Types of Kids' Clubs
From Heidi Coghlan, former About.com Guide
Scouts
Scouting organizations give children a well rounded experience. They make friends and have a chance to develop relationships. They learn values such as patriotism, honestly, responsibility. They develop skills from building a campfire to using a computer. Children who participate in scouts also have many opportunities for community service and to earn "big awards" that can help them get into college or earn scholarships.
- American Heritage Girls -- Christ Centered Scouting for Girls of All Ages
- Boys Scouts of America
- Campfire USA
- Frontier Girls -- a scouting group designed to meet the needs of rural girls
- Girl Scouts of the USA -- Girl Scout Basics
- Spiral Scouts International
Sports & Adventure
Kids love to participate in sports. Plus, it's good for them (Shhhh. It's a secret) They learn teamwork, develop skills, and get much needed exercise. Check out some of the sports teams and clubs available to your child.
- AAU - Amateur Athletic Union - a multi-sports organization
- USSSA - United States Specialtly Sports Association
- Baseball and Softball
- Cheerleading
- USA Gymnastics - - Comptitive and Recreational Gymnastics for Kids of All Ages
- USBC Youth -- United States Bowling Conference
Service Organizations
Children learn to recognize needs in the community and plan and execute projects to meet those needs.
- Builders Club -- a Kiwanis sponsored program for middle / junior high kids
- K-Kids -- a Kiwanis sponsored service organization for elementary school kids
- Key Club -- a Kiwanis sponsored club for high school kids
- Kids Volunteering -- Learn more about why and how kids can make a difference
After School Organizations
Kids, even adolescents, need a safe place to be after school if their parents aren't home. A place where they can complete their homework, play sports, learn new things and make friends in a supervised environment.
Academic / Literary Organizations
Science, math, trivia, magazines and newspapers -- Learn about clubs that require kids to use their academic skills and enhance their school lives.
- Best Buddies -- a friendship program for intellectually challenged children
- Future Business Leaders of America
- Junior Acheivement Afterschool -- a business and economic oriented program
- National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society
Religious / Spiritual
Learn about clubs that are spiritually based -- Bible clubs, sports, scouts and more.