<p>I am thinking about homeschooling my son who will be in 8th grade next year. He needs more attention then he is getting from the public school. I have found an online curriculum,etc... but I am concerned with ec's once he gets to high school. I know there have been recent posts on ec's in general, but I am also wondering about things like Student Govt and NHS and those typical types of activities. My older son who is a HS Senior has applied for many scholarships (still waiting for answers back on most!). And if I recall correctly many asked how many years he was in each club, which he was an officer in, etc.. Since this seems to be so important on scholarship apps (and I assume college apps) how do homeschoolers make up for this? Even if my son was allowed to join clubs at the local HS (which I am not sure about) he doesn't go to school with those kids so I don't see him walking in the door and being voted in as Vice Pres into one of their clubs...</p>
<p>I got involved in Student government because I took a couple classes at a local homeschool co-op. I’m sure there’s one in your area. Getting involved can be a great thing to do. If there isn’t a student body, then your son could start one! Taking initiative is the number one thing that scholarships and colleges look for. Community service is also extremely important.</p>
<p>Thanks! My son is going to do alot of community service with his extra time and more flexible schedule so that is a good thing.</p>
<p>Y Youth and Government would be one option. Being a legislative page is another. Volunteering on a campaign. Starting a club of some kind for teen homeschoolers. Etc.</p>
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The forms are designed for the typical student, but flexible enough (in general) for someone who’s spent his EC time doing community stuff instead of school stuff.</p>
<p>There are homeschooled honor societies to join if you want. Some homeschoolers join the community college part or full time and get positions of leadership there. My son has none of these “official” positions but he does have leadership. He’s the youth worship leader. He was MVP on a his freshman baseball team. His community service shows leadership as he teaches disdavantaged children violin. Gotta run but I’ll add some more ideas later.</p>
<p>Mock debate is another option that homeschoolers can do. Also, 4-H, FBLA, DECA are all nationally recognized youth organizations that will help if you get your son involved. I personally did 4-H and loved it! It’s not agriculturally centered like people think - I did all technology.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I am saving all of this information. I also go ahold of 4H and they said it is best to start with the school year so we are going to a meeting in August to see what projects they will be offering. I am sure my son can keep very busy with all of the different options out there.</p>
<p>Some of the things that my kids did while in high school
mock trial (I co-coached this)
volunteering on the local rescue squad
work (mostly at restaurants)
boy scouts (Eagle is an excellent way to show leadership)
homeschool honor society
sports (town rec and private leagues) (our local rec league offers some sports all the way through high school) </p>
<p>Frankly, he does not have to do any clubs but he does need to show that he was busy and purposeful with his free time. Clubs are simply one way to show that but they are not the only way.</p>