How do you turn online friends into real life community? One group of Clonlara School students decided to take their friendship offline with a gathering at Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo, Brazil. Read to the end for tips on organizing your own Clonlara gathering!
“It all started with informal conversations with a few of my friends,” shared Nicole, one of the organizers of last September’s student-led gathering in Brazil. Nicole and her friends had already developed a close relationship through Clonlara’s online clubs and meetings.
“Over time, it became increasingly clear how real and deep these friendships were, even though they were built at a distance,” Nicole shared. “The sense of belonging already existed, but something essential was missing: meeting in person.”
An Idea Becomes Reality
The students decided they wanted to organize a large gathering that would bring together more students and families from the Brazilian Off-Campus Program, rather than just their small group.
“The proposal was simple and meaningful: to create a space where everyone could see each other, talk, play, share experiences, and finally turn online relationships into in-person connections,” Nicole explained.
They organized the gathering collectively in a WhatsApp group, with three students taking the lead. The group chose Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo as the meeting place, due to its accessibility for participants from different Brazilian states.
The group of attendees included Clonlara students, parents, siblings, and even pets!
“It was an informal, welcoming, and collaborative gathering that lasted the entire day—from morning until early evening,” Nicole said. “Each family contributed by bringing games and food for the picnic, and by helping with the overall organization.”
There were many friendly exchanges and long conversations between old friends and new acquaintances.
The Gathering’s Impact Continues
The beauty of this gathering did not end when everyone went home.
“The gathering was not an isolated event, but the beginning of even closer connections within the Clonlara community, reinforcing the sense of belonging, support, and friendship among students and families,” Nicole explained.
Several of the students who attended shared their thoughts on the event and its impact:
- L said the gathering strengthened everyone’s bonds and showed that, when there is a collective will, it is possible to accomplish something that once seemed distant.
- M highlighted the memorable moment of the dodgeball game, full of unexpected alliances, and the tug-of-war battle. After the gathering, she felt that closeness within the group increased and that the barrier of distance decreased.
- T shared that he participated mainly out of the simple and deep desire to meet his friends in person. For him, the gathering was an incredible experience precisely because it transformed online relationships into real connections.
- C enjoyed being able to play volleyball and dodgeball and getting to know people he previously had little contact with. After the gathering, he came to value online interactions, such as RPGs, even more.
- A described the gathering as unforgettable, especially because it allowed him to meet with friends who had been part of his life for about three years. For him, being able to talk in person and exchange experiences was extremely meaningful.
- C remembered the many game-related falls throughout the day—including his own fall, the first one—which ended up becoming a friendly joke among the group.
- L commented that, after the event, she began to associate each friend with their personalities outside the online environment, making the relationships even more meaningful.
- L shared that one of her most memorable moments was the time capsule, during which students exchanged personal messages. For her, this moment symbolized how each person contributed in some way to her personal growth, making the gathering unforgettable.
Since the event, participants have continued to build their friendships through online clubs, messaging groups, virtual meetings, collaborative games, and even some additional in-person visits.
Tips for Organizing Your Own Clonlara Gathering
If you’re a Clonlara student feeling inspired by this story, we encourage you to organize a gathering in your country!
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Gauge interest: Mention the idea of a gathering to a few friends you’ve met through Clonlara’s clubs or events. See how many people are interested!
- Build a team: You don’t have to do it all alone. Find one or two friends who are willing to help you organize the event.
- Choose your location and time: A public park in a central location is a great option when the weather allows. Libraries and community centers can work well, too. Pick a date far enough in the future that people have time to plan their travels.
- Spread the word: Make a flyer with the date, time, location, and any other details attendees might need to know. Share with other Clonlara students who might be interested!
- Make it collaborative: Consider inviting attendees to bring a game, sports equipment, or a dish for a potluck. This keeps it simple for you to plan, and it makes it a true community event.
- Welcome everyone: When the event starts, be sure to greet everyone, especially those you don’t know! Introduce new people to one another and make sure siblings and parents feel included.
Afterward, find ways to keep your friendships growing. Share photos and favorite moments from the gathering, work together on a group project, or form a new Clonlara club. And maybe start planning your next in-person event!
If you do end up organizing a gathering with your Clonlara friends, we’d love to hear about it! Send your story to engagement@clonlara.org.
