Find a Youth Organization That's Right For Them
Information supplied by LiVeLIFE
Before you know it, summer vacation will be here, giving kids considerable free time and parents a challenge to keep them fulfilled and busy. To plan ahead for your child's summer, consider looking into a youth organization such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts or one of the many other exceptional groups that can lead them to have fun, meet new friends and expand their horizons.
Youth organizations give children a refreshing chance to build their social skills, and learn from the similarities and differences of other kids. While the Boy Scouts have the unfortunate distinction of discriminating against gays and atheists, nearly all major youth organizations are open to members regardless of race, creed, income and sexual orientation.
"Parents have an array of dynamic groups that can provide kids of all backgrounds with opportunities to build their skills and expand their horizons by interacting with other children and their communities," said Michael Pirages of LiVeLIFE, an independent Chicago-based organization dedicated to helping people to live life to its fullest.
The value of children's participation in youth organizations has even been recognized by leading authorities. "Community programs—from after school tutoring to sports and volunteer work—provide children with constructive ways to release creativity and energy," said Elena Lopez, senior consultant of the Harvard Family Research Project, a Harvard University affiliate helping develop strategies to promote the educational and social success and well-being of children, families and their communities. "These programs offer kids a unique opportunity to engage with their peers and with adult role models—that alone can have powerful and healthy developmental effects," she said.
Noteworthy organizations to consider include the Boys and Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, National 4-H, YWCA, Junior Achievement, and Camp Fire Boys and Girls. Following is background on select groups, typical activities offered, key membership requirements, and contact information.
Find one that's right for your child and make it a safe and enriching summer for them.
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ORG.
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PURPOSE/PROGRAMS
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MEMBERSHIP
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CONTACT
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Boys & Girls Clubs of America
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Programs in 25 different as areas such as education, gang prevention and the arts. Help youth become responsible caring citizens and obtain skills to participate in democracy.
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Children 6-18 years. Open to all regardless of income, gender, sexual orientation, race. Named by Chronicle of Philanthropy the #1 youth organization for six consecutive years.
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www.bgca.org
or call 1-800-854-CLUB (2582)
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Camp Fire Boys & Girls
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Learn to give service to their Camp Fire clubs, their families, their neighborhoods and communities.
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Boys and girls, K-12 grades, regardless of race, sexual orientation, income.
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www.campfire.org
or check local phone listing
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Girl Scouts
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Give girls a chance to build their skills for success in life.
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Girls and boys, 5-17 years (K-12). open to all regardless of sexual orientation, race, income.
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www.girlscouts.org
or check local phone listing
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Junior Achievement
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Provide fundamental understanding of free enterprise system. This can help them to compete in global economy.
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Children of all backgrounds, K-12 grades.
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www.ja.org
or check local phone listing
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National 4-H
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Provides activities that foster innovation and shared learning. 17 different areas to match members interests from safety to community connections.
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Children 5-19 years. Open to all regardless of income, gender, sexual orientation, race. Surprisingly, 56 percent of members live in cities with a population of 10,000 or more.
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www.4-h.org
or check local phone listing
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YMCA
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Meet health and social service needs of families and communities. Earth service corps, performing arts, day camps, youth sports. Largest community service organization.
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Children (and women and men) of all faiths, ages, races, income.
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www.ymca.net
or check local phone listing
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Information supplied by LiVeLIFE, Chicago, IL
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