Extracurricular Activities for Teenagers
Not only are extracurricular activities a great way for teenagers to meet new friends, but such activities also look good on college resumes because they show an ability to balance academics and outside activities. Teenager have many ways to become involved in extracurricular activities.
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Sports
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Many teenagers love physical competition, especially in sports. A city parks and recreation office can provide information on joining youth sports leagues. If you live in a seasonal area, sports such as racquetball and swimming are healthy choices. The YMCA organizes various types of indoor activities for teens, such as basketball, swimming, racquetball and weightlifting.
4-H Club
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The 4-H Club, which has been around for more than a century, started as a way to provide hands-on activities for youth to experiment with agricultural discoveries. Today, the 4-H Club offers scholarship opportunities for young children and teens who have been involved with the club for 10 years. The club allows kids to develop projects in areas such as science, photography, rollerskating, dog training, sketching, painting, pottery, fashion designing, cake decorating and cooking.
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Volunteer Work
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A wide range of volunteer work is available in most cities, including charities like the Ronald McDonald House, which creates a home away from home environment for families with sick or injured children; Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for underprivileged families; and food pantries and homeless centers. Teenagers who volunteer at homeless shelters can take satisfaction in mingling with residents, organizing game night activities, and, if offered by the shelter, tutor residents and children in reading, writing and using computers.
Conversation Exchange
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Many colleges and universities offer programs for learning English as a second language (ESL). Non-natives, who are either learning or trying to improve their English skills, will meet with an English-speaking volunteer at an informal place such as a coffee shop or book store for conversation. Teenagers interested in becoming a conversation partner with a non-native can contact a local institution that offers ESL programs.
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References
- Photo Credit girl playing softball image by pixelcarpenter from Fotolia.com
