Student Life

In addition to a robust athletics program and performing and visual arts classes which are offered during the regular school day, Bear Creek offers the following extracurricular activities. 

Developing Leaders

ASB President Lily K. at Upper School House Induction

ASB President Lily K. addresses Upper School during House Induction Ceremony

Learn here. Lead anywhere. We cultivate leaders who are motivated by a thoughtful faith to use their unique styles and gifts to serve their peers, their communities, and the world. Our programs mentor and equip students to maximize their potential.

Each Upper School student is viewed as a leader-in-progress and has access to a variety of leadership development opportunities throughout the year. From Leadership Forums and mentoring, the Leadership Practicum and LeaderShop, certification in the NASC Student Leaders Program, serving on Student Council, as a House leader, coordinating service projects, or leading clubs and activities, our students create a culture of leadership on campus.

Students gravitate to Bear Creek's chapter of the National Honor Society, International Club (I-Club), and Student Council committees, just to name a few. Focused leadership and regional/national accomplishments are often the trademarks of our student clubs and teams. Bear Creek develops students who are invested, prepared, and equipped to lead the next generation.

See more details about the Bear Creek Leads program.

Academic Teams

Forensics Team at 2022 National Tournament

Bear Creek competitors at 2022 National Speech and Debate Tournament

For students who wish to stretch their math skills and compete against other mathematicians, the Upper School math team participates (remotely) in several national and international math competitions, including the AMC 10/12, Math Is Cool, and NACLO. Their weekly meetings afford them time to learn some neat tricks, encounter new and interesting problems, prepare for competitions, and enjoy learning from each other.

On the forensics team, students train in public speaking and debate for the purpose of competing in interscholastic competition at the local, state, and national levels. Bear Creek's award-winning team has made a name for itself since its founding in 2009, consistently sending competitors to State and National tournaments and earning recognition (and championships!). In October, the team kicks off the local competition season by hosting the Grizzlies Forensics Invitational.

Watch an interview with forensics team co-captains about how speech and debate helped them find their voices.

Learn more about our Academic Teams.

Student-Initiated Clubs

Upper School students apply to start a club by developing a sustainable mission, securing a faculty mentor, and submitting an application. Clubs meet on Fridays after lunch. Here some examples:

  • Art Club
  • Astronomy Club
  • Baking Club
  • Bear Creek News Network (BCNN)
  • Chemistry Club
  • Coding Club
  • Creative Crafting Club
  • Creative Writing Club
  • Design Club
  • Engineering Club
  • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
  • Healthcare Occupations (HOSA)
  • League of Gaga (Gaga ball)
  • Maker of Movies
  • Mock Trial Club
  • Mu Alpha Theta (math)
  • Philosophy Club
  • Psychology Club
  • Spanish Club
  • Strategy Tabletop Club
  • Stress-Free Club
  • Strings Club (music)

Compassion in Action

We seek tangible ways for students to serve through a number of service projects and service-learning opportunities locally, nationally, and abroad. Students complete 100 hours of service through a wide variety of organizations during their Upper School years. Bear Creek's Key Club chapter is a student-led group that focuses entirely on serving others and aims to provide the student body with one or two service opportunities each month.

House System

House Induction

Introduced in 2017, Bear Creek’s system of five Houses seeks to create a nurturing environment in which Upper School students work together to exemplify virtue, to build a sense of Christian community, and to lead and serve each other and their world through their unique gifts. Each House comprises a group of 40 – 50 young men and young women of all grades and 4 – 6 faculty mentors.

See more details about the Upper School House system.

Icebreaker

Upper School Icebreaker

Students and faculty begin the school year with an overnight Icebreaker adventure. During two days off campus, students participate in games and activities that encourage friendships and bonding, spiritual growth, teamwork, and leadership. This event sets a positive tone for the entire school year and deepens the connections within our student and faculty culture.

Chapel

Upper School Chapel Advent

Students gather each week for worship, praise, teaching, and reflection during chapel service. The service includes a student-led worship team and a variety of speakers and topics to help students better understand and live the Christian faith in thought and action. Our student-led worship team is made up of students, selected by audition, who display musical ability and lead with spiritual integrity. 

Dances, Socials, and More

Jr/Sr Prom

A number of fun and creative social events are planned each year by our student leadership. They include Fall Ball, Winter Dance, Spring Dance, Junior/Senior Prom, Spirit Week, Green & White Night festivities, movie nights, crazy class competitions, and holiday celebrations. Come and catch the Bear Creek spirit!