When choosing a club for your child to join, you will want to think about what your child will get out of her club experience. Is it what you want your child to learn? Is it important to you? How will it affect her future? Here are some great reasons to join a club:
1. Excercise, Teamwork, Fair Play
In this age of computers and video games, many children aren't getting the exercise they need, or learning the skills associated with participating in sports. If you would like to see your child get more exercise and learn about teamwork and fair play, consider these sports organizations:
2. Self Expression
Children express themselves in a variety of ways.
Music, drama, dance, fine arts and similar can be a lot of fun for children, help them develop their creativity and teach them to express their inner selves.
3. Helping Others
Sometimes, as adults, we forget that even little children can make a difference in our world. If you're interested in seeing your child help others and experience the joy that goes along with it, consider one of these clubs that offers volunteer opportunities:
And don't forget that
Scouts,
4-H, and
Boys and Girls Clubs participate in service projects as part of a broader program.
4. Try a Variety of New Things
Clubs can provide children the opportunity to learn and do many new things – things they wouldn't otherwise experience. If you'd like your child to try a variety of new skills and activities, these are some excellent clubs to consider:
5. Working on Projects with Other Children
While most clubs give children the opportunity to play with other children, some teach children to work on projects together. The children choose, plan and implement the project together with the leader's supervision.
6. Live a Certain Faith
Faith-based clubs give children the opportunities to learn more about their religion, make friends who share that faith, grown and share their faith with others. If you would like to see your child develop and learn to live your faith, one of these might be right:
7. Business and Finacial
Children need to learn about money and finances to have a successful future. Some clubs are specifically geared for that:
8. Prepare for a Career
Many clubs focus on specific career areas and help children develop their skills for the future. If you'd like to see your child work on career skills – or if she has an interest in a specific field, these are some good choices:
9. Have a Safe Place to be Afterschool or on the Weekends
More
adolescents get in trouble during the afterschool hours than any other time. If you child is home alone after school or on weekends, you might want to consider enrolling him in one of these clubs that provide afterschool supervision combined with excellent activities:
