Argyle, TX—Roots Renewal Ranch published a blog post explaining the importance of teens participating in extracurricular activities. These activities boost teens' mental health in many ways. They teach them valuable skills and lessons, like teamwork and problem-solving. When teens learn these, they apply them to other areas of their lives. This occurs without teens even realizing it because, to them, they are just doing something they enjoy with friends.
“The importance of the relationships and community teams built through clubs and teams can’t be overstated, either. People in extracurriculars are brought together through similar interests, not just mutual classes, lending to more opportunities to create deeper bonds. This reduces isolation in teens, which is a big influence on mental health,” the blog post states.
Additionally, extracurriculars can be hobbies and healthy coping mechanisms for teens when they are experiencing mental health concerns. These include playing the violin in the orchestra, becoming an outlet for their emotions. They could also use abstract painting learned in an art club to express themselves. Teens, through extracurricular activities, will learn what they like and are passionate about. They will also have a set, dedicated time to perfect those skills with people with similar goals and interests, which will help them become more confident as they learn more about themselves.
Different types of extracurricular activities come with different benefits. The speech and debate team helps teens build public speaking, communication, and persuasion skills. The band, orchestra, or musical theater clubs help build skills involving instruments, singing, acting, and teamwork. The sports teams teens are involved in, such as basketball, tennis, or soccer, help build athletics, teamwork, and leadership skills. The Dungeons and Dragons club builds storytelling, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and the quiz bowl enhances intelligence, working well under pressure, confidence, and teamwork skills.
The Student Council builds leadership, responsibility, and communication. The school paper develops writing, organization, teamwork, and adhering to deadlines. Model United Nations promotes research, communication, persuasion, and compromising skills. Photography and art clubs enhance a teen’s specific art skills and creativity. There are many other extracurriculars that schools have available to teens that can allow them to get better at certain skills or subjects, meet new friends, or introduce them to passions they hadn’t uncovered yet. They might even meet someone with a different cultural background than themselves and learn more about it and the beauty of what makes people different.
How a teen gets involved in a certain extracurricular depends on the specific type. Sports require tryouts, and school plays and musicals require auditions. Other clubs require them to attend a class at a certain time to participate. A teen’s school will have their extracurriculars listed on their website or advertised on posters around the school that provide the details needed. They can even ask their friends to join them so it feels less scary and more fun.
“Your teen can also focus their extracurricular search on areas that align with their major or ideal future occupation. If they focus on their area of study even outside of required school hours, it shows additional passion and dedication. That will look great on college applications, especially if they earn a leadership role in whatever they choose to pursue,” the blog post continues.
Roots Renewal Ranch is a residential treatment center for girls ages 13-17. They offer several therapy options, but one of their highlights is animal therapy. Girls spend time with the animals and take care of them, learning responsibility and developing confidence in their ability to care for others and, by extension, themselves. For more information on Roots Renewal Ranch, visit their website or call 888-399-0489.
“She is strong, she is loved, and she is enough.”
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For more information about Roots Adolescent Renewal Ranch, contact the company here:
Roots Adolescent Renewal Ranch
Zoey Schwolert
888-399-0489
info@rootsrenewalranch.com
819 Indian Trail
Argyle, TX, 76226
