several areas. Exam grades are very important, but so are the after­school activities. By taking part in these activities, students show their special talents, their ability to lead, and their ability to get on with others.

　　Competitive sports, for example, baseball, are probably the most popular of all the after­school activities. This is because, for many American parents, it is important that their children, particularly boys, learn how to compete successfully. Young people are encouraged to take part in team sports such as football and basketball, since these games teach you to have the "winning spirit". For some students and their parents, high school sport is considered more important than academic achievements.

　　During the long summer holidays, it is a custom for American children to spend several weeks at summer camps. There are thousands of camps, and they can be found all over the country. What these camps offer is an opportunity to take part in many different kinds of outdoor activities, for example, horse riding and water skiing. Older teenagers are more likely to get summer jobs or go camping with a group of friends. Many go backpacking in the mountains of the west.

　　课外活动

　　在美国，社交能力的培养被看作和智力水平的培养同等重要。为了帮助学生培养这些社交技能，学校安排大量的课外活动，即在教室里上完课后进行的活动。当决定接受哪些学生时，雇主和大学都寻找那些在多个领域有技能的学生。考试成绩很重要，但是课外活动也很重要。通过参加这些活动，学生们展示自己的特殊才能、领导能力以及与他人相处的能力。

　　竞技体育运动，比如棒球，可能是所有课外活动中最流行的。这是因为，对许多美国父母来说，他们的孩子，尤其是男孩子，学习如何成功地竞争是很重要的。年轻人被鼓励参与团队性的体育运动，比如足球和篮球，因为这些运动教你拥有"胜利精神"。对一些学生和他们的父母来说，高中体育运动比学术成就更重要。

　　在漫长的暑假期间，在夏令营度过几个星期已成为美国孩子的习惯。有数千个营地，在国家的各个地方都能找到。这些野营提供的是参加各种不同的户外活动的机会，例如骑马和滑水运动。年龄稍大的孩子更有可能找份暑期工作或者和一帮朋友去野营。许多人到西部山区背包旅行。