Team Green emerged victorious from this year’s Pelican Games, which took place on Friday, October 25, on Pratt Field, bringing Loomis Chaffee students together for an exciting evening of friendly rivalry.  

The Pelican Games are rooted in a shared love for competition and the sense of unity it fosters. Inspired by similar events at other schools, the planning team — including Dean of Students Stephanie Bissett, who now runs the show — worked to shape the annual event into something uniquely Loomis. 

Pelican Games began in the spring of 2021 as a much-needed bright spot during the pandemic. As the school emerged from the heaviest constraints of COVID-19 and several weeks of entirely online programming, protocols continued to keep campus life restricted, with weekends closed and boarders unable to go home. There was an intense need for community activities that would be both safe and inclusive, celebrating the school’s collective spirit and creating excitement on campus. 

And so the Pelican Games were born. The goal was to design a full-scale event involving every student and faculty member in games and competitions across campus. The first Pelican Games began on a Friday night in the spring of 2021, kicking off a weekend of school spirit and competition. The first games were contested across two days, but according to the Office of Student Life, one high-energy night is what keeps the spirit alive. 

From a morning 5K race to dodgeball on the Upper Turf, kickball on Pratt Field, four-square along campus paths, chess in the SNUG, and trivia challenges in Gilchrist Auditorium, the games offered something for everyone. Events culminated in an all-campus relay that drew everyone’s attention. That inaugural event was unforgettable, capturing a blend of connection, competition, and campus morale. 

The Pelican Games have since become a cherished annual tradition each fall, with support from the Loomis Chaffee Parents Association and a huge promotional push. This year’s lineup of competitions included tug-of-war, the beloved relay, red light/green light, steal the bacon, and the World Cup.  

Here’s a recap of this year’s results: 

Team Green claimed first place with a total of 290 points. The team’s strong performance across multiple events, especially in red light/green light, helped secure its victory. 

Team Yellow placed a close second with 240 points. Yellow had a particularly impressive showing in steal the bacon and maintained consistency across other events. In third place was Team Purple, which scored 230 points and showed its strength in the World Cup upper division. Team Orange finished fourth with 200 points. Although Orange didn’t take the top spot, its teamwork and effort were evident in each event. 

With the 2024 Pelican Games in the books, the school community already is looking forward to next year’s event. For students, faculty, and even parents watching from afar, Pelican Games represent one of the great memories that define the Loomis experience — a tradition that began in challenging times and has become a lasting celebration of community.