Which clubs would you say have been the most worthwhile?

[Magnificentbeast]

I'm thinking about clubs for my 5yo and would like to know which ones other parents find to be the most worthwhile for their DC. I mean in terms of enjoyment, confidence, skills etc.

Swimming is non-negotiable for me - my DC have to learn to swim. However, I think it would be good to include her in something else. I just can't decide what. I also want to be selective and not overload her with activities.

I’m no authority on this subject as currently childless, but when I think about the regrets I have as an adult about things I wish I’d done as a child, it’s always a second language and playing a musical instrument to a good standard. Those are the things I’d like to direct my future children towards. I was taught both of these things at school (Spanish and the Flute) but it simply wasn’t enough time or intensive tuition to develop the level of competence that maintains your interest.

Swimming definitely - it was non-negotiable for us as well,

Perhaps a little older than your DC but mine loved Beavers - it was a very 'outdoorsy' group and they did some fun activities as well as their first ever residential trip. I have heard of some groups with a preference for crafty type activities though so worth checking depending on your DC's preferences.

Other than that DC have been members of several sports teams which has been hugely beneficial - whether that's the commitment and discipline of being part of a club/team, keeping active and fit, having an activity that isn't on a screen, or simply having a different group of friends outside of school.

DC aren't likely to be Olympic athletes in any sport but finding something that they enjoy and want to continue with as they get older is, imo, really important.

A lot of clubs allow a free taster lesson. Why not ask her what she’d like to do and try out a few classes? What others on here found great won’t necessarily be what interests your daughter. My 5yo adores gymnastics. Keeps asking to do ballet too but I’m leaving anything extra a while as it’s too much to fit in with other kids activities too.

I would say it isn't a specific club but more what suits your child. What they love.

We have tried numerous activities for our children. It often takes trial and error to find one they love enough to continue no matter what.

You can have in your head what is best for them. However, if their heart isn't 100% in it it's going no where.

For me it was a musical instrument and a physical activity that they enjoyed.

DD is too young yet but I got so much out of karate - ended up with a black belt after years of training. I think any traditional martial art would be similar.

DS2 loved beavers and cubs. He had to give them up because swimming takes over your bloody life (and he loves swimming more than anything). It's a shame because he did get so much out of cubs.

Actually DS1 loved cubs and scouts so much that he became a leader too. It's definitely been very good for him.

My daughter loves clubs - some she does at school, some outside.

The best one was a pure acting class, not stagecoach type which includes the singing and dancing, just the acting. Unfortunately it moved day which we could no longer make.

Other than that, Spanish club (we have relatives in Spain), Code club, creative writing and art club are all within school. Outside of school, she has music lessons, machine sewing, and learns to ride.

She's looking forward to going to secondary so she can join Air Cadets.

Scouts without a doubt. As in Beavers (6 - 8), cubs (8 - 10.5), Scouts 10.5 - 14) and Explorers (14 - 18).

Not only overwhelmingly the cheapest, but, conversely overwhelmingly the most beneficial. (Once we've all agreed swimming is non-negotiable). The opportunities they've had and the experiences they've enjoyed have been so diverse, there is something for everyone, and the chance to 'have a go' at all sorts of things over the years. The fun and sheer enjoyment at the time, the friendships continue into adulthood. Plus, the skills they have learned are numerous.

I think it's all about finding something that really engages your child. Both mine have done various things over the years which they have enjoyed at the time, but have run their course after a few years.

The ones that lasted the longest where the Scouting/Guiding activities. Both DCs started at the earliest stage and both continued to mid teens. DS still goes back occasionally to help with cub camps, and DD is a ranger and a young leader with brownies.

DD also started ballet/tap at two - at her own (much repeated) request. She still does tap, modern and jazz 13 years on.

I think "something they enjoy" is the real key. In early primary I'd suggest trying a few things to see what "sticks" - for DS this was karate; for DD it was Rainbows/Brownies (though she didn't want to go on to Guides). They've both also enjoyed music, as much for the "performing with others" elements than anything else.

Cubs etc.
Athletics.
Climbing/ bouldering.

I agree that you don't really know what they'll love in advance. So it's good to let them try a range of things.

For us it has been Climbing;
Concentration
Coordination
Team work
Responsibility
Risk assessment
Clear & defined progress if you’ve got a child that likes that (I have one that does & one that doesn’t care)
Great friendships

One of mine just knows what she will like & has so far been correct, the flip side is that she won’t even try things that she doesn’t think she’ll like.

Swimming definitely as we consider it an essential early skill for holidays etc.
Rugby for teaching sportsmanship (except not actually demonstrated by England’s squad). It taught him to get up, resilience, teamwork, respect for authority, acceptance of all body shapes, courage and gave him his career plus fun.
Ballet and dance for deportment, sheer grit and determination and perseverance plus fun.
Tennis because it’s a lifelong social sport and allows good networking.
Music to help with concentration, maths, listening skills, perseverance, reward for effort and teamwork.
Sailing as a family friendly activity that has good social networks and offers great adventures and opportunities for adrenaline activity in teens.

Girlguiding for DD, Scouting for DS. Skills for life, but also for a wider peer group, and it isn’t about educational ability like school is.

Swimming for both - initially as a safety thing but then for exercise. Neither wanted to race, but both have now switched to rookie lifeguard club, and they enjoy it - it is social and gives them a skill they may choose to turn into a part time job when they are older.

They both started a musical instrument - DD turned out to love it and now as a teen does lessons, orchestra, choir etc.; DS didn’t so gave up after a good stab at it. He discovered coding instead, so he does a coding club as a skill.

And a sport - DD discovered badminton and DS cricket.

Drama/theatre school has been amazing for 3 of ours . They have grown so much in confidence and learnt so many different life skills. I feel it is really underdone at state schools compared to at private schools so makes for a very good extra curricular.

Also sport, doesn't matter which, something they enjoy and that keeps them fit and healthy. Again, they don't do enough and don't get the specialist tuition at state schools. Ours have enjoyed a range between them trampolining, football, dance, karate, netball. Gaining confidence and that sense of being "sporty" really helps them to stay healthy

Agree with swimming being compulsory, it was the only activity mine weren't given an option about!

I'll second Beavers for boys and girls. My DS, now 7, has been going for a year and has got a lot out of it. He went away for 2 nights back in the summer and got to do a lot of activities over that weekend that otherwise we would be able to do with him (due to having two younger DDs.).
Swimming is kind of obligatory for us too!
He does football at a local club at the weekend and the team he is in has just started playing in a league, which I think is great to encourage being part of a team.
He does street dance and acrobatics which was his choice, and is with his eldest sister.
He does music lessons at school which are extra to the curriculum. They are group music lessons, and I'd prefer him to be able to learn in an individual lesson but we just don't have the time to add that to our week!

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Lots to think about. I'm planning to introduce DC to Beavers when she's old enough. I really think she would enjoy it. Plus there's a local group I've heard good things about.

I was also thinking about a drama club for fun and confidence building but not 100% sure . I guess we could try it. Besides a lack of spare time we don't have many clubs locally so it means lots of driving (DH doesn't drive) and less likely for DC to make local non-school friends.

I don't want to overload her with things but think it's helpful to start at a younger age. It's much more difficult to get my DC11 to join things that are outside of school now. I'm hoping she'll join clubs at secondary school. I think it's a good way to make friends.

Definitely beavers/cubs/Scouts. Mine have been in since beavers and both absolutely love it. Especially by the time they get to scout age.

Beavers/Scouts (mine is an Explorer now). So many skills and experiences. Guides to a lesser extent.

Drama - amazing confidence builder and has led to singing lessons and choir.

Swimming - in a club, very sociable, amazing for fitness.

Hockey - very inclusive and a great game for all ages.

Climbing - sociable and great for strength.

I'd echo previous posters comments about something they enjoy.

I think a musical instrument (their choice of which) and a team sport (their choice of which) is a good start and builds a lot of important skills including executive function, interpersonal intelligence etc that have long lasting benefits.

Lots of different things have been tried in my household by my children and they all have learnt to swim and enjoy it on holiday but ones that have stuck as rewarding hobbies are

Cricket
Tennis
Football
Ballet
Violin + Orchestra
Singing + Choir

Personally with the music I think inclusion in orchestras or choirs that put on performances is key to enjoyment.

Disclaimer those activities are currently spread across three children!

Cubs, scouts and explorers have been bloody fantastic. Our local group has wonderful leaders who put on an amazing variety of activities. My dd, aged ,13, was leading small groups of 10 to 13 yos on 2 day hikes covering 20k, orienteering without adult support, organising setting up camp and coordinating the camp cooking. It's been bloody marvelous for her confidence, her ability to work in a team, her resilience and her friendships. She can cook, knows first aid, can deal with all sorts of people, can put up a tent in the dark and pouring rain and still be good humoured about it. I cannot recommend scouting enough.