Your kid joined a club. Now what?
In 9th grade, I encourage students to try a few clubs and give themselves time to settle in. Joining because a friend is going is a perfectly good reason to start. By 10th grade, though, I want to hear about something they’ve taken responsibility for.
I’ve started describing this to families with a boat analogy. A freshman might begin as a passenger, attending meetings and learning how things work. As they get more comfortable, they become a sculler and help row by taking on a job the group needs done. Eventually, they may become the skipper, helping decide what the group does and organizing the people who will make it happen. That progression takes time, which is why the early years matter.
In business club, a freshman might help set up for pitch night. The following year, they could keep track of which teams have registered and follow up with anyone who’s missing information. They’ll get to know the older students, see what goes into running the event, and have a better idea of what they could take on next year. That’s a reasonable way to grow into a leadership role.
Families sometimes get ahead of this and start asking about becoming president or captain immediately after joining. I’d first ask what their kid would like to do for the group. A team captain might organize a welcome afternoon for incoming freshmen or coordinate a fundraiser to help pay for a tournament trip. Those responsibilities give students experience working with people and following through when others are counting on them.
By now, most clubs have met a few times, so this is a good week to ask how they’re going. Is your kid interested in what happens at the meetings? Are they learning something and enjoying the people? If they’ve given an activity a fair try and still dread attending, it’s fine to leave. A freshman stretched across six clubs may need help choosing where to spend their time.
For the activity they’re enjoying most, help them think of one small job they could offer to do. Let them approach the club leader themselves, then check back in a month. They’ll have something specific to tell you about, and you’ll get a better sense of where they’re finding their place.
🗓️ NYC Opportunities
Every issue, we'll point you toward specific NYC programs, deadlines, and events that help your student explore what they're actually curious about and build the kind of depth colleges are looking for. Here's what's worth your attention this week:
1. Whitney Halloween Teen Night
For teens | Friday, October 30, 2026, 4 to 7 p.m. | Free | Whitney Museum, Manhattan
The Whitney’s Halloween Teen Night combines gallery visits with printmaking, music, and time to meet other teens. This year’s activities draw on Roy Lichtenstein’s work, with a printmaking workshop led in collaboration with Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop. Art materials, refreshments, and museum admission are included. Registration is required.
Why it’s worth a look: A good choice for a student who enjoys drawing or comics and wants to try printmaking in a relaxed setting. They can bring a friend and spend an afternoon making something together. Learn more and register
2. Open Teen Tech Lab, NYC FIRST
NYC FIRST Age group: Ages 12 to 18 When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Cambria Heights Library, 218-13 Linden Boulevard, Queens
Membership: Free; a Queens Public Library card is also required Students can explore LEGO robotics kits, 3D printing, computers, and other equipment at the library’s NYC FIRST STEM Center. No advance booking is required for this session. Families should arrange the free STEM Center membership and required consent paperwork before visiting. View the session calendar
Why it matters: Robotics can be difficult to explore when a student’s school has no team or equipment. This gives them access to tools and people who can help them get started. The center also has regular open hours, so a student who enjoys the first visit can return to develop a project over time
3. Wetlab Look-ins, Hudson River Park
Age group: All ages
When: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 3 to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Pier 40 Wetlab, Manhattan Join a drop in tour of Hudson River Park’s research aquarium with its River Project team. Visitors can see local wildlife, including oyster toadfish, lined seahorses, and blue crabs. The aquarium houses animals collected through the park’s ongoing Fish Ecology Survey, giving students a close look at species living in their own city. Learn more and plan your visit
Why it matters: A student interested in marine biology can speak with the team about how they study the Hudson and what they learn from collecting fish. It’s a manageable first outing before pursuing a longer environmental program. Encourage your kid to arrive with a question about an animal or research method they want to understand.
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