Kids' Clubs

Types of Kids' Clubs

There are several types of clubs your child may be interested in joining, but choosing one will depend on upbringing as well as goals in school and in life. When deciding to join or sign-up, don't be afraid to ask even the simplest of questions.

Volunteering

Learning to volunteer is a life lesson that should be taught young. Volunteering not only increases a child's self-esteem, but it can help one discover skills and abilities that he or she didn't even know existed. Some kids' clubs dedicated to volunteering include:

• Kiwanis Kids -- Also known as K-Kids, this fast-growing service club for elementary students is sponsored by Kiwanis International. The goal of this group is to provide opportunities for children to develop leadership skills, morals and respect for others. Besides a lesson in character education, the kids will also develop a sense of community service.
• Kids Care Club -- This non-profit organization helps elementary and middle school children develop compassion and a spirit of charity through a variety of hands-on projects. These clubs are formed throughout communities in the United States, in churches, schools or community centers. The goal is to help members in the community who are hungry, elderly and disabled. It is sponsored by the national Points of Light Foundation.

Academic Learning

Joining an academic kids' club will help your child's growth and development, and reinforce what has been taught in the classroom. As a student, he or she will meet others will similar interests. Here are some clubs devoted to improving academics:

• National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society -- This long-standing academic organization recognizes outstanding middle school and high school students who have demonstrated success in several areas:
  • Scholarship
  • Leadership
  • Service
  • Character
  • Citizenship (NJHS only)

Each school sponsors these groups and provides year-long activities for the students. Being a part of this prestigious group looks great on a college application.

• Junior Achievement -- Academics also involves understanding the economics of life, and that is what Junior Achievement is all about. This worldwide group partners with business leaders and educators to provide hands-on learning experiences. This organization reaches out to some seven million students each year in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Sports

Keeping your child physically fit will not only benefit him or her now, but also provide a roadmap to a healthier life. Kids' clubs that focus on sports will help with that. While there are many organizations that provide sporting experiences to youngsters, here are just a few:

• Little League -- One of the oldest international organizations dedicated to youth baseball and softball, Little League has been teaching millions of kids to play ball, as well as about leadership, sportsmanship and discipline since 1939.
• Pop Warner Little Scholars -- Since 1929, this organization has been the only youth football group that requires participants to maintain certain academic standards. Besides football, Pop Warner also sponsors a Spirit Program -- cheer and dance divisions and competitions -- whose participants must also maintain certain grade point averages.

Scouting

• Boy Scouts of America -- The mission of this time-honored organization is to help develop character, values and leadership skills through service projects and teamwork activities. The groups claims to provide lifelong benefits to its members. A recent study shows that 83 percent of men who were Boy Scouts say that the values they learned growing up with this organization continue to be important to them today. On August 1, 2007, the Boy Scouts of America will celebrate its 100th anniversary.
• Girl Scouts of the USA -- When you hear about Girls Scouts, you automatically think cookies, right? Well, they are much more than that. Dedicated to helping girls build character and skills, the organization, which was founded in 1912, has more than 3.6 million members worldwide. Through service projects and activities, the group's goal is to help the youngsters grow into confident young women.

Other Kids' Clubs to Join

There are many other organizations and kids' club available. Your school's guidance office should have a list or check with your community's recreation center. Remember, kids' club are there to help your child have fun, stay out of trouble and meet new friends. Other groups include:

• Music and arts
• Martial arts
• Religious
• Community/recreational
• Farming/agricultural such as 4-H Club or National Future Farmers of America
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
• Junior Sportsmanship program of the American Kennel Club

Questions to Ask

As a parent, especially one whose child has never been involved in a kid's club before, you may have many questions about keeping your child safe with the organization he or she is joining. Here are some questions to keep in mind:

• Are there any out-of-pocket costs?
• Is the organization insured against liabilities?
• Is there a local contact in case of an emergency?
• How will this benefit your child?
• What happens if you pick your child up late?
• Do employees or volunteers go through any type of screening process?

• Disney Princess Coloring Pages
• Children's Birthday Cake Ideas
• Kids' Hair Styles
• Teen Birthday Party Ideas
• Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

• Jokes for Kids
• AAU Track and Field
• Invention Ideas for Kids

• Kids Birthday Cakes
• Sports Games for Kids
• Free Photos of Children Hairstyles