Roadschooling Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies

As a travel writer and mom who has been roadschooling my 3 kids for the past 5 years traversing this amazingly diverse country of ours, I’m constantly asked – how do you juggle academic learning on the road while still ensuring the kids have opportunities to pursue extracurricular passions? It’s a fair question and one I spent many sleepless nights contemplating before we packed our lives into an RV and set forth beyond the schoolyard gates.

I knew first-hand the immense benefits activities like soccer, guitar lessons, art clubs, and theater provided me growing up – forming my identity and skills as much as traditional academics. I wanted to gift my children those same enriching opportunities to discover their niches. But could the transient lifestyle realistically accommodate such consistent pursuits?

After half a decade of deliberately prioritizing extracurricular integration along our adventurous routes, I can definitively report – YES, absolutely! With research, planning, and intention, roadschoolers can actively participate in sports, arts, leadership clubs, and service organizations as substantively as conventional homeschool students. Temporary enrollments with pro-rated sessions, borrowing equipment, and flexible attendance policies have allowed our kids to grow exponentially in their passions. Read on for the activities that have worked for us, along with tips for seamlessly weaving the richness of extracurriculars into roadschooling in a sustainable way.

The Growing Popularity of Roadschooling

Roadschooling has been growing steadily in popularity over the past decade as more families take advantage of the opportunity for adventure learning across the country. Recent surveys suggest over 2 million children are currently being homeschooled in the U.S., and of those, around 20% are identified as roadschoolers – families travel-schooling their kids long-term. Technology advances make managing remote work and continuing academic curriculums on the road increasingly possible. And families are drawn by the promise of deepening bonds while exposing their children to the diverse geographies, cultures, and ecosystems America has to offer.

Benefits of Extracurriculars for Roadschoolers

Participating in organized activities and individually driven hobbies while roadschooling provides many unique benefits:

Fosters socialization – One concern often raised with homeschooling is potential isolation from peers. Extracurriculars allow students to regularly connect with other kids who share common interests. This builds social skills, confidence, and meaningful friendships.

Provides routine – Having regular activities woven into weekly schedules establishes needed structure and routines even while traveling. This helps avoid boredom or aimlessness.

Allows passion pursuit – Students can deeply explore interests that most inspire them, which fuels engagement and motivation to learn. This cultivates grit, dedication, and self-discipline.

Teaches life skills – Teamwork, leadership, goal-achievement, public speaking, time management, accountability, and perseverance are just a few of the life skills cultivated through committed participation in favorite activities.

Boosts college applications – Gaining substantive experience and achievements in extracurricular areas starting early allows students to stand out in future college applications and scholarships.

Finding Extracurricular Opportunities on the Road

A common concern raised by prospective roadschooling families is whether students will need to give up favorite hobbies, sports, clubs, and other organized activities requiring regular participation. The great news is most extracurricular pursuits can be integrated into a roadschooling lifestyle with some savvy planning. Here are some of the most popular options successfully working for actively roadschooling families across the country:

Sports

Sport is a vital aspect of the lives of many active roadschooled students. The flexibility of their lifestyle allows them to explore a variety of sports on the road, making use of available resources in different locations. Here are some avenues that facilitate flexible participation in sports for roadschooled individuals:

Local recreation centers become valuable hubs for sports enthusiasts. These centers often offer a range of facilities and programs, allowing students to access diverse sports activities. From basketball courts to swimming pools, these centers provide opportunities to engage in both individual and team sports.

Community centers also play a crucial role in facilitating sports participation. They may host sports leagues, tournaments, or open gym sessions, creating a communal space for roadschooled students to connect with local peers while enjoying their favorite sports.

Gyms provide a consistent and accessible option for maintaining physical activity on the road. Many gyms offer day passes or short-term memberships, allowing roadschooled individuals to access fitness equipment, classes, and sports facilities.

Parks and Recreation Department offerings include outdoor spaces that cater to a variety of sports activities. Whether it’s a local soccer field, tennis court, or jogging trail, these spaces provide a natural and scenic environment for engaging in physical activities.

Homeschool sports leagues cater specifically to the unique needs of homeschooling families. These leagues offer structured sports programs and competitions, allowing roadschooled students to participate in organized sports while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow homeschoolers.

Family-organized groups provide a more personalized and flexible approach to sports engagement. Families can come together to organize sports events, tournaments, or regular meet-ups, creating a supportive community for roadschooled students to actively participate in sports.

Seasonal sports clubs that permit temporary enrollment or the option to drop into pre-existing teams for a session are ideal for the nomadic lifestyle. Sports such as basketball, tennis, volleyball, martial arts, gymnastics, rock climbing, and swimming are particularly well-suited for this approach, as they allow for diverse and dynamic participation without the need for lengthy seasonal commitments.

In essence, the road offers a myriad of opportunities for roadschooled students to stay active and engaged in sports. By leveraging local facilities, community programs, and homeschool-specific initiatives, students can not only pursue their athletic interests but also foster a sense of community and well-being on their educational journey.

Music and Performing Arts

Music and Performing Arts open up a world of creative possibilities for roadschooled kids, offering avenues to explore instruments, voice, drama, and dance. To ensure a continuous and enriching artistic journey, students can seek out various opportunities in their local areas, tapping into a diverse array of resources and experiences.

Engaging in private lessons becomes a key component, where instructors who advertise flexibility for temporary enrollment allow students to maintain their musical and artistic pursuits seamlessly. This adaptable approach accommodates the nomadic lifestyle of roadschooled individuals, ensuring that they can receive personalized instruction regardless of their location. These one-on-one lessons offer a tailored learning experience, focusing on individual strengths and addressing specific areas of growth.

Participation in children’s choruses provides another avenue for young artists to explore the world of music. These choruses not only cultivate vocal skills but also foster a sense of camaraderie among young performers. By joining such ensembles, roadschooled kids can experience the joy of creating harmonious music together, enhancing their musical education in a collaborative setting.

Community theater camps and classes offer a platform for budding actors and actresses to hone their dramatic skills. These immersive experiences not only provide opportunities to explore the theatrical arts but also encourage teamwork, creativity, and self-expression. Roadschooled individuals can benefit from these community-driven initiatives, gaining exposure to various aspects of performing arts, from acting to stagecraft.

For those with a flair for the extraordinary, circus and acrobatic camps present an exciting avenue. These camps go beyond traditional performing arts, offering a unique blend of physical activity, creativity, and showmanship. Roadschooled kids can unleash their inner acrobat, learning skills that captivate audiences and provide a distinctive form of self-expression.

Additionally, homeschooled performing arts groups create a supportive community for roadschooled individuals to share their passion for the arts. These groups often organize performances, allowing students to showcase their talents and collaborate with fellow artists. The sense of belonging and encouragement within these groups contributes to the holistic development of young performers.

Through a bit of research at each new destination, parents can discover progressive instruction that seamlessly picks up where previous teachers left off. This adaptability and resourcefulness ensure that roadschooled kids can continue to explore, grow, and thrive in the rich and diverse world of Music and Performing Arts, regardless of their transient lifestyle.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts provide a rich and diverse avenue for creative expression, and the availability of art studios that embrace open studio sessions significantly enhances the opportunities for individuals to delve into the world of artistic exploration. By offering free-form sessions, these studios empower young creators to unleash their imagination and experiment with various mediums. Moreover, the accessibility of such spaces plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community, allowing individuals to connect with like-minded peers.

In addition to formal art studios, local homeschool art cooperatives contribute to this vibrant artistic ecosystem. These cooperatives not only provide structured instruction but also create a supportive environment for collaborative learning. Young artists benefit from exposure to a wide array of disciplines, including painting, pottery, photography, jewelry making, fashion design, sculpture, printmaking, and more. This exposure not only enriches their artistic skills but also broadens their understanding of the diverse forms of visual expression.

For those embracing a nomadic lifestyle, such as living in an RV, setting up a portable workspace becomes crucial. The ability to carry essential art supplies enables individuals to maintain their creative pursuits on the go. This mobile studio becomes a haven for artistic hands-on hobbies, allowing individuals to draw inspiration from the ever-changing landscapes and experiences encountered during their travels. The portability of the workspace also encourages adaptability, as artists learn to create in diverse environments, fostering a resilient and versatile approach to their craft.

In essence, the accessibility of open studio sessions, coupled with the collaborative spirit of homeschool art cooperatives and the adaptability of portable workspaces, forms a dynamic trifecta that nurtures the artistic spirit. Whether in a fixed studio or on the move in an RV, these opportunities empower young creators to explore, create, and thrive in the boundless realm of visual arts.

STEM

Engaging in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities is a natural fit for roadschooled students, aligning seamlessly with the adventurous and experiential nature of their learning journey. Exploring the realms of STEM education can be both exciting and educational, and various avenues cater to this specific focus. Here are some accessible options for roadschooled students to delve into STEM activities:

Workshops at science museums or local community colleges

Science museums often host workshops that offer hands-on experiences and interactive learning opportunities. Local community colleges may also provide short-term STEM courses or workshops that roadschooled students can participate in to deepen their understanding of scientific principles and technological advancements.

Robotics teams through national organizations

Joining robotics teams affiliated with national organizations provides an excellent avenue for students to immerse themselves in the interdisciplinary world of STEM. These teams often engage in robotics competitions, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills.

Coding camps/classes

Coding is a fundamental skill in today’s technology-driven world, and roadschooled students can acquire this skill through coding camps or classes. These programs teach programming languages, algorithmic thinking, and problem-solving, empowering students to explore the creative and practical aspects of coding.

Maker spaces with 3D printing workshops

Maker spaces, equipped with tools like 3D printers, offer a hands-on approach to STEM learning. Roadschooled students can attend workshops in these spaces to learn about engineering, design, and technology while creating tangible projects. This experiential learning fosters creativity and innovation.

Homeschool STEM cooperatives

Homeschool STEM cooperatives bring together families with a shared interest in STEM education. These cooperatives often organize group activities, experiments, and projects, providing a supportive environment for roadschooled students to collaborate with peers and share their enthusiasm for STEM subjects.

Incorporating these STEM-focused activities into a roadschooled curriculum not only enhances academic knowledge but also instills problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a passion for innovation. By leveraging the resources available in each new destination, roadschooled students can continue to nurture their curiosity and real-world application of STEM skills, creating a well-rounded and dynamic educational experience.

4-H and Scouts

Participating in nationally recognized programs such as 4-H Clubs and the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts is a fantastic avenue for roadschooled students to engage in character-building activities. These programs are known for their adaptability, often welcoming short-term enrollment for roadschoolers, allowing them to reap the benefits of these service-oriented groups. Here’s how these programs contribute to the holistic development of roadschooled individuals:

4-H Clubs

4-H Clubs provide a dynamic environment for hands-on learning and skill development. With a focus on agriculture, science, and civic engagement, roadschooled students can explore a range of projects, from raising animals to participating in community service initiatives. The flexibility of short-term enrollment ensures that roadschooled individuals can seamlessly integrate into local 4-H activities as they travel.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are renowned for instilling values, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility in participants. Both organizations offer a structured framework for roadschooled students to engage in outdoor adventures, learn practical skills, and participate in community service projects. Short-term enrollment options enable roadschooled individuals to join local troops, fostering connections with peers and contributing to their personal growth.

These programs emphasize character development, resilience, and community engagement. Here’s how roadschooled students can benefit:

• Participation in outdoor and recreational activities promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and a sense of adventure. Roadschooled individuals can engage in camping, hiking, and other activities that build resilience and self-reliance.
• Both 4-H and Scouts programs prioritize leadership development. Roadschooled students have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within their temporary groups, honing skills such as communication, decision-making, and teamwork.
• Through community service projects, roadschooled individuals learn the importance of responsibility and giving back to society. These experiences foster a sense of civic duty and instill a commitment to making a positive impact on the communities they encounter during their travels.
• Families on the road can connect with active regional 4-H Clubs, Boy Scout troops, or Girl Scout troops. This allows roadschooled students to join ongoing activities, events, and meetings in each new area, creating a sense of continuity and community.

In essence, 4-H Clubs and the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts offer roadschooled students a structured and supportive framework for personal and social development. Through these programs, individuals can engage in meaningful experiences, build lasting connections, and contribute positively to the communities they encounter along their educational journey.

Community Service

Considering community service as a family not only allows roadschooled individuals to give back but also provides a unique and enriching way to connect with local destinations off the beaten path. Volunteering offers a hands-on approach to learning about the needs and dynamics of different communities. Here’s how families can contribute to various causes while gaining valuable experiences:

Food Banks

Volunteering at food banks is a meaningful way to address food insecurity within communities. Roadschooled families can assist with sorting, packaging, and distributing food items, fostering a sense of empathy and social responsibility.

Animal Shelters

Animal shelters welcome volunteers to assist with the care and well-being of animals. This experience not only teaches compassion but also provides insights into the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Trail Maintenance Crews

Joining trail maintenance crews is an excellent opportunity for families to contribute to the preservation of natural spaces. Roadschooled individuals can participate in environmental stewardship, learning about ecosystems and the importance of maintaining public trails.

Habitat for Humanity

Volunteering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity allows families to actively participate in building homes for those in need. This hands-on construction experience fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and an understanding of the impact of housing on communities.

Libraries and Museums

Libraries and museums often rely on volunteers to assist with various tasks, from organizing bookshelves to leading educational programs. Roadschooled individuals can contribute to these cultural institutions, gaining exposure to literature, history, and the arts.

Senior Centers

Connecting with senior centers provides opportunities for intergenerational interactions. Roadschooled families can engage in activities, share experiences, and provide companionship to seniors, fostering a sense of community and empathy.

By volunteering in diverse settings, roadschooled individuals not only give back to the communities they visit but also gain valuable insights and skills. Here’s how community service enhances the roadschooling experience:

• Volunteering exposes roadschoolers to various professions and industries, helping them explore potential career paths and interests.
• Many community service organizations offer flexibility in scheduling, allowing roadschooled families to integrate volunteer work into their dynamic educational journey.
• Volunteering often provides an opportunity to earn service hours, which can be beneficial for academic requirements or college applications. It adds a tangible and valuable aspect to the roadschooling experience.

Homeschool Co-ops and Group Gatherings

The growth of the homeschooling movement has opened up exciting avenues for families to connect, share resources, and create vibrant learning communities. Homeschool co-ops and group gatherings play a crucial role in fostering socialization, shared learning, and community building among like-minded families. Here’s how these gatherings contribute to the educational and social experience of homeschooled children:

Online Forums and Social Media Groups

The advent of online forums and social media has revolutionized the way homeschooling families connect. These platforms serve as virtual hubs where parents can share ideas, seek advice, and organize group activities. This digital connectivity makes it easier for families to find and join local homeschool co-ops and group gatherings.

Local Park Days

Organized park days provide a casual and social environment for homeschooled children to interact. These gatherings often include playtime, picnics, and recreational activities, offering a relaxed setting for both parents and kids to build connections.

Field Trips

Homeschool co-ops frequently organize field trips to museums, nature reserves, historical sites, and other educational destinations. These outings enhance the learning experience by providing hands-on, real-world exposure to various subjects, creating lasting memories for homeschooled children.

Classes and Activities

Regional homeschool groups often collaborate to offer specialized classes and activities. These may include art classes, science workshops, music lessons, or language courses. Participating in these classes allows homeschooled children to explore their interests in a structured and supportive environment.

Shared Interests and Regular Meetings

Group gatherings enable homeschooled children to interact with peers who are following similar educational paths. Regular meetings create a sense of routine and consistency, fostering lasting friendships and a supportive community for both parents and children.

Stationary Educational Paths

While homeschooling provides flexibility in terms of location, connecting with local groups adds a stationary element to the educational journey. Regular meetings and gatherings create a sense of stability and routine, enhancing the overall homeschooling experience.

Collaborative Learning

Homeschool co-ops encourage collaborative learning experiences. Children can work together on projects, share knowledge, and benefit from the diverse expertise within the group. This collaborative approach enhances the educational journey by providing a broader perspective.

In essence, homeschool co-ops and group gatherings serve as valuable support systems for families embracing homeschooling. These gatherings not only provide socialization opportunities for homeschooled children but also create a network of support and resources for parents. By connecting with like-minded families, homeschoolers can enrich their educational experience and create a sense of community, contributing to the well-rounded development of the children in these homeschooling networks.

Logistics Required for Extracurriculars While Traveling

Managing extracurriculars for roadschoolers does require some further planning, coordination, and intentionality than more stationary homeschoolers might expect. Here are some key tips for seamlessly integrating consistent activities into a transient roadschooling lifestyle:

Explain Enrollment Timeframes – Be clear from the initial enrollment stage that participation will likely be temporary or short-term due to travel schedules. Most program directors are welcoming as they realize extended tryouts allow them to showcase their offerings.

Ask About Flexible Participation Options – See if there are ways to pro-rate shorter-term participation, options to drop into pre-existing classes/teams/groups, or easy disenrollment processes. The more turnkey options provided, the easier coordinating extracurriculars can be.

Research Needed Gear and Supplies – Depending on the activity, specific required equipment, costumes, instruments, uniforms, or supplies may be necessitated. Find out from organizers in advance what exactly participants need to provide themselves, and what could be rented or borrowed temporarily if needed.

Assess Time Commitment Realistically – Review program schedules and time requirements to ensure they sync with target roadschooling schedules. Ensure kids don’t over-extend themselves and have enough dedicated time remaining to cover academic learning objectives.

Factor in Transportation Needs – Especially for homeschool students, parents provide most transportation to/from activities and events. Review distances from campgrounds or parking locations to the program venues to ensure feasibility.

Evaluate Budgets Carefully – While some activities have no or minimal fees, other more specialized options – like horseback riding, sailing, or aviation camps – can run hundreds of dollars per weekly session. Plan activity budgets accordingly and research any scholarships, multi-enrollment discounts, or extended stay deals.

Wrapping It Up

Ultimately, with planning, the consistent dedication of time to organized extracurricular activities or personally meaningful hobby pursuit is possible for actively roadschooling kids. The supplemental enrichment and social connections gained make the effort tremendously worthwhile. Roadschoolers can build skill levels progressively even while transient by identifying flexible programs tailored to temporary enrollment terms. Diligently putting in focused hours regularly towards mastering favorite activities results in substantial growth and opportunity to shine – all while adventuring along the open road.

Relevant Questions

What are some examples of roadschoolers who have excelled in extracurricular pursuits?

Roadschooler Sage Lafferty landed a regular spot competing at international Irish dance competitions throughout her teen years while actively traveling the country in an RV with her family. She gained standing ovations and managed to rank nationally in the Irish Dance Teachers Association Championship rankings multiple years running.

Roadschool brothers Zachary and Christopher Love have launched a successful YouTube channel with over 50,000 subscribers. They post singer/songwriter performances and cinematography focused on national park adventures captured while roadschooling. The channel provides an income stream funding their ongoing travels and higher education goals.

How many hours per week do experts recommend for extracurricular participation?

Education specialists recommend school-aged students participate in at least one organized recurring extracurricular activity averaging 5-10 hours per week for ideal benefits. Pursuing personal unstructured hobbies should also be encouraged in addition for at least 2-3 hours regularly. For teens aiming for college scholarships tied to substantive related experience, dedicating 10-15 weekly hours towards an extracurricular area of deep interest may be warranted to demonstrate commitment to applications.

What do roadschool graduates themselves identify as the biggest benefits gained from extracurriculars?

In interviews, many successful students who flourished under a roadschooling model give immense credit to their favorite extracurricular pursuits for shaping their work ethics, characters, and future career trajectories. Developing self-confidence, communication abilities, responsibility, leadership poise, and grit are life skills commonly attributed to progress and mentor relationships built through committed extracurricular participation outside core academics.