Activities in HS

[Anonymous]

Child entering HS in MCPS....Looking for suggestions for non-sports, non-theater activities that are more intense/frequent than just weekly clubs. Looking for something to get a kid involved with other kids to start building friendships etc. Are there other activities that you have found to be good at getting kids integrated into HS?

[Anonymous]

Student government
academic clubs like Science Bowl
Look at the school's website and see what activities they offer.
What does the kid like to do? By HS, they really should be taking the lead on this, not the parent.

[Anonymous]

You said no-sports. If that is non negotiable then there are no activities except choir that are intense and meet more than once a week. Give cross country a try. It’s called the “social sport” because of the large number of runners. Some coaches don’t care if you show up or not. A kid can come in dead last and still be a friend. It’s a fall sport so be ready for practices that start around August 15th.

[Anonymous]

Let the kid find his/her own passions. Don't be a helicopter parent.

[Anonymous]

It's academic or quiz bowl. They meet every lunchtime (at least we did) and there are meets etc. or debate team etc.

[Anonymous]

Robotics

[Anonymous]

Some type of competition - Science Olympiad, debate, It's academic, etc. The kids need to meet more often than just once per week to prepare for competitions. However, there is a lot to be said for letting your kid choose and try out several different once-per-week clubs. That's how they figure out what they like and meet different types of people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some type of competition - Science Olympiad, debate, It's academic, etc. The kids need to meet more often than just once per week to prepare for competitions. However, there is a lot to be said for letting your kid choose and try out several different once-per-week clubs. That's how they figure out what they like and meet different types of people.

I think the OP is smart to ask about this now. It can be hard to switch clubs to test them out after a few weeks so it's nice to have some sort of strategy. I have a rising 9th grader and have been thinking about this as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some type of competition - Science Olympiad, debate, It's academic, etc. The kids need to meet more often than just once per week to prepare for competitions. However, there is a lot to be said for letting your kid choose and try out several different once-per-week clubs. That's how they figure out what they like and meet different types of people.

I think the OP is smart to ask about this now. It can be hard to switch clubs to test them out after a few weeks so it's nice to have some sort of strategy. I have a rising 9th grader and have been thinking about this as well.

PP here again. I also want to add sometimes these clubs really don't do anything, or start off strong and then peter out, or only meet monthly (based on my older child's experience). And, she found it awkward to switch into clubs that were already sort of established after she realized this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some type of competition - Science Olympiad, debate, It's academic, etc. The kids need to meet more often than just once per week to prepare for competitions. However, there is a lot to be said for letting your kid choose and try out several different once-per-week clubs. That's how they figure out what they like and meet different types of people.

I think the OP is smart to ask about this now. It can be hard to switch clubs to test them out after a few weeks so it's nice to have some sort of strategy. I have a rising 9th grader and have been thinking about this as well.

PP here again. I also want to add sometimes these clubs really don't do anything, or start off strong and then peter out, or only meet monthly (based on my older child's experience). And, she found it awkward to switch into clubs that were already sort of established after she realized this.

Can you give some examples of clubs that petered out, please.

[Anonymous]

are there specific clubs/activities that are really engaging and do more than meet once a week? debate, Model UN, and rec teams?

[Anonymous]

Perhaps asking about the specific school would help. An active program at one school doesn't necessarily correlate to an active program at another school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some type of competition - Science Olympiad, debate, It's academic, etc. The kids need to meet more often than just once per week to prepare for competitions. However, there is a lot to be said for letting your kid choose and try out several different once-per-week clubs. That's how they figure out what they like and meet different types of people.

I think the OP is smart to ask about this now. It can be hard to switch clubs to test them out after a few weeks so it's nice to have some sort of strategy. I have a rising 9th grader and have been thinking about this as well.

PP here again. I also want to add sometimes these clubs really don't do anything, or start off strong and then peter out, or only meet monthly (based on my older child's experience). And, she found it awkward to switch into clubs that were already sort of established after she realized this.

Can you give some examples of clubs that petered out, please.

Active clubs at Blair, please.

[Anonymous]

Also, OP, have your child join something class related
band or orchestra
marching band
yearbook
photography - often needed at events, etc

[Anonymous]

If there's any musical ability, marching band. They are in that headfirst for a few solid weeks before school starts and then several times a week through fall.