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Why Do Some Teens get more Out of Youth Activities? |
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From University of Illinois: To maximize the benefits of any youth activity, teens must invest time and energy in them, participate because they truly enjoy the activity, and take on a leadership role. According to the study, engagement in an activity may more important to a teen's development than the activity he chooses, the researcher said. Why are youth activities so important" "As a rule, participation in organized youth activities predicts college achievement, interpersonal competence, reduced risky behaviors, and adult civic engagement," he said. In the study, 1,822 eleventh grade students were surveyed about their experiences in different types of organized activities, including sports, performance and fine arts, academic clubs and leadership, community-based groups (such as Scouts), career and technical organizations (such as FFA), service groups, and faith-based youth groups. "We found that the amount of time teens put into an activity made more difference than the type of activity they were putting their time into," he said. "And teens' opportunities are broadened if adult leaders are able to inspire kids and are confident in handing teens the reins," said Hansen. "By the time kids get to high school, they're voting with their feet," Hansen added. "They're looking for a group that fits their interests and gives them the chance for recognition and responsibility for what happens in the activity."
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