ORGANIZED YOUTH GROUPS - SCOUTS, 4H, YMCA, YWCA, ETC.

I don't like a lot of those clubs, so no, I wouldn't really encourage it. In fact, I think the 4H clubs especially are often guilty of teaching bad animal care to children. People who "learned" about guinea pig care or rabbit care from 4H groups generally have to be reeducated when they volunteer helping with guinea pigs and rabbits. And I've heard horror stories from people who've been in it years ago actually being sent home with needles and such for animal treatment, and using it to torture other children instead! I doubt kids are sent home nowadays with such things, but still! I was in the Girl Scouts for a brief time as well. I thought it was a very sexist group (even at age 8!). I could not stand making dolls for another minute and left. I wanted to join so I could shoot bows and arrows and go camping. Apparently, what I wanted to join was called the Boy Scouts.

My children were in the boy scouts and girl scouts. They chose to be members. When they decided to stop I didn't argue with them. They just said that they didn't like going to the meetings. I would like to see more youth organizations started in our towns and cities. I tire of driving down the street on any given night and see these youngsters walking up and down the street, or sitting on the curb or on the steps of a shop that has closed for the evening. They need something to do with their time.

Our son did not join any of these things, and that was his choice. We did live on a farm and were some distance from town, so we didn't have a problem of him wandering around the streets or anything like that. He had plenty to keep himself occupied and was encouraged to make or build things that he wanted. For instance he built a BMX track so he could ride his bike over, on and through all the mess he had there. It also kept him and his friends entertained for many hours. When he got older he modified that track into one for the motor bike. For a few years I was involved with the Army Cadets who met once a week, had about 6 week-end camps during the year as one Annual Camp of 8 days. Yes it was good and I found it interesting to see these teens develop into responsible young adults. Those who were in the unit for a couple of years at least did become good citizens who showed great maturity and respect to their peers, families and the community in general. They could join at 13, although we had the discretion to accept 12 year olds, and had to leave at 18.

When I was growing up (in the olden days...LOL), I was a member of the Brownies and then the Girl Scouts. Most of my friends were also in them with me. I also had a group of friends through my church youth group that met on Sunday evenings. Although we lived in Miami, FL, we had 4-H available through our schools since so much of Miami in the 50's was still agricultural. Since I lived in the city itself, I didn't join 4-H, but I did help a friend plant onions at her parents' farm one summer. She offered us $1 a row, so a bunch of us jumped at the chance. The joke was on us. The rows seemed to be about a mile long, and we soon tired of the bending and stooping. When my kids were growing up, my daughter was in the Girl Scouts for a few years, but she wasn't as involved as I was. My son was involved in all kinds of sports, and it helped that his dad was a city league coach. So far, none of my grandchildren have joined any group other than their church youth group. They do have plenty of activities through their schools and church and are not permitted to just roam the streets. The groups you mentioned do a good job of teaching kids to be good citizens and treat others with respect.

I agree completely. I don't (yet) have children but I have fond memories of the Hi-Y (the youth arm of the YMCA/YWCA here) and 4-H from my childhood. I think these and similar organizations do give children a good alternative to the street. You know what they say about idle hands, and it's true. If children get bored, they're bound to get into trouble.

Definitely encourage your kids to join. Don't force them because then they will get nothing out of it. But, if they join of their own free will, it is an experience they will remember forever. Once they do join, be there to help. Don't run things if you are not the leader, but help the leader as much as you can. You would be amazed what working moms can do if they just change their priorities a tad (don't dust one Saturday to chaperone a field trip. Trust me your kids will never talk about how clean the house was, but will talk about whether you went on activities with them). Also, even if you don't have kids, you can help these groups out. It may take a little perseverence to get in because most parents come with kids, but if you are reliable, they will find a place for you. Just think of the difference you can make in a kid's life by helping out.

I plan to make my sons aware of all of the options available to them. I will talk to them about cub & boy scouts and all of the different youth groups and sports that they are open to. I think it will be a great experience for them to be involved.

i think we have to encourage children to join this group

I would encourage my children to join a group it will form him and prepare for the hard life which stays in front of it

scouts

My girls are normally a part of girl scouts. We took a break this year becuase I was pregnant & it was hard to do the meetings & such. We do not have 4-H around us, but my sisters were in it for years. There really is not much in the area that I know of for youth groups. I am sure my girls will become involved in more as they get older. The oldest 2 are 7 1/2 & almost 6. They are in sports & various other classes though (gardening, cooking & such).