Kyle Blackmer on Heights Clans and the Need for Festival

This fall marks the 25th anniversary of the institution of the Heights Clans. These competitive bodies engage in festivity six days a year, including two full Clan Days every All Saints Day and Feast of the Annunciation. This participates in the rich liturgical and intellectual traditions of authentic feasting, using the building blocks of worship, arts, food, and games.

Today on HeightsCast, middle school teacher and clans gamemaster/meister Kyle Blackmer explores why a school—or any community—should consider a commitment to these rituals of festival.

Chapters:

4:28 Pieper's definition of festival
7:33 Each festival unique to its place
9:01 Heights Clan Days
15:03 Why feasting is important
20:43 Connecting a student body
22:19 A liturgical basis
24:28 Preparation: the fast before the feast
28:21 Practical challenges to festival

Links:

The Heights Student Life: Clans, containing more information about our four clans and clan festival days

In Tune with the World: A Theory of Festivity by Josef Pieper

"The Immortal Power of Astonishment and Laughter" by G. K. Chesterton

Around the Year with the von Trapp Family by Maria von Trapp

The Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen

Also on the Forum:

In Defense of Victory by Kyle Blackmer

Featured Opportunities:

Headmaster's Lecture at The Heights School (October 3, 2026)

Fall Open House at The Heights School (October 24, 2026)

Fatherhood Conference at The Heights School (November 7, 2026)

Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 11-13, 2026)