The Power of Third Space Activites for Youth
You already do so much for your kids. You show up, you ask questions, you pay attention. So here's something worth knowing and it might be simpler than you think.
Research shows that when young people are regularly connected to positive activities outside of school like a sports team, a 4-H club, a theater group, a scouting troop, they are less likely to experiment with alcohol and tobacco. Not because they're busier (though that helps), but because they're more connected. They have people counting on them. They have something they care about. They belong somewhere.
Researchers call these "prosocial third-place activities". Activities that happen in a third space, not home and not school, but somewhere in between. And that third place? It can be one of the most powerful things in a young person's life.
We've put together a directory of youth activity organizations across Sauk County. It's a starting point, not an exhaustive list, and we try to update it regularly.
Whether your child is drawn to sports, the arts, animals, the outdoors, or something hands-on and creative, there's likely something in your community ready to welcome them.
More about Third Spaces
Think about the kids you know who are most resilient. Resilient kids handle hard moments with more confidence and have a strong sense of who they are. Chances are, many of them have a thing: a sport, a club, a creative outlet, a mentor they look up to.
That's not a coincidence. When young people participate in organized, positive activities with caring adults outside the home, research shows they tend to:
- Build stronger friendships with peers who share their values and interests. This kind of social connection matters when peer pressure shows up.
- Develop confidence and a sense of purpose. They learn they're good at something, that they belong somewhere, and that others are counting on them.
- Have fewer unstructured hours after school. Unstructured hours are the window of time when experimentation with risky behaviors like drinking alcohol or trying a vape is most likely to happen.
- Grow skills like teamwork, accountability, and resilience that carry them through adolescence and beyond.
Here's one way to think about it: a kid who has practice tonight, a project due Thursday, and a performance coming up next month has something to look forward to and something worth protecting. The benefits come from participation, connection, and consistency and not trophies.
Follow your child's curiosity. Let them lead. A kid who chose their own activity is much more likely to stick with it and to build the genuine friendships and confidence that make a difference. And remember — they don't need to be the star. The perfect fit isn't about being the best; it's about finding a place where they feel like they belong.
Look for a caring adult in the mix. One of the strongest protective factors researchers have found is a consistent, positive relationship with a trusted adult outside the family: a coach, a club leader, a mentor. Look for programs where adults really know the kids by name.
Give it a few weeks. Belonging takes a little time. Encourage your child to commit for at least a month before deciding something isn't for them.
Don't let expenses deter you. Many programs have scholarships or reduced fees — you often just need to ask activity organizers. Don't rule something out without making that call.
We'd love to hear from you. Contact us at p4psauk@saukcountywi.gov
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