Extracurriculars Are More Than Just College Resume Builders

Rediscovering the true value of structured activities

Last week, I watched my daughter perform in her day camp's "Sing" performance, and I was struck by a wave of nostalgia. I really loved camp. So when I see my daughter enjoy camp, it brings back memories of the joy and growth that camp offered. 

But watching Sing also got me thinking about an article I read that morning by Jay Caspian Kang, in which he criticized parents for over-emphasizing camp and camp-like activities. He’s not alone—many writers have criticized our tendency to turn extracurriculars into resume builders and advocated for more unstructured play. I agree with them, to an extent. Free play is invaluable for so many kids, and we should absolutely encourage it when possible.

But the reality is more complicated. Some kids simply don’t have access to safe spaces for unstructured, unsupervised play, and many parents depend on structured activities as a form of childcare, even for (and, perhaps, especially for) older kids. Beyond these practical considerations, there are compelling reasons why structured extracurricular activities can be incredibly beneficial. 

First, for some children, particularly those with neurodevelopmental disorders, structure isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. While many clinicians might immediately suggest a social skills group for struggling kids, my first recommendation is often to join a sports team, try out for a school musical, or get a part-time job. For children who find unstructured environments like recess overwhelming, lunch groups and clubs can be fantastic alternatives. These sorts of activities provide the supervision and scaffolding needed to build social skills in a more organic and, often, enjoyable way. They provide a controlled setting where kids can learn to navigate social interactions without the chaos of free play.

Second, I firmly believe that a well-rounded education should include more than just academics. Every child should learn an instrument, play a sport, and engage in the fine arts. Unfortunately, these subjects are often the first to face budget cuts in schools, which means extracurricular activities might be the only opportunity for kids to gain exposure to these areas. The skills learned through these activities—discipline, teamwork, creativity—are invaluable and complement the academic knowledge gained in the classroom.

Third, for some kids, school can be a significant struggle and take a heavy toll on their self-concept. Extracurricular activities provide the chance to excel, to discover talents they might not have known they had, and to experience success. This can be a powerful antidote to the frustration kids might feel in academic settings, helping them build confidence and a more positive self-image.

Fourth, extracurricular activities promote community engagement. They foster a sense of belonging and give kids a reason to look forward to school. They teach the value of getting involved and giving back; of responsibility, ownership, and accountability. They also provide opportunities to build relationships with mentors, which can be incredibly important for development.

While the push for more free play is well-intentioned and necessary, and criticisms of overscheduling kids are valid, we should not overlook the value of structured extracurricular activities. They offer far more than just a way to fill time and pad a college application—they can be crucial for social development, provide a well-rounded education, boost self-esteem, and create strong community ties. So let’s continue to promote these activities as an essential part of growing up and push to expand access so that they are available to all kids, regardless of financial means.

***

I’ll never get sick of watching this one!