Relationship building and after-school activities are essential for the success of any program, as they provide children with the opportunity to learn new skills, expand their knowledge, and keep children safe while parents are away. Experienced adults and older youth who serve as teachers or mentors in these programs gain a wealth of knowledge and experience, and children are more likely to be inspired by them. Interaction with adults is a learning experience in and of itself.
After-school activities are all the rage these days. With approximately $500 million invested in these programs and over 10 million children participating in them in the United States alone, the popularity of these activities cannot be overstated. Everyone understands the importance of learning new skills, expanding one's knowledge, and keeping children safe while parents are at work.The relationship between the children participating in the program and the adult members who work with these children is the most important factor in the success of any program. Children frequently confide in an adult member who is not a teacher. When children are struggling to make sense of the whirlpool of emotions that surround them, this type of emotional interaction is essential.
Direct interaction with professionals can be a motivating experience. The knowledge and experience of these adults leave a lasting impression on the children.
When young people interact with experienced adults and older youth who serve as teachers or mentors in these programs, they gain a wealth of knowledge and experience. These mentors are distinct from school teachers, and children are more likely to be inspired by them.
Children who participate in after-school activities that are professionally managed by people who are successful in their own fields of expertise will be more enthusiastic and successful. Interaction with adults is a learning experience in and of itself.
