Clubs & Activities

Gill St. Bernard's is one of twelve high schools in Somerset County that belong to the Academic League. Students compete against other area schools in a quiz-bowl type format in approximately six academic categories.

Student Hosts: A group of students (mostly 9th graders) who serve as hosts to visitors applying to the Upper School. Student Hosts play an important role in the application process by showing others what a day in the life is like at GSB.

Tour Guides: A group of 10th-12th grade students who attend our fall Open Houses and show prospective families around campus. Tour Guides can convey important information about GSB and share stories about their own experiences.

The ACC is an affinity space for Upper School students centered on the cultural affinity experience in our community. Club members and their allies co-sponsor forums concerning issues about race, heritage, identity, and current events.

BSU promotes student forums and conferences throughout the academic year.

This club promotes and organizes two blood drives within the academic year.

The Book Club meets monthly to discuss a book of the participants' choosing. Any students who signed up for Banned Books will discuss a book appearing on the American Library Association's list of banned books. Snacks are served and discussion is casual and student driven.

This club is for students who are considering a business career. We will have Zoom sessions with former students who are majoring in business in college. If any students have a parent who is in the business field, the parent can share their experiences with us.

The Chess Club provides an opportunity to play chess, practice chess, and compete in tournaments as part of a GSB team. Students and teachers who share this interest can meet. The Chess Club was first introduced in 2015, and have had members participate in the NJ State Grade Championship, the US Grade Championship (Florida), and the US Amateur.

This club discusses the interesting and influential topics affecting the United States, countries abroad, and the Earth and its climate. Having awareness and knowledge of this topical information encourages students to be informed global citizens.

The Debate Club thoughtfully discusses issues that the students decide on in the beginning of the year. Some typical topics that are debated include immigration, gun control, gene editing, school uniforms, and college vs. trade schools.

We will meet to discuss both real world and textbook ethical situations. Students will learn to respect other viewpoints while expressing their own opinions

The Fishing Club is a casual, supportive, and fun outdoors-oriented activity group for those who like to fish. All skill levels of fisherfolk are welcome; we typically have a few outings in the fall and a like number in the spring, centered around Lake Betsy, when weather and schedules permit. It's an established club and one which many GSB students have come to really enjoy.

GSA is an affinity space for students to receive support, socialize, and educate the community on topics related to the spectrum of gender and sexual identities.

The Gill for Diversity Club (GFD) is an Upper School leadership group of students who have attended various conferences and summits, participate in facilitation skills trainings and demonstrate an interest in working with other students on issues of diversity and social justice. Their mission is to educate their peers about issues concerning diversity and equity that affect the school community and the world.

This past year, GFD has hosted several student forums focused on religious identity, body image, and race identity where students are provided the space to voice their perspectives in a respectful and meaningful environment.

Partnering with the Grateful 4 Foundation, started by GSB Alum Paul Mulcahy '19, the G4 Club provides opportunities for students to reflect on what they are grateful for and then "Give Something Back" to the local community. Students went to serve lunch to people experiencing homelessness, ran activities at a Thanksgiving feast for children with cancer and sickle cell disease, collected diapers and other baby supplies, and raised funds for a local breast cancer charity. We look forward to continuing our community service efforts throughout the year.

Students will undertake two major projects. We will organize a supply drive for soldiers overseas. We will also write letters to service men and women to express our thanks.

The Hispanic Heritage and Culture Club is an affinity group partially designed to make Hispanic students at GSB feel comfortable with others from the same or similar cultural and linguistic backgrounds. However, service is another important branch of the club's goals, which are met by giving back to the community with such projects as the El Centro Hispanoamericano Holiday Toy Drive. It's also important to mention that the club welcomes all GSB students to join and learn a bit about the customs and history of their Latino peers. Most of all, the club is about having fun, being proud of a shared heritage, and enjoying one another's company.

ADVISOR: Nasirin Ameri

Key Club is a global student-led organization focused on community service, leadership development, and character building. It provides high school students with opportunities to engage in meaningful volunteer work, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers who share a passion for service. Members participate in various projects, ranging from local community service initiatives to international outreach, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and teamwork. Through Key Club, students not only make a positive impact in their communities but also grow personally and academically, preparing them for future leadership roles. With a strong emphasis on service, Key Club empowers young people to become responsible citizens and compassionate leaders.

The Literary Magazine provides a safe, laboratory space for the development of ideas and writing. Club members manage, construct, and edit an annual literary magazine featuring fiction, poetry, and artwork.

Club members enter competitions as part of a GSB team, practice interesting math problems, and spend time with other students who enjoy math.

Now in its 27th year, Mock Trial is one of the older clubs at the school. The club is led by multiple faculty members who help prepare students for the New Jersey Mock Trial Competition. Students hone their skills on creating opening statements, establishing lines of questioning, and closing arguments. This is a great club for students who are interested in law, legal process, or government. The club runs from late September to February.

Model UN meets weekly to help prepare students to attend and participate in the Model UN Conferences. The Model UN experience helps students to understand the geographical world, learn how to collaborate with others, and to negotiate for a positive result. In 2016, the club won Outstanding Small Delegation at the Philadelphia Model UN.

Oh, there’s nothing like some fresh air and time in nature! Students explore the PA/NJ area including activities such as hiking, bike riding, and kayaking. Adventures open to all students and skill levels!

The Podcast Club is designed as a student-run podcast highlighting different areas of student life.  Students organize, perform, and edit each final podcast.

Reading Buddies is one of the most interactive clubs that is offered at Gill. The program pairs Upper School students with Lower School students, with the older students reading to the younger ones and working with them on a range of activities that connect to the stories read. The main goals of the club are to encourage reading in the Lower School and create a bond between Upper School and Lower School students. The students meet at the Lower School every other Wednesday throughout the school year. It is one of the most popular clubs in the Upper School.

"Team Chaos?" you ask. "What kind of name is that for a robotics team?" Well, our nominal meaning is twofold. First, our team works in a sense of organized chaos. Every year the FIRST Robotics Competition releases a new game, and we have just six weeks to understand it and use our knowledge to build and code the best possible robot that will compete well in said game. We are constantly preparing for the FIRST Robotics Competition every way we can, covering all the basics: programming, mechanical, and strategy are just a few of the duties we work on. Another chaotic factor that makes it more accessible to be part of the team is the fact that in addition to having our core work squad, we allow people to drop in whenever they can make it. This way, students who have busy schedules or simply do not know much about robots in general can still experience the team setting, allowing them to gently ease their way into the field of robotic engineering. Finally, we're called Team Chaos because while we are always there with help and support for other robotics teams with FIRST's expected gracious professionalism, on the field we are the dominating chaotic factor the opposing alliance was never expecting us to be. Visit the club's website at chaos2458.com

The Social Committee helps plan, organize, and generate excitement for the two main social events of the school year: 9th & 10th dance and prom.

Student Government is comprised of a President (senior) and Vice-President (junior) along with three representatives from each grade level. The group meets on a weekly basis throughout the year to plan events, discuss student life, and meet with members of the administration. Throughout the years, student government has been instrumental in providing input on student life, as all members are encouraged to be advocates for their respective classes.