Alternative Social Club for Child

Dear E.,

I belonged to 4H in junior high - I think it is open to 4th - 12th grades. I enjoyed it. And contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have an animal to belong - I was involved in cooking and sewing, but there are several areas of interest. I really enjoyed it - unfortunately, I didn't get my own kids involved . . . I believe you can look them up in the phone book . . .

their pledge, btw, is:

I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
And My health to better living,
For my club, my community, my country, and my world.

Good luck with whatever you decide on.,
B.

Earth Scouts! THey're AWESOME! I can't wait till my LO is old enough.

Have you tried searching for a Roots and Shoots group? It's based on Jane Goodall's global vision of caring for animals, people, and the environment. And it is not religious. If you don't have one in your area, you can always start one!
http://www.rootsandshoots.org/

Try looking at Spiral Scouts
http://www.spiralscouts.org/

I was a member of 4-H growing up and it was definately a family group. You have to be 9 to join (I think) but they have 'mini-members' for younger brothers and sisters. I know that the reputation of 4-H is livestock and farming, but here in southern Ca it is much more than that since not many of us have room for a cow in the back yard! I loved the leadership aspect of the program and feel that I learned alot by participating (along with lots of fun). I don't know where there might be a club that meets nearby, but I'm sure that you could find info on the internet.

-M.

The Y has a program (I think it is called Adventure GUides) It is not affiliated with any rype of religion) and I know my friend who is a part of it... has gone on family camping trips and such. As far as being more open and inclusive -- I think it also depends on the community you live in and who the members are. If you're not happy with programs in your own town, you might try looking at neighboring towns. Good luck!

E., Try a sport like AYSO soccer. You can find more info at www.ayso.org. My son is 4 and this will be his first season playing. Their motto is everyone plays and they are very family oriented w/o the religion side. It's fun for the whole family. You can even bring your new baby to his games to watch him play. Good luck!

It sounds like you have had experience with a particular type of church since you feel that churches are exclusive more so than inclusive. You might want to talk to more people about that and look around more before totally setting your mind against that environment. There's a lot of variety available!

gee whiz that's a tough one. how about signing up for some family canoeing or kayaking through the city recreation department? several families take very very calm trips. we've done this. perhaps there are other family activities there as well. art, etc.

look into your community park/rec dept or the boys and girls club.

Hey E.,
What a beautiful name you have. My children went to AWANA clubs for both boys and girls. They have lots of events and trips that involve the parents and grandparents as well and only charge a small amount for dues each night. They are non-denominational and all are welcome. My husband and I were leaders for over 15 years and you may want to share this experience with your children by being a leader as well. We sure enjoyed it.
Blessings to you and your family,
V.

Most YMCAs have a program called Adventure Guides. It's designed so that one parent with children goes on field trips, camping trips, hikes, etc together. Usually, it's once a month. The YMCA programs are not religious. It's to promote bonding within the family. You are grouped with other families in your geographical area. This might be good for your 5 year old when the little one is born.

I am not sure what you have against church activities, but I am not your judge. I have found many great family activities thru the rec center and if the family loves animals there is always 4-H. But at the tender age of five you might want to find gruops that are smaller and do things that he is more familiar with until your child is a bit more mature and able to understand what it is you are trying to teach him. Good luck with your search and may your family be blessed in whatever activity you choose.

You might try activities that your city offers. My kids take soccer, baseball, and cheerleading through the City of Anaheim community program. They love it and we all get to go to the games as a family and cheer each other on. It is also noncompetitive and inexpensive which I like. The kids learn cooperation, working with a team, sportsmanship and they get a trophy at the end of the season. Hope that helps

Hi E.:
Well,I think you'd agree that Five years old is A little young, for him to be expected to understand commitment. I think at his young age, you will ensue more of A struggle,than anything else. Meaning,you will want him to stick to something once you Pay the fees.I understand, what you mean by teaching him, the importance of coming together and learning how to get along with all those around him,and I think its an excellent idea to do it as a family.Possibly,you could begin with a sport. My sons began playing soccer,at a very early age.They mixed boys and girls together on teams,and let me tell you...Some of the girls were real tigers! Little ones from Every denomination played together. I'm sure the parents thought it A great learning experience for them,and it was,but These kids,simply looked at each other as (Buddies)or team mates. They are having far to much fun to stop and take notice of such things.If you and your husband go and cheer him on, this will build his self esteem.It will Assist in Overcoming shyness, develop a healthy attitude as far as striving to be a better person,and he will learn how to build friendships,which is important for him.The very best to you E. and your darlin son.

Loads of my friends are involved in boy scouts---and I would say that in general--it is very family-oriented. Like they have family camp-outs--and even younger siblings can attend meetings. If you're interested, I think it would be a wonderful experience. (We didn't do it because of time constraints and my son is much more interested in sports--but I love the Boy Scout curriculum. It's very well done!)