7 Fantastic Extra-Curricular Activities for Boys #scouting
This post is sponsored by Boy Scouts of America. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes it can be difficult to get kids to come “un-plugged” from their devices. We want our kids to have great experiences, lots of fun, and enjoy their childhood, not waste away their time on an electronic device. If your boys are anything like mine, they will automatically be drawn to the glow of the iPad and gaming systems, and are quite disappointed when I say NO. Often after school I hear the mantra of: I’m bored! I want to watch TV! What can I do? Here is a list of 7 fantastic after school extra-curricular activities for for boys that even the youngest of school-goers would enjoy:
Extra-Curricular Activities for Boys
1. Boy Scouts of America: This is a program I couldn’t rave enough about! My husband is an Eagle Scout, and went through the Boy Scouts of America program when he was a child/teenager, he learned teamwork, leadership, and volunteer service skills that he’s used well into adulthood. #scouting
I have been a den leader for a Wolf and Bear Den (8-9 year olds) for three years and am amazed at all the boys learn to do, from recycling and earth conservation, to planning and carrying out activities led completely by the boys, even to nutrition and healthy body programs. The boys have so much fun while they are learning important skills and gaining attributes that will benefit them throughout life.
My den learned how to use a bow and arrow, shoot BB guns, accomplish a swimming and lifesaving badge, and planned, shopped, and cooked a meal all on their own. I have loved watching my sons get excited for when “Scout Night” comes around. One of their favorite activities was a carnival that my son’s troop put together for their families. Each boy created their own booth and ran it for the families. It was an entire night of fun!
BSA has recently rolled out their Lion Program, which involves boys as young as kindergarten age in a variety of activities. The activities introduce the young scouts and their families to Cub Scouting and exploring the world around them. This program teaches character development, leadership skills, personal fitness and citizenship within activities that are age-appropriate and fun for the boys and their parents. There really is something for everyone in Boy Scouts! For more information check out Boy Scouts of America.
2. Sports: Most of the city sports in your area will start taking players as young as 4. It is a great experience for kids to learn to play on a team, work together, develop athletic skills, and get some great exercise. Most city sports also work using volunteer coaches, so it is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your son while teaching him great skills and sportsmanship.
3. Local Library Activities: Libraries aren’t just for reading books! They have a calendar full of activities that will excite even the youngest of boys all through high school. There’s a variety of arts and crafts, book extensions, chess clubs, Pokemon clubs, teen groups and mini-classes on almost anything! Your son can find other kids with the same interests and start some new friendships also!
4. Martial Arts: There are too many different types of martial arts to even list them all. Most community centers and city programs offer a variety of martial arts, and a Gym or DoJo are never far for those who want reap the benefits of of discipline, physical activity, respect, and a whole lot of fun!
5. Dance Lessons: Don’t be fooled, dance lessons aren’t just for tu-tu clad ballerinas, there are tons of classes that will appeal to boys beyond the typical tap and ballet, including tumbling, acrobatics, creative movement, jazz, and hip hop. There are plenty of dance studios in every city, and most city activities also include some dance classes.
6. Volunteer Opportunities: You would be surprised how much kids really enjoy helping other people! I used to think that there weren’t opportunities for younger kids to volunteer, but our family has searched online found endless opportunities for our family to get involved in service. There are so many local volunteer activities that kids of all ages can do. You can reach out to local church groups, organizations, hospitals, and the city to help your family find opportunities.
7. Playdates: Sometimes, getting your child to un-plug and just be a kid is exactly what they need. If you remember back (waaaay back for me) many of our afternoons were spent goofing off with our friends. Cartoons lasted maybe an hour after school and then we were left to our own devices to make forts, pretend, play hide and seek, and run around the backyard. Have your child invite a friend over for a couple of hours and DON’T let them turn on the devices!!
Follow Boy Scouts of America on Facebook and Twitter so you can stay updated on everything in the world of #scouting. Share your favorite BSA activity on social media tagged #scouting so we can all see it!
These are great ideas. My brother was in the Boy Scouts!
boy scouts are amazing. my brother was a boy scout. he learned so much during that time.
These are all great activities. I am looking at getting my son unplugged. He has an interest in fencing and there is a local group here for him to join.
Great tips! I especially like the local activities at your library. Ours always have fun things programmed for all ages. Plus, it encourages reading.
There is nothing greater than Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to build character in a child. I was in Girl Scouts as a kid and am the proud mom of a son who just received the highest honor of Scouting: Eagle Scout.
These are great ideas for those who have boys! The Boys Scouts is such a GREAT organization and provide such positive activities for boys
My Son loved his time in the Boy Scouts of America. He is in his 20’s now and is still good friends with some of the kids he met there.
The Boy Scouts of America is a great program. Kids can learn so many great skills there.
Love all these ideas! Great for after school and on their weekend -and now I am totally inspired to get my son into s Boy Scout troop!
Both my boys are scouts and this is my first year as a leader. We love the program. My boys are in other sports and activities as well. I think it’s so important to keep them active!
Both of my brothers were Boy Scouts and liked it. My oldest did it for one year but it just wasn’t a great fit. I think all kids should learn to help others through charitable acts and giving their time.
Great extra curriculars! We are homeschoolers and we do a co-op as well as karate.
These are such great ideas for boys, maybe some for girls, too! Need to burn off that energy! lol
Boy Scouts has always seemed like a great route to go for young boys that don’t exactly want to do sports. I have tried looking into it before but maybe I should again.
These are awesome ideas. My son is involved in a couple of these already, but I would love to see what he thought of your other ideas.
My best friends dad has been a scout leader for years and his sons grew up in the Boy Scouts. I always loved how much they did together and how much they learned.
If it’s not sports or computers my son doesn’t want to be involved. He plays video games but he’s also learning to code. He also plays football and lacrosse.
You definitely have some great ideas. We do something similar to Boy Scouts, but I do want to get them also went to some kind of sport.
I love Boy Scouts of America. I don’t have boys, but my daughter was in Girl Scouts, and I know they’re very similar.