Types of Kids' Clubs
By Heidi Coghlan, About.com Guide to Kids' Clubs
There are numerous and varied kids' clubs. Learn more about the different types of clubs and organizations that serve children and how your child can participate.
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.