At Bob Hope Elementary, a Pokémon Club is giving students a place to connect, have fun, and share a hobby they love. What started as a club centered around the Pokémon Trading Card Game has quickly become much more than cards and collecting. Each meeting gives students an opportunity to play the game, trade cards, show off their collections, and connect with classmates who share their passion for Pokémon.
For some students, the club has also become a place to step outside their comfort zone. Fourth-grade student Antonio said he joined because he “wanted to make new friends, meet new people, learn how to play the trading card game, and most importantly, have fun.” That is exactly what Bob Hope teacher Andrew Castillo hoped to create when he started the club. “I like seeing students come out of their bubble,” Castillo said. “I have a lot of students that come into my Pokémon Club, and they’re very shy at first. Then, next thing you know, they’re making friends. It’s a great opportunity for students to come, have fun, be themselves, and connect with others about Pokémon.”
The impact of the club can be seen in the excitement students bring to each meeting. Whether they are showing off a favorite card, making a trade, or challenging a new friend to a game, students are discovering that a shared interest can help them build confidence and find their place.