Pro-social environments are crucial for positive development in adolescents. Extracurricular activities are structured leisure environments attended on a voluntary basis, with no obligation to continue participation. The voluntary basis on which adolescents attend extracurricular activities promotes a positive environment of participants who want to further themselves and challenge their interests. This positive environment influences young adolescents' perception of values; if they are learning in a pro-social environment and enjoying the experience, they will continue to pursue their own interests and develop an enhanced reaction to education, peers and their own development.
Adolescents participating in extracurricular activities are using and learning key skills for future development, such as leadership, teamwork, initiative and ownership of their learning and achievements. Extracurricular activities involve students and teachers from their own school. Therefore the extracurricular activities encourage a sense of community among peers. The activities may also discourage negative attitudes toward school in general.
Adolescents develop their skills with the help of positive role models, peers and adults who share the same interests. Conversely, adolescents can easily become bored, which increases the likelihood of drug abuse, delinquent acts and antisocial behavior later in life. Extracurricular activities are delivered to children in a safe environment, away from street corners or negative role models. Adolescents become aware that there are alternatives available to curing boredom other than antisocial behavior.
Adolescents are developing key skills for their future as well as their personal interests. Extracurricular activities allow students to explore options for their future and consider developing their interests further. Moreover, adolescents gain self-esteem. Some adolescents may not be particularly academically inclined, but excel in other activities, such as a specific sport, which are not always included in the regular curriculum. Receiving encouragement increases an adolescent's confidence in his own abilities, reducing negative behavior.