As I stood under the sweltering August sun, I squinted at the figure in the grandstands signaling to us. It was our color guard coach, Mark. Alongside my fellow members, we had spent hours marching under the blazing heat, following Mark’s adjustments to our positions on the field. He taught us intricate flag routines, dance sequences, and honed our marching skills. Our daily practices during band camp lasted eight hours, five days a week, all in preparation for the upcoming season where we supported our school’s football team.
Once the school year commenced, our rehearsals extended into the late evenings multiple times a week. Weekends were often consumed by travel with the football team for pregame performances or providing entertainment at our home games. Many nights, we returned home late, only to rise early for school the next day. My weekends often revolved around football games, band competitions, or participating in local parades. Despite the demanding schedule, I cherished every moment with my color guard. However, I often felt that our dedication was overshadowed by the popularity of traditional sports like football and basketball. The jabs about not being able to compete on the field and being relegated to the sidelines stung, and the “band geek” jokes about our sparkly uniforms didn’t help either.
Yet, I didn’t allow those remarks to discourage me. I pursued my passion throughout high school, and now, as a parent, I wholeheartedly support my kids’ involvement in activities that may not come with trophies or letterman jackets. Their commitment to pursuits outside traditional sports is just as intense, if not more so.
My children are deeply engaged in theater, and their schedules become incredibly packed during show preparations. The dedication of theater students is often overlooked; they not only memorize lengthy scripts but also master complicated dance routines and technical aspects such as operating light and sound boards. Many take on leadership roles as student directors, spending countless hours in vocal coaching, costume design, and set construction. By the time the curtain rises, they’ve devoted months to perfecting every detail of their performances. Truly, they deserve accolades akin to Tony awards.
When my children were younger, we enrolled them in Scouting, a tradition in our family. Early on, Scouts learn about their community through visits to local fire stations and police departments, while also developing essential communication and volunteering skills. They cultivate a sense of environmental stewardship through various community service projects. Now that my son is 13, he is diligently working toward his Eagle Scout rank, which requires extensive hiking and survival training. To achieve this prestigious title, he must independently complete a project that benefits his community, demonstrating commitment and perseverance. Unfortunately, Scouts often go unrecognized for their achievements simply because their uniforms lack numbers.
Whether it’s a child excelling at the violin or another spending hours at a dance studio preparing for a competition, there is a vast world of talent beyond conventional sports. Every child possesses unique skills that deserve recognition and encouragement. Whether it involves perfecting a speech for student government or attending a gaming competition, we should take pride in supporting our children as they pursue their passions, even if they don’t involve referees or scoreboards.
In our society, there’s often an overwhelming focus on athletic success, leading parents to overlook the significance of arts and other extracurricular activities, especially for kids growing up in an age of social media and constant internet connectivity. Recently, I attended a Powder Puff football game where my son participated as a cheerleader. As my husband and I soaked in the ambiance of bright lights and familiar stadium smells, I was transported back to my own days as a marching band member. The moment the high school band commenced its cadence and marched onto the field, I felt a nostalgic urge to grab a flag and join them.
I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything, and I hope my children will cherish their high school memories just as I do.
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In summary, extracurricular activities encompass much more than just sports. Every child’s passion, whether in the arts, Scouting, or other pursuits, deserves celebration and support. As parents, we should encourage our children to explore their interests, no matter where they lead.