What Are Good Extracurriculars: Nurturing Your Child’s Potential

As a parent, helping your child unlock their full potential involves more than just academics. The high school and early college years are formative for developing skills, character, and purpose. One of the most effective ways to nurture these qualities is through extracurricular activities—experiences outside the classroom that enrich learning, build relationships, and reveal passions. But as you may ask, what are good extracurriculars? Which activities genuinely enhance your child’s growth and future opportunities, and how can they balance those pursuits with the demands of academics?

This guide will help parents and students explore the landscape of extracurricular activities with intention. From academic clubs to global health programs like Global Medical Brigades, we’ll review options, share their developmental and educational benefits, and offer practical advice on how to select the right fit and manage time effectively.

1. Explore Different Extracurricular Activities

When people hear the word "extracurricular," sports often come to mind. But athletics are only one piece of a much broader puzzle. Good extracurriculars come in many forms and serve a range of interests and skills. These activities provide avenues for students to explore who they are and what matters to them beyond textbooks and grades. Here's a structured breakdown of the most common—and meaningful—categories.

a. Academic and Competitive Clubs

These clubs complement classroom learning while challenging students to apply knowledge in competitive or collaborative formats. Examples include:

• Science Olympiad

• Math Team

• Debate Club

• Model United Nations (MUN)

• Quiz Bowl

• Robotics/Engineering Clubs

Academic clubs can show initiative and intellectual curiosity, qualities highly valued by colleges and scholarship committees. Participation demonstrates a student’s passion for learning and willingness to engage in disciplined, focused extracurricular work.

b. Service and Volunteer Organizations

Service-based activities allow students to give back to their communities and cultivate empathy, leadership, and civic responsibility. Popular service clubs include:

• Key Club (affiliated with Kiwanis)

• National Honor Society (NHS)

• Habitat for Humanity

• Local animal shelters or food pantries

• Red Cross Clubs

• Global Medical Brigades (detailed further below)

Volunteer work provides real-world perspective. For pre-med and health-oriented students, consistent community service is often a requirement or strong plus when applying to colleges and professional schools.

c. Arts and Creative Activities

Students with talents in the arts can express themselves and connect with others through:

• Band, Orchestra, or Choir

• Theater and Drama Club

• Dance Teams

• Visual Arts Clubs

• Photography or Film

Engagement in the arts demonstrates creativity, discipline, and confidence—all desirable traits for future leaders and professionals.

d. Sports and Physical Activities

Athletics build resilience, teamwork, and time management. Whether on a varsity team or in a recreational league, students gain:

• Physical fitness and wellness

• Leadership and collaboration skills

• Time prioritization under pressure

Athletes often juggle demanding schedules—an experience that colleges view as proof of work ethic and grit.

e. Leadership and Governance Roles

Leadership opportunities allow students to develop influence and decision-making abilities. These include:

• Student Government or Student Council

• Club Presidency or Committee Chairs

• Peer Mentorship Programs

• Leadership Institutes (e.g., HOBY, youth forums)

Leadership roles stand out on applications and foster important interpersonal skills.

f. Career-Oriented and Pre-Professional Groups

Clubs focused on future careers provide exposure and skill-building. Popular options include:

• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

• Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)

• DECA (for marketing/business)

• High School Alliance for Future Physicians (HSAFP)

• Internships or Research Programs

• Global Medical Brigades (again, highlighted below)

These allow students to “test-drive” career interests and develop early professional networks.

2. Benefits of Joining Clubs and Teams

So, what makes these extracurriculars so beneficial? Beyond the resume line, these activities enrich your child’s life in profound and lasting ways. Here are some of the most critical developmental, educational, and social benefits of meaningful extracurricular involvement.

a. Academic Growth

Extracurriculars reinforce academic concepts in new contexts. For example:

• Science Club members deepen their scientific literacy through experimentation.

• Debate Club participants become sharper thinkers and communicators.

• Model UN students build geopolitical knowledge and persuasive argumentation skills.

Involvement in these clubs often correlates with higher grades and stronger academic engagement.

b. Social-Emotional Development

Through clubs and teams, students:

• Form friendships based on shared interests.

• Build self-confidence by taking initiative and achieving milestones.

• Learn to navigate group dynamics, from cooperation to conflict resolution.

These skills aren't taught in standard curricula but are essential for life and work.

c. Leadership and Responsibility

Taking on roles in student government, captaining a sports team, or managing a club’s fundraising campaign can be transformative. These experiences teach students how to:

• Lead peers respectfully

• Manage tasks and timelines

• Take ownership of outcomes

Such skills make students stand out in both college applications and future careers.

d. Mental Health and Well-being

Well-chosen extracurriculars can serve as a healthy outlet from academic pressures. Engaging in physical, creative, or social pursuits allows students to:

• Relieve stress

• Foster a sense of purpose

• Improve time management and discipline

A busy student who feels fulfilled and organized is often happier and more successful.

e. College and Scholarship Applications

Admissions officers routinely say they look for depth over breadth. A student deeply engaged in a few meaningful activities is more impressive than one who dabbles in many. Especially for selective schools or competitive majors, extracurriculars can:

• Demonstrate alignment with a student’s intended field

• Show initiative and impact beyond academics

• Create compelling material for application essays and interviews

In some cases (such as arts programs or athletic scholarships), extracurriculars directly impact admission decisions.

3. Finding the Right Fit for You

Now that we’ve established the value of extracurriculars, how do families identify which activities will be most beneficial for their child? Here are some practical tips for helping your student explore and commit to the right extracurriculars.

a. Start with Self-Reflection

Encourage your child to ask:

• What subjects or issues excite me?

• What do I enjoy doing in my free time?

• Do I prefer individual or group activities?

• Do I like to lead, create, serve, or compete?

This introspection can reveal where they might thrive. A creative student might enjoy drama or writing clubs, while a socially-minded student could be drawn to community service.

b. Attend Club Fairs and Info Sessions

Most schools host club fairs or open houses where students can learn about available organizations. Encourage your child to:

• Visit different booths

• Ask current members about the experience

• Try a few meetings without long-term commitment

Exposure helps eliminate guesswork.

c. Try Before You Commit

It’s okay (even wise) for students to experiment in the early years. They may join several activities their first semester, then narrow their focus over time. The goal is to find 2–4 core commitments that offer:

• Long-term engagement

• Leadership opportunities

• Enjoyment and fulfillment

A strong extracurricular profile doesn’t come from doing everything—it comes from doing something well.

d. Match Activities with Future Goals

For students with clear career interests (e.g., medicine, engineering, politics), extracurriculars can be chosen strategically. For instance:

• A future doctor should consider science clubs, health-related service (like Red Cross), or Global Medical Brigades

• A budding entrepreneur might join DECA or start a business

• A potential journalist could write for the school paper

However, it’s just as valid to explore widely—passions often emerge where students least expect them.

e. Watch for Overload

More is not always better. Students who take on too many activities risk burnout and underperformance. Guide your child to choose wisely, not excessively. Their time is best spent in activities that:

• Spark enthusiasm

• Develop real skills

• Foster relationships or impact

4. Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars

Even the best extracurriculars lose value if they compromise academic success or mental health. Balance is essential, and parents can play a crucial role in helping students find it.

a. Build a Weekly Schedule

Encourage your child to plan out their commitments using a calendar or planner. A typical week should include:

• Academic class time and homework blocks

• Extracurricular meetings or practices

• Rest and social time

• Sleep and wellness routines

Having a clear picture helps students manage expectations and avoid overbooking.

b. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Help your child choose a few activities they can commit to meaningfully. Colleges look for:

• Sustained involvement (e.g., 2–3+ years)

• Leadership roles or impact

• Coherence with interests/goals

A well-managed commitment to two or three activities can be more impactful than dabbling in ten.

c. Use Time Blocks and Study Strategies

Extracurriculars often force students to use their time more efficiently. Introduce tools like:

• The Pomodoro Technique (25-minute focus blocks)

• Time batching (grouping similar tasks)

• Task prioritization (using the Eisenhower Matrix or to-do lists)

These techniques help ensure academics stay on track.

d. Check in on Stress and Burnout

As parents, your check-ins matter. Ask your child:

• Are you enjoying your activities?

• Do you feel too busy?

• Are you sleeping and eating well?

• Is schoolwork under control?

Normalize adjusting commitments if something’s not working. Dropping an activity is not failure—it’s a thoughtful choice for well-being.

Spotlight: Global Medical Brigades – A Meaningful Extracurricular for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

Among the many extracurricular options available today, Global Medical Brigades (GMB) stands out as a truly transformative opportunity for high school and college students interested in medicine, public health, or international service.

What is Global Medical Brigades?
Global Medical Brigades is part of the broader Global Brigades network—one of the largest student-led global health and sustainable development organizations in the world. It enables students to:

• Travel to underserved communities in countries like Honduras, Ghana, and Panama

• Work alongside licensed medical professionals to support clinics and triage stations

• Participate in public health initiatives such as sanitation projects and health education

• Engage with cultural immersion and understand healthcare systems abroad

This program combines clinical exposure, service learning, and global citizenship in a unique and powerful way.

Why It’s a Good Extracurricular
For students interested in a healthcare career, GMB offers several advantages:

• Demonstrates genuine commitment to global health equity

• Provides hands-on experience with patient care and logistics

• Offers cultural immersion and language practice

• Teaches teamwork, adaptability, and compassion

• Enhances college and medical school applications with meaningful stories and impact

How to Get Involved
Students can join a GMB chapter at their high school or university—or start one if none exists. The organization provides extensive resources, faculty mentorship, and travel coordination. Some chapters meet regularly throughout the year for planning, fundraising, and education before embarking on their international service trips.

Bottom Line:
Participating in Global Medical Brigades is not only a meaningful extracurricular—it’s often a life-changing experience. It allows students to merge academic interests with humanitarian values, making it a perfect fit for aspiring pre-med students and globally minded young leaders.

Final Thoughts: What Are Good Extracurriculars?

When asked, what are good extracurriculars?, the answer lies not in a fixed list of clubs or titles but in activities that help your child:

• Discover

• Build real skills and confidence

• Engage meaningfully with their community

• Balance personal fulfillment with academic excellence

  Whether through debate team, visual arts, student government, or Global Medical Brigades, extracurriculars provide essential experiences that shape the future leaders, citizens, and professionals of tomorrow.

  As a parent, your role is to encourage exploration, support thoughtful decision-making, and promote balance. With the right extracurriculars and guidance, your child can thrive both inside and outside the classroom—becoming not only a stronger applicant, but a more complete and fulfilled person.