New, In-Person Social Opportunities for Students
Join a Strider Squad!
Where friendships begin and community grows.
Looking for a fun, easy way to help your student make friends, build social skills, and feel more connected to their school community? Strider Squads are designed to do just that.
What’s a Strider Squad?
Strider Squads are small, local groups of students who meet once a month to hang out, learn, and grow together. Each squad is led by a trained parent volunteer—called a Squad Leader—who helps create a welcoming space filled with connection, laughter, and meaningful experiences.
Why Families Love Strider Squads
- Make friends with nearby students
- Build social skills and academic confidence
- Feel more connected to the school and local community
- Enjoy monthly meetups—virtual or in-person
How It Works
Get matched
with a local squad
Meet monthly
to connect and have fun
Ready to join?
Strider Squad FAQs
Who can join a Strider Squad?
Strider Squads are open to students currently enrolled in Volunteer State Virtual Academy.
How often do squads meet?
Squads meet at least once a month. Meetups may be virtual, in person, or a mix of both—depending on what works best for the group.
What do students do at meetups?
Activities vary, but may include games, trips to local sites, social activities, or casual hangouts designed to help students connect and build friendships.
Do parents need to attend?
Parent attendance isn’t required, but parents are always welcome—especially for in-person events. Younger students may benefit from having a parent nearby.
Is there a cost to join?
Nope! Strider Squads are free to join.
Who leads the squads?
Each squad is led by a trained parent volunteer called a Squad Leader, with support from a school staff member (the Squad Sponsor).
Can I sign up to be a Squad Leader later?
Absolutely. You can indicate interest when signing up—or reach out later if you decide you’d like to get more involved.