SNACCMS: Sports, Nature, Arts, Culture, Clubs, Music, Spirituality
These activities, when done with a positive and relational orientation, have all been proven by many studies to improve brain development in children. The term SNACCMS is intended to expand the concept of extracurricular activities. Like building “moral fiber”, SNACCMS can help increase brain volume, brain function, emotional regulation, enhance critical thinking skills, promote curiosity, and enhance children’s ability to consider other peoples feelings and needs. SNACCMS promote opportunities for children to experience neural integration and mastery.
Below is starter list of SNACCMS ideas, of course the possibilities are endless. Professionals may suggest to parent-clients that they start a brainstorming log of SNACCMS options available in their communities, and then find activities that interest both the parent and child.
SPORTS
Soccer
Baseball, softball, T-Ball
Basketball
Gymnastics
Football (may or may not be positive and relational focused)
Lacrosse
Tennis
BMX
Skateboarding
Skiing
Games, chess, board games
Specialty summer camps
NATURE
Organized
Boy/Girl scouts
National and other parks often offer various programs for kids
Science Centers offer kid programs
Unorganized
Hiking
Hunting, fishing
Nature observation, tracking, animals, birds, insects, plants, geology
Weather observation
Geology hunts
ARTS
Library activities: reading, shows
Block Fest, math-based activities for young children.
Art galleries
Fine arts centers
Art parks, art walks
Painting/drawing/sculpture/photography
CULTURE
Native American events/museums/YouTube history shows
Museums
History
CLUBS
Local clubs are available for many interesting activities
Volunteering, www.volunteeringinamerica.gov
MUSIC
Any instrument
Drumming events
Music festivals (especially with a learning objective target)
Exploring the sounds of nature
SPIRITUALITY
Churches offer many kid activities
Exploring alternate religions with curiosity and acceptance (promotes acceptance generally)
Mindfulness activities
Yoga, Tai Chi, martial arts (with spirituality focus)
Other activities:
CAREER PREPARATION
Offering support, information, advice, verbal encouragement, imagining a future
Visiting career related places
Spending time at a workplace
TRAVEL (theme and education oriented)
Tour your state/region exploring a topic, like geology, Native American history, pioneer history, museums, industry, park environments.
Shakespeare plays at the replicated Globe Theaters in Ashland, Oregon and Cedar City, Utah.
Visit Universal Studios, and make a theme of exploring the movie/entertainment industry.
What are your ideas? We would like to hear about them.