Beneath the scorching August sun, I squinted to catch a glimpse of the man waving at us from the grandstands. It was Coach Mike, directing us as we stood in formation on the field. I was part of the color guard at my high school, and we had spent the entire morning practicing, learning flag routines, and perfecting our choreography. Our band camp was grueling, consisting of eight-hour days, five days a week, as we prepared to support our football team for the upcoming season.
Once the school year kicked off, our rehearsals stretched late into the evenings, and weekends were filled with performing at football games or competing in band contests. Often, we returned home late, only to wake up early for school the next day. My weekends were often consumed by events like band competitions, parades, and football games.
Despite my commitment and passion for color guard, I often sensed that it wasn’t held in the same regard as football or basketball. Jokes about being unable to compete on the field stung, and the term “band geek” was thrown around casually, often accompanied by laughter at our sequined uniforms.
Nevertheless, I remained steadfast in my pursuits. Now, as a parent, I wholeheartedly support my children’s involvement in activities that don’t come with trophies or letterman jackets. Just because they’re not on the soccer field or practicing baseball doesn’t mean they lack dedication or focus.
My kids are deeply immersed in theater, and their schedules become hectic whenever a show approaches. The dedication of drama students is often overlooked—they have to memorize lengthy scripts, master intricate dance routines, and sometimes handle the technical aspects of lighting and sound. They’re not just performing; they’re learning leadership skills and putting in countless hours of vocal training, costume design, and set construction. When the curtain rises, they’ve often devoted months to perfecting their craft.
When my children were younger, we enrolled them in Scouting, a tradition in our family. Early on, Scouts teach valuable lessons about community, communication, and volunteerism. My son, now 13, is working toward his Eagle Scout rank, which requires him to embark on a significant project for the community. This achievement demands hard work, resilience, and a deep understanding of community values. Unfortunately, these efforts often go unnoticed by those who focus solely on traditional sports.
Whether it’s a child mastering the violin or another spending hours in a dance studio preparing for a competition, there’s a vast world of talent outside of conventional sports. Every child deserves recognition and encouragement for their unique abilities. Whether it’s helping with a student government speech or driving to a gaming competition, we should cheer them on as they pursue their passions, even if they don’t involve referees or scoreboards.
In today’s age of social media and constant connectivity, it’s easy for parents to overlook the importance of arts and other extracurriculars. Recently, I attended a Powder Puff football game where my son cheered. As my husband and I enjoyed the atmosphere, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my own experiences in the marching band. When the high school band began to play and march onto the field, I felt an urge to grab a flag and join them.
Those memories are irreplaceable, and I hope my children cherish theirs just as much when they look back on their high school experiences.
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In summary, embracing a wide range of extracurricular activities beyond traditional sports enriches children’s lives and helps them develop crucial skills. Each child’s passion deserves to be celebrated, regardless of whether it leads to a trophy or not.