Joining a club has many benefits for children and adults alike. If the club has activities the whole family can do together, that’s even better. Clubs can help children develop social skills, make new friends, and create connections throughout their community. 

Along with the social aspect, clubs have other practical benefits. Joining a club centered on a hobby, sport, or other interest can help people improve their skills or learn something new. Many clubs involve some type of competition as well, and learning how to win or lose gracefully is a vital part of a child’s development. Pursuing activities in a group setting fosters feelings of competence and increases self-esteem.

Fortunately, there are many clubs available in and around the Chanhassen, Minnesota, area. With just a little searching, you can find one to fit your family’s interests or help you learn something new. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Credit River Comets 4-H Club

“kids 4-H shirt” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by KSRE Photo

The 4-H organization has been in existence for over 100 years. Since 1914, it has been operated by the Cooperative Extension System at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in partnership with over 100 public universities all over the nation. Although many people associate 4-H with “farm kids” and agriculture-related activities, it focuses on three program areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement. Local 4-H programs provide hands-on educational activities, encourage diversity, and develop leadership skills.

The Credit River Comets 4-H Club is based in Prior Lake and is open to children between the ages of 5 and 19. Activities include outings such as ice skating and bowling, service projects, game nights, and more. To find out more about your local 4-H club, visit the University of Minnesota Extension website. 

Chanhassen Stormbots

Kids in grades nine through 12 with an interest in STEM might be interested in the Chanhassen Stormbots Club. Club members meet to learn about robotics and build robots that compete in a variety of challenges. It’s part of the FIRST Community, a global organization dedicated to advancing STEM education. Participants develop skills in robot assembly, fabrication, wiring, and programming. They also improve teamwork, fundraising, time management, and leadership skills.

To find out more about the Stormbots, or to join, visit the club’s website. Prospective members must create an account, apply to a FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST Robotics Competition team, then register through Chanhassen High School. All information about the club is available on the website.

Girl Scouts River Valleys

Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts are about so much more than selling cookies. Fulfilling their mission statement of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, the organization welcomes all girls from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Programming includes camping and other outdoor adventures, skills and merit badges, service projects, and more in a diverse, inclusive environment. Troops are organized by age groups, from Daisies for the youngest girls through Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors. Meetings are typically held twice a month, along with at least one summer activity. Financial assistance is available so that there are no economic barriers to participation. Find out more about Girl Scouting and locate a troop near you at the Girl Scouts River Valleys website. 

Chanhassen Boy Scouts

There are three opportunities for children who are interested in joining Boy Scouts in Chanhassen. For the younger set, Chanhassen Cub Scout Pack 303 welcomes both boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade. The organization is family-oriented, and other family members are encouraged to participate alongside their Cub Scout. The organization promotes the 10 purposes of Cub Scouting, which include character development, spiritual growth, sportsmanship, and friendly service, among others. 

Boys in grades 6 through 12 may join Troop 3330, and girls may join Troop 5330, the first girls’ troop in the district. Troop activities include weekly meetings, participation in community events, camping adventures, and merit badges, as well as the progression in rank from Tenderfoot to Eagle. For information on any of these groups, visit the Lake Minnetonka District website.

Southwest Twin Cities Mom Collective Neighborhood Group

Motherhood is beautiful and fulfilling, but it always helps to have a supportive community. The Southwest Twin Cities Mom Collective Neighborhood Group is run by a volunteer group of local moms called “mombassadors.” They plan and host playdates and moms’ night out events with the goal of forging friendships so moms can help each other through all aspects of parenting. The central Twin Cities Mom Collective website provides even more valuable assistance such as a guide to summer camps, a guide to indoor play areas, and other resources, including a weekly newsletter.

Southwest Metro Card and Board Games Meetup

Whether you are obsessed with playing card or board games or just enjoy the occasional match, adult gamers are welcome to join the Southwest Metro Card and Board Games Meetup. With over 300 members, this group hosts open game nights twice a week at coffee shops and breweries. Games include classic favorites such as Monopoly and Clue, complicated strategy games such as Risk and Settlers of Catan, and more. Find out more at the club’s page on Meetup.com.

Chanhassen eSports League

Many people enjoy video games as a casual pastime, but for others, the gameplay is serious and competitive. Organized multiplayer video game competitions are growing in popularity, and Chanhassen residents have a unique opportunity to join a local league. Gamers from age 7 and up can participate in gaming events that are secure and monitored, hosted by Blaze Fire Games. Gameplay is done remotely at home on your gaming console and includes three matches per week for a five-week period. Top competitors are invited for a sixth week of gameplay. Winners earn trophies and game merchandise gift cards. Register for an eSports Club League through the City of Chanhassen website.

Residents of Chanhassen, Minnesota, are fortunate because there are so many opportunities to join clubs that suit everyone’s individual interests. Whether you want to learn something new, polish your skills, or just spend time socializing and making new friends, joining a club can enrich your life. Have a club we didn’t mention? Contact us and let us know!