Esso in Action
Before they attend Hogwarts, wizards and witches have the opportunity to hone their athletic skills at ESSO’s Quidditch with Kids. Children in grades K-5 and Exonians gather Sundays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the fall and spring to celebrate the magic of Harry Potter and an afternoon of friendly competition. Nestled in the land between Phillips Hall and the Academy Center, Quidditch meetings must be approved by the Ministry of Magic. This means that broomsticks are not allowed, but the amount of energy that gathers every Sunday makes up for the lack of flying. And, if you see how fast some of the kids can run, you’d be glad that they couldn’t fly too.
"The best part of Quidditch is knowing that it’s something that the kids look forward to and seeing that displayed whenever we play."
I, senior Majestic Terhune, am a co-head of Quidditch with Kids along with Miranda Derossi. I originally joined the club three years ago because two upperclassmen in my dorm were the co-heads and had urged me to attend at least one meeting. There had never been a point in my life in which I took a few days to read an entire Harry Potter book. I hadn’t even sat through one movie. To top it off, I had about zero experience with children. Quidditch did not seem like a great match but, after one meeting, I knew that I had to return the next week.
The best part of Quidditch is knowing that it’s something that the kids look forward to and seeing that displayed whenever we play. It’s not uncommon for a couple of the players show up in Gryffindor robes or bring a wand to show their friends, and sometimes those friends end up finding a time to meet later in the week.
Moreover, one boy was three when his older brother first started playing and now, after gaining a couple years and adding on a few inches, he’s now old enough to rival his sibling. Hearing his giggle when someone finds him hiding behind a tree or seeing him run to hug his mother during a water break always turns into a highlight of my week.
Overall, Quidditch is an easy and enjoyable way for you to involve yourself in the Exeter community and further understand your role within the neighborhood. The kids that attend look up to us and the parents wholly appreciate the time taken to spend an hour with their children, and it’s in ESSO clubs like Quidditch where you further fathom the sense of community that you have the ability to foster.
To join the Quidditch email list or simply learn more about the ESSO club, contact Miranda at mderossi@exeter.edu or me at mterhune@exeter.edu. We’ll see you and your friend when we meet next on Sunday, Oct. 30!