One major concern of parents considering a home schooling option for their children is extracurricular activity participation. The socialization and team building advantages of these activities are an essential part of a young person’s venture into society. So, can home schooled kids have as many opportunities for extracurricular activities? Absolutely. Many states in the U.S. have adopted equal access laws that allow home schooled children to try out for and participate in local public school activities. But, if that is not the avenue you want to take with your children, there are a plethora of other available opportunities available.

Sports are probably the first activities to pop to mind when considering extracurricular activities. Team sports offer important lessons in our youth such as learning social skills, working as a team, and good sportsmanship. There are many options for home schooling parents to choose from if sports happen to be the interest their children have chosen. Little League baseball is probably the most obvious of the choices. But, there are "little" leagues cropping up all over the country that cover anything from football to soccer to cheerleading. Most communities have a civic league for pretty much any sport children show an interest in. Check with your local home schooling network to find out what is available in your area.

Other opportunities for sports participation include local recreation centers, civic leagues, church leagues, and of course, the YMCA. Children of all ages have been participating in athletic activities at the Y for many, many years. While program offerings will vary with location, some of the options at the YMCA include: basketball, soccer, karate, fitness classes, swimming teams, dance clubs, and even skateboarding. Often, the Y offers competition in many of the athletics as well.

If your child is more interested in academic activities, there are many national competitions that home schoolers can get involved in. Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination are two team competitions that welcome home school teams. These organizations promote critical thinking skills, problem solving, decision making, and teamwork. The National Spelling Bee is another example of how home schooled children can compete. Many local home school groups have developed their own academic clubs as well, complete with tournaments.

Many parents of home schooled children have chosen this education model because they want to preserve their Christian values. There are many churches and religious affiliates who offer programs for youth. The American Heritage Girls is one such group which focuses on life skills enhancement, girl leadership, developing teamwork and confidence, social development, character development, and spiritual development. Their vision statement is, "Build women of integrity though service to God, family, community, and country." Awana is a program available for children from ages 2-18 and involves churches from 100 different denominations. It is the only organization with a fully integrated evangelism and discipleship that actively involves parents, church leaders, and mentors. Upward is a Christian ministry that offers sports activities in some communities.

The Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4-H programs offer a huge variety of activities ranging from sports to science activities. All three focus on building character, community action, service, and life skills.

Other opportunities for volunteering and interning in certain business arenas are also available for students. Check your local government offices, businesses, or the local Chamber of Commerce for opportunities just waiting to be taken advantage of.

Music and the arts are offered through community theater and lessons of all sorts.

Not only are extracurricular activities important to the social development of our youth, they help build confidence, contribute to coping skills in the real world, and provide a great addition to a child’s "resume." Many colleges look at extracurricular involvement, whether it is participation in team sports or community service, as closely as they look at academic achievement. Be sure to provide your home schooled child every opportunity!