I enjoy being a leader to my two masonic youth groups; DeMolay which teaches young men ages 12-21 and Job's Daughters which teaches young women ages 10-20.  Both organizations encourage children to be confident leaders in their community. 

I encourage all parents to have their children in a social organization outside of his/her school.  It allows children to have a group of friends who they can depend on when things are not quite right at school.  The younger participants learn from the older participants, and an instant mentor/mentee, big brother/sister relationship forms.  It can be Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or 4H, whatever the interests are of the child.  Team sports are good for a season, but the players change even from year to year.  Our children are disingaged from each other and their parents.  A social organization is a great way to participate with your child in an activity they enjoy.  But when you volunteer in your child's youth group, you get back so much more!  Everyone has an hour or two they can donate of their time each week and it will show in your child's attitude.