Which clubs to choose for a middle schooler that could be nationally recognized?

[hsmom2013]

I was going to post and offer advice but MiddleSchoolGrad said it brilliantly, but in case you overlooked, it bears repeating:

" You're doing this backwards......................................... .........

Step 1: Let HIM find something he loves.
Step 2: Support him.
Step 3: Recognition

If you force him into some sure-fire path to success right now, I guarantee you that he will not end up nationally recognized. To excel in something, you have to love it. Most well-decorated people I know don't care about their awards, they just can't imagine NOT participating in ____."

I would just add that if he hasn't found his "passion" yet, just keep exposing him to as many activities and disciplines as possible - athletic, artistic, academic, etc. and let HIM lead YOU as to where his interests like. THEN be as supportive as you can by finding books, programs, lessons, possibly summer camps, etc. that will allow him to grow to his fullest potential within those areas. If he is talented as well as passionate, then the recognition and awards will come as a result, but I know few Nationally recognized kids who don't truly LOVE what they do -- and those who are "pushed into it" never seem too happy, and often the MOST accomplished are those that merely do it for the Love of it, and not at all for the material awards or national attention. If those things come, they are merely "icing on the cake".

[T26E4]

"If he is talented as well as passionate..."

And the fact is, most kids have average talent and passion. That's the defn of average.

But I wonder how many of us face that reality when we look at our own kids?

"Junior's gifted" "My sweetie is so talented!"

Ehmmm, maybe not

[wis75]

Do your child a BIG favor and let the professionals at a school educate him/her. They will have age appropriate activites, aka clubs, and you won't need to worry about missing the boat on more important things than extracurriculars. I only read the first several posts and agree with them. Don't be out to get the best resume, be out to give the best education. From your posts that is NOT with your homeschooling. IF your child is exceptionally gifted you will be in touch with GT programs. Otherwise use your local schools, public or private.

[cottontree]

am I glad to find this thread...I think my 6th grader son will enjoy the “National History Day” from the recommendation in this thread.

My son is in public school but I am also collecting information so that I will not miss any opportunity. I have to admit that I were in the same shoes like awca when my son was born. I collect all kinds of information. 99.5% of them do not fit our life style, schedule, budget, his personality and talent. etc. So, after trying and eliminating many things, I have to stick to whatever work for us. So, there is nothing wrong for awca to ask the questions, get advices, and then try it out. Good luck!

[Swimkidsdad]

Your son may want to join a USA Swimming swim team. Swimming is a great way to build cardiovascular endurance and would give your son another group of children to socialize with. USA swimming nationally ranks their swimmers starting at age 11. USA swimming also has a Scholastic All American Program starting in the 10th grade which recognizes swimmers who have both fast times and excellent grades. Finally many Ivy League coaches regularly attend summer and winter junior nationals looking for swimming recruits.

[gouf78]

"Going to boyscouts is like voluntarily adding to the list of people who nag you". (His answer to "why don't you want to continue in BS?)
Direct quote from my son the day I voluntarily quit nagging him about what I thought he should be doing. He had his own interests and we went from there (to great success)--without so much help on my part.
I know it's a quote because I wrote it down and still have it posted--a light-bulb moment.

[MiamiDAP]

Does fifth grader has some interests? At this age they want to try many things. My kid by this age already has chosen 3 activities from 5 that she was engaged since age 4. All 3 had huge impact on her life. She did not have time to think about anything else.
I believe that kid should choose what he wants to do. You can excel in anything to be nationally recognised.

[choryphee]

I think we drove the OP away.

OP, if you're still here, if you're within driving distance of Boston and if you think your kid would be interested in arts-related stuff, PM me. I have some good resources for arts community programming that's specifically designed for homeschooled students and their families.

[MiamiDAP]

^These are everywhere, in big places and in small places. There are also opportunities to have a private teacher in case the kid is already loaded with his schedule. Are they nationally recognised? OP was looking for "nationally recognised" clubs. Some kids may reach "national recognition", other will have an awesome time and nothing beyond.

[Hunt]

"Going to boyscouts is like voluntarily adding to the list of people who nag you". (His answer to "why don't you want to continue in BS?)

This is actually one of the benefits of Boy Scouts (and other groups)--getting involved with adults other than your parents who care about your progress. (Note: BSA practices "don't ask, don't tell" with youth members. There is no effort to identify and remove gay youth members.)

[eldertree]

Well, piping competitions are generally held outside; one learns quickly not to stand within a foot or three of a piper who's warming up. And a badly played instrument is painful, whether it's the Great Highland Bagpipes or a clarinet.
OTOH, well-played pipes in the hands of someone who knows what he's doing can be absolutely magnificent.

To bring the post back on topic, my bagpipe-playing teen started out as a preadolescent homeschooler. He was the shortest person on the field during massed bands for a couple of years, but he absolutely loves it. One of the advantages I've found is that he's had the chance to interact with people from all over North America, and who are a wide range of ages. So don't automatically assume your child's interest has to be something geared for people within a narrow age or social range, like Scouting or Little League.

[Mom2TwinBoys2019]

In my family's experience BSA has been the best thing my sons participate in. (They attend a top NYC G&T school) It offers an array of subjects for them to not only explore, but to receive recognition for in earning a merit badge. (Those represent a lot of study,skill acquisition and dedication) The BSA is currently addressing the "morally straight" aspect of its pledge. I believe in effecting change from the inside. Your child 'may' have great skills & leadership, but the world 'knows' an Eagle Scout does.

[VillageMom]

My son has always only been homeschooled and was recently accepted to the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. He wasn't involved in any clubs during high school.

I once read a book in the "getting your child into a prestigious college/college of your dreams" genre. I ended up throwing it across the room because it was so high pressured. I'm pretty sure its suggestions began as early as fifth grade.

[LoremIpsum]

Do your child a BIG favor and let the professionals at a school educate him/her.

I cringe every time I hear that. If your child has any unusual abilities or characteristics or learning style, you the parent will know more about what works with your child than the vast bulk of the "professionals." Professional teaching is mostly about crowd management and following a lesson recipe at a pace suited toward the median in the class. If your child is well outside the median, sustained advocacy or homeschooling may often lead to a better solution.

[VillageMom]

Amen, LoremIpsum!

It's like I've always said: There is no magic teacher dust that gets sprinkled over College of Ed. students. An ordinary girl or guy going into Teachers' College comes out an ordinary future teacher with some skills in crowd control.

A great guy or gal going into the College of Ed. comes out with the potential to be a great teacher. It's a myth to think that if someone isn't state certified, then she isn't this magical being known as a Professional Educator.