkunen@caravel.org.
Upper School Science Olympiad is open to any 9-12th grader interested in science. Members are assigned a minimum of 3 events to compete in at the State Tournament on the first Saturday in March. There are around 30 events covering all science disciplines to choose from. Some events require an apparatus to be built beforehand. The team meets weekly H period in room 601. Interested students should listen to the morning announcements for the date and time of the first meeting. Events will be chosen at that time. The ability to attend the tournament in March is mandatory. Please contact Mrs. Sansone for more information ssansone@caravel.org.
The High School Sportsmanship Committee is a group of interested students that meets during the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons to discuss issues that pertain to Sportsmanship topics and to further Caravel's efforts at encouraging and maintaining good sportsmanship from all athletes and spectators. Any student who wishes to be part of this club should contact Mr. Wisniewski at mwisniewski@caravel.org.
The Youth in Government and Mock Trial clubs have combined this year.
"Defend, debate, and drive change! High schoolers, step into the vibrant convergence of Mock Trial Club and Youth in Government this Thursday during H period in room 411. For those with an eye on the gavel or the desire to lead, this is your moment."? Please contact Mr. Drummonds for more information - wdrummonds@caravel.org.
Musical Ensembles
If you are interested in joining our choral ensembles, please email Ms. Boone at sboone@caravel.org. We hope to see you there!
Elite Ensemble
The High School Elite Ensemble is a mixed ensemble for male and female students. This Ensemble is for students with exceptional behavior who also excel vocally and academically. Elite meets on Wednesdays from 2:18-3:30 in the Choir Room. Students are held to a strict attendance policy due to the large performance schedule and the high level of choral literature that is studied. Rehearsal includes mandatory part testing assignments to be completed as homework throughout each quarter to ensure the highest quality of music learning. Elite Ensemble performs at the Fine Arts Festivals, Caravel sporting events, and other various events throughout the year. The Elite Ensemble also takes part in a competition and overnight trip each spring. The locations of this competition vary year to year. Fundraisers are available during the year to defray the cost of this trip.
Men’s Ensemble
This is an entry level choir for male vocalists. Primarily geared towards beginning and advanced singers who will focus on principles of choral technique, choral repertoire, and performance. Men’s Ensemble members are required to participate in both Winter and Spring Fine Arts Festivals, in addition to the annual spring competition (locations may vary from year to year). Men's Ensemble meets on Mondays from 2:18-3:30 in the Choir Room.
Women’s Ensemble
The High School Women’s Ensemble is an advanced ensemble for high school girls with exceptional behavior who also excel vocally and academically. This ensemble meets on Fridays from 2:18-3:30 in the Choir Room. Members are held to a strict attendance policy due to the large performance schedule and the high level of choral literature that is studied. Rehearsal includes mandatory part testing assignments to be completed as homework throughout each quarter to ensure the highest quality of music learning. The Women’s Ensemble performs at Fine Arts Festivals, Caravel events, and competitions. There is a required choral competition and overnight trip in the spring. The locations of this competition vary year to year. Fundraisers are available during the year to defray the cost of this trip.
Marching Band
Marching band is open to all students in grades 7-12, with or without musical experience. Students with musical and technical experience include the following: Instrumentalists (woodwind, brass, percussion, electric and bass guitar (must audition and know how to read music); color guard members (flags and batons); and special technical assistants to the band director (students who want to learn and implement the many “behind the scenes” aspects of a marching band). Band, color guard members, and technical assistants are expected to attend and participate in band camp for two weeks in August. During the school year, rehearsals are every day during H period for the first two weeks, then once a week during Friday H periods to prepare for weekend games. The band will perform at all home and away games. In addition, we expect to participate in Newark’s Halloween parade on Main Street, University of Delaware’s Band Day, and the Star Spangled Banner at a Blue Rocks Baseball game in May. Buses will be provided by the school for all “away” events. Band members will be held to their marching band contracts. Contact Mr. Forney for information regarding Marching Band at rforney@caravel.org.
Wind Ensemble
Wind Ensemble (H)
Wind Ensemble members who cannot join the everyday course should select this option, meeting as an ensemble one H-period per week. Members are expected to practice at home to ensure readiness for ensemble rehearsals. Wind Ensemble students must participate in the following three required events to earn their credit: Winter Fine Arts, Spring Fine Arts, and the annual spring competition (locations vary from year to year).
Wind Ensemble Class
The Wind Ensemble is a high school group, which meets five days a week and once a week at H period to mix with H-period-only members. Wind Ensemble students must participate in the following three required events to earn their credit: Winter Fine Arts, Spring Fine Arts, and the annual spring competition (locations vary from year to year). *If you would like to participate in band but cannot fit it into your schedule, please see the band director at your earliest convenience to work out an arrangement – each and every part helps!
Please contact Mr. Forney at rforney@caravel.org for information.
Glee Club is a performance group open to students in grades 5-12. Glee Club meets each Thursday during H period and performs during the Middle School Winter & Spring Fine Arts Festivals as well as the Delaware Choral Festival in the Spring.
Glee Club performs current popular songs in harmony as well as arrangements of jazz and musical theater songs. Glee Club is a fun, interactive atmosphere where students have the opportunity to display their musical interests and talents.
If you are interested in joining Glee Club, please email Ms. Boone at sboone@caravel.org. We hope to see you there!
Orchestra Club is a student lead chamber ensemble open to all grades. Orchestra Club meets D days during H period in room 604. Our main goal is to provide a space for string players (violin, cello, viola, double bass) to practice and make music together. However, we welcome other instrumentalists as well. Members are encouraged to perform in Fine Arts Festivals.
For more information contact Ms. Gallagher at cgallagher@caravel.org
Ukulele Club meets during H period on Wednesdays for students in grades 5-12. Classroom Ukuleles are available, but students are able to purchase one from school or another location. Students of all ability levels are welcome! Many members of our club are beginners who have little to no experience before joining. Contact Mrs. Busovsky for more information: kbusovsky@caravel.org