Picnic Honoring the New Girls

Some Chatham Hall traditions have a way of making a new student feel like she has been part of the School for much longer than a few weeks. Early each fall, the entire Chatham Hall community gathers in the Meadow for the Picnic Honoring the New Girls, a beloved tradition that officially welcomes our newest students into the life of the School. While the exact origins of the tradition are not known, its first documented mention dates to 1932, making it a celebration that has connected generations of Chatham Hall girls for nearly a century.

The afternoon is filled with the sights and sounds of Chatham Hall spirit. New students are welcomed into their Purple or Gold teams, and the Meadow comes alive with team songs, class songs, laughter, and plenty of friendly competition.

And then comes the tug-of-war. Purple and Gold face off in a spirited battle of strength, determination, and school pride. It is all in good fun. This year, we had the introduction of a new game: dodgeball. 

More than a picnic, the tradition is a moment of belonging. New girls are welcomed not only into their classes and dorms, but into the traditions, friendships, and shared experiences that make Chatham Hall feel like home.

Nearly a century after the tradition was first documented, the Meadow still serves as the backdrop for welcoming a new generation of Chatham Hall girls, reminding us that while so much changes over time, some of the moments that bring us together remain beautifully the same.