(P.E., SPORTS, and SCOUTS)

P. E. or Physical Fitness - see http://www.presidentschallenge.org/,
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/fitness/, and especially for children
http://www.presidentschallenge.org/home_kids.aspx.

When considering team sports, you might want to thoroughly check out the "program" and
the coach's philosophy beforehand. Are fundamentals, discipline, and good sportsmanship
important? How many practices and games are required? What are "hidden" expenses -
snacks or meals away from home, team pictures, end of the season party, etc.? If your family
has prior commitments throughout the season, can you get those marked on your coach's
calendar beforehand? Are there late night games? How will this affect your priorities, your
family time, your other children? There are pros and cons to weigh carefully.

Team SPORTS has been an option in our area - summer baseball programs that are
not "school related," as well as fall community soccer leagues until high school level.
There are homeschoolers' basketball teams and bowling leagues in larger areas. Our
local homeschool support group had skating or roller blading as a monthly activity for
many years. Outdoor sports might include fishing, hunting, archery, skiing, swimming,
horseback riding, skateboarding, hiking, and riding bicycles - taking nature walks is a
great family activity, too. Some outdoor sports are available through 4-H; and individual
sports like golf and tennis can even lead to college scholarships. Our son has enjoyed
learning to play ping-pong and bowling. He has been physically challenged in Boy
Scouts and daily lifts weights, runs, or does push-ups. Gymnastics is available in many
areas, as well as classical Ballet for girls. Choose wisely with prayerful consideration the
extracurricular activities that would best suit your children and your family. Some families
allow their children to choose only one or two per semester depending upon their priorities
and the time commitment and/or expense involved.

In our area we are thankful to have an exceptional Boy Scout program with godly
leaders; it isn't that way everywhere. From friends in another state, we have heard
stories about child abuse on camp outs. Also, some alarming information about
Girl Scouts has been brought to our attention. See http://www.afa.net/activism/aa082001.asp
and http://www.cwfa.org/articles/5431/CWA/misc/. Note that American Heritage Girls is a
fairly new organization that seems to be a good alternative to Girl Scouts. See
http://www.ahgonline.org/. Prayerfully consider participation and becoming a leader
yourself if possible.

Keepers at Home for girls and Contenders for the Faith for boys are excellent programs
for earning badges doing worthwhile and educational activities. See these and other
resources at http://www.keepersofthefaith.com/Catalog/Keepers_Books_89.asp.