10 Great Organizations to Help Kids Stay Out of Trouble

Working parents often face a dilemma when kids are too old for a babysitter but not quite old enough to be left alone. A lack of supervision can present tweens and teens with the opportunity to make poor choices that will follow them into adulthood; these ten organizations are all great options for keeping them entertained and out of trouble.

1. Girl and Boy Scouts – In addition to instilling a sense of civic responsibility and achievement through awards and merit badges, many scout troupes have regularly scheduled meetings and activities that can fill up idle time when kids would otherwise find trouble.
2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America – As one of America’s oldest and biggest mentoring programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America welcomes kids between the ages of 6 and 18. Children who participate in the program are significantly less likely than their peers to use drugs or alcohol, to be violent or to skip school.
3. Camp Fire USA – Co-ed since 1975, Camp Fire USA is open to youths from pre-school ages to 21. With an emphasis on outdoor activities, Camp Fire also offers after-school programs and workshops.
4. Boys & Girls Clubs of America – Providing kids with safe places to explore their interests, build character and leadership skills and learn healthy habits since 1860, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America have chapters across the United States.
5. YMCA – One of the most popular and beloved organizations for skill-building in the youth of America is the YMCA. With both summer residential and day camp programs across the country, there’s something to pique the interest of any young person while providing their parents with peace of mind.
6. SpiralScouts – Created in response to the Boy Scouts of America’s decision not to recognize Wicca as a religion, SpiralScouts is dedicated to serving children of any or no faith, without religious influence.
7. First Priority – Local chapters of First Priority in the United States are student-led clubs that support the formation and maintenance of Christian groups and clubs on middle and high school campuses. Christian youths that participate in First Priority programs work together to keep faith-based clubs in their schools running.
8. The First Tee – With support from the LPGA, PGA of America, Masters Tournament and USGA, The First Tee has more than 200 chapters in America that promote values and healthy choices through the game of golf.
9. Community Groups – In addition to the national organizations tailored to kids, most communities have their own locally-based groups that are tailored to the youth of a specific area. Most PTA groups or community centers will be able to direct interested parents toward the right organization for their family.
10. Religious Organizations – Parents who are looking for a group with ties to their religious beliefs often opt for clubs and organizations within their local church or denomination. Places of worship almost always have at least one program for the young people in their congregation; checking with a clergy member or even perusing the bulletin can provide contact information.