When children are literally up to their gills with the learning and sports activities in school, it may seem superfluous to enroll them for after-school activities. In spite of this, after-school programs are sprouting up in large numbers and most of these are booked full. This shows that there is a real need for after-school activities.

The unavailability of parental supervision is the leading cause for the surge in after school activities. It is seen that many children spend about 20-25 hours a week unsupervised and alone at home.

And as the saying goes, "An idle mind is a devil's workshop". Children who are left alone to contend with too much free time invariably fall into the wrong company.

Drug abuse, alcohol, tobacco and crime come knocking at their doors sooner rather than later. Parents enroll children to various after school programs to keep them occupied in a productive manner. This way, the kids are free to enjoy themselves in a supervised activity.

Crime is considered to be at its peak during the after school hours, between 3- 4 p.m. During such a time, children need protection. Getting the children together under one roof and encouraging them to participate in a group activity is protection enough. It diverts the children from ennui too.