After school activities and relationship building

After school activities are the rage of the day. With about $500 million

invested in these programs and more than 10 million children attending

them in America alone, the popularity of these activities cannot be

overlooked. Everyone understands the need to develop new skills, gain more

knowledge and keep the children safe when parents are working.

The most important factor in the success of any program is the

relationship between the children participating in the program and the

adult members who work with these children. Often, children may confide in

an adult member who is not a teacher. This kind of emotional interaction

is a must when children are struggling to make sense of the whirlpool of

emotions that assail them.

Direct contact with professionals can be an inspiring experience. Children

are very much impressed by the knowledge and experience of these adults.

Young people gain a lot of knowledge and experience when they deal with

experienced adults and older youth who serve as teachers or mentors in

these programs. These mentors are different from the teachers in the

school and children are more likely to draw inspiration from them.

After school activities that are managed professionally by people who are

successful in their own fields of expertise will produce children who are

more enthusiastic and successful. Meaningful interaction with adults is a

learning experience in itself.