My dad is concerned about socialisation, and he wants me to go to youth group but I'm not christian?

Question

AHHHHH! I'm homeschooling next year, and he wants me to be socialised.. so he's sending me to CHRISTIAN CAMP and is making me go to YOUTH GROUP!! AHHHH! What do I do?? Are there any other opportunities I can do that are secular for socialisation instead? Advice?

Answer 1

Depends where you live but you can get into Community Education classes or sports.  That's how I made the friends I still have to this day (in my 20's).  Usually they are people that share the same interests as you (that's why they signed up for the course/sport) so you'll make friends easily.  If you have a YMCA they have lots of activities too.  If there's somewhere you can volunteer near you that may be an option also.

In honesty, youth groups are a blast.  IThe one I was in was not focused on praying the whole time and acting conservative.  Some of my best memories are of youth group activities like going to amusement parks and baseball games and arcades.  Camp was awesome too, but was definitely more religion focused then youth group.

Answer 2

There are lots of secular opportunities for socialization. Boy/Girl  Scouts, youth volunteering, city-wide sports, YMCA, book clubs, etc. Some school districts will let homeschoolers pay an activities fee so that they can participate in clubs and teams without going to the school itself.

I would check around your area on google and see what is available, then present your Dad with alternatives to these camps. You won't get anywhere by just whining about it - do the research and provide your dad with other social activities you'd rather do (and that might save him money - those camps can be expensive).

If you end up at the Christian camp, don't sweat it. Many Christians are very open-minded and you'll learn alot about the faith and its values by being directly exposed to it. Attendance doesn't mean that they'll set out to make you become Christian or be disliked because you are not Christian.

Answer 3

Look around for a homeschool support group in your area.  Some are mainly Christian, but other are "inclusive" (they don't exclude anybody for their beliefs).  They probably have social activities as well as classes or academic activities.  Some have their own sports teams, Scout troops, and/or clubs like 4-H and others.  Try www.hslda.org and see if they have a support group listed for your area.  Or ask your librarian -- librarians usually know who the homeschoolers are!

A bowling alley in our area has a certain Friday each month designated for homeschoolers.  A certain price for a certain time, and a slice of pizza and a drink, all for the certain price.  Good place to meet other homeschoolers.

Answer 4

Keep a diary for a week showing every time you've spoken to someone. That should show Dad that you are not deprived of conversation, and can manage not only to talk to your friends, but also to little old ladies and small children at the supermarket.

Do a google search on your town to find out what other clubs and groups are available. There must be something other than youth group! Consider trying to coerce your dad into joining the SCA with you. It's fun, educational and chivalry is encouraged. That means the guys are, as a rule, quite gentlemanly and educated people. Just an extra bonus I thought I'd mention ;)