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I was thinking side jobs as a referee for kids sports, after a few classes you get to be in the middle of excitement but aren't obligated all the time. He can pick HS which might be more enjoyable.

When we were young adults we played tag with cb's and cars, there was a set range based on street names and every other car/team had to give clues as to the location and couldn't move, one person would be it and so it went. Once you were found you joined the finder squad- can't tell you how much fun it was. Not sure if it's still done but starting a club can't be hard, the world if full of bored young adults. with cell phones now so much easier just leave a hands free open line and play

Volunteering is wonderful. I have really enjoyed buying groceries and visiting with the people who use "Meals on Wheels" but if he wants to connect with people in his age range maybe look for a nearby VA to help younger disabled veterans.
 
I have three sons,,all young adults

One loves radio controlled models--especially helicopters.

One likes hiking /sketching/reading/swimming

One drives me crazy with wood working and wood repurposing/refinishing (he actually taught himself using youtube videos) and has made some great things like a Pine Country Harvest table and benches.

ALL three spend way tooo much time with online computer gaming ,,but I know it's their life.

In my area local Colleges and Recreation centers usually have all sorts of hobbies listed.

Best wishes to him!
Hugs Mel
 

That sounds like a lot of fun. How would you suggest a beginner get into those sports? (Hope it's okay I'm jumping in here to ask!)

My dad actually got me into it a few years back, Inhave always enjoyed watching MMA so he figured I would to train! You can look for schools online, I go to a Renzo Gracie Jiu jitsu academy, there are a lot of different ones. I would suggest trying out a class if you can before making a commitment, try to find a school that has a family friendly vibe :) I do the boxing/Muay Thai during private lessons. The workout is intense and I'm also able to defend myself :). I was nervous at first that I would get hurt, but I've been going for about 2 1/2 years or so and haven't been hurt once, other than my muscles being sore lol.
 
In that case, I'd just shrug my shoulders and say to him "Well, I guess you'll have to figure something out on your own". And I'd let it go.
Ummm,yeah. Let the young man discover what he likes to do on his own-That doesn't stop you from tossing ideas at him, but it sounds like as a parent you're pretty much picking and choosing for him... this is too (whatever),nope,that's too (whatever) nope,that's too noisy,nope this is his sisters' hobby(?) Nope dad says no rodents in cages(?!) Our kids pretty much chose what they liked to do,and they did,with assistance from me if needed, I haven't 'chosen' a hobby for my kids since they were preteen age....if that means lots of computer time if they love that,then so be it.
 
If he is excellent in Math - how about tutoring young kids? School/library/their home? Just another thought.
 
What about moving? Sounds like where he lives is just an extremely boring place for a 23 year old. Why stay there if he's not tied down and there is nothing to do. His neighbors don't sound great either. I know he has a job but maybe move somewhere more exciting & commute.
 
How about walking the dogs at his local animal shelter? Would give him doggie time and exercise!

I wouldn't let him pish pish volunteering with different ages, after all, senior citizens have granddaughters ;). Volunteering to help coach a middle school or even elementary team would give him the knowledge and network to move up.

He must have many local, state, and maybe even national parks nearby, he could start a log and even blog. One sticker will usually get you in for the whole year, and they are wonderful to explore (and more exercise).

A part time job might seem like a bit much, but he's at a prime age for socking away savings and letting it grow, especially since he doesn't have the responsibility of a wife and family yet.

I feel for him, I know a LOT of young men in his situation (since I work at a technical college). If they don't hang out at bars, or have a girlfriend/wife/family, it can be pretty slim pickings in a small town.

Terri
 
In terms of volunteering, is there a Habitat for Humanity chapter somewhere in the area? He may be interested in something that's more physical or logistical in nature where you can actually see the direct, tangible benefit firsthand vs activities that are more about personal/social interaction.
 
Hi,
I know you said he lives in a small town but even our small town has an animal shelter. They have volunteers come in daily to walk the dogs. It would be a great way to connect with some dogs that desperately need the attention without having to pay vet bills.
 
My new hobby is collecting sea glass and sea shells. I dream of turning the glass into jewerly but lack the knoweldge or committment. Is there an adult learning center nearby? We had a great one locally that had all sorts of interesting classes. Some met once, some for several weeks.
 
I'm assuming since he's bored, he might like activities that would get him out and around other younger folks, so my suggestions are geared towards that:

Running

Hiking

Camping

Mountain Biking

Gardening (look for a community garden? There's also a concept called Guerrilla gardening...)

Genealogy (Ok, this one might not get him out around so many young people, but it can be infinitely interesting. I spent a LOT of my free time over the better part of year researching my mother's family background. You'd be amazed what you can do with a subscription to a couple of basic websites, Google and a local Mormon Family Search center. If you don't want to pay for the subscription sites you can also often get access to them for free at your local library. Oh - and in my case, I needed Google Translate - I had to write some emails in Polish to get records for one branch. They may not have been perfect, but they were good enough for the folks on the other end to understand what I was looking for!)

While you can certainly spend lots of money on these activities if you have it, you can also get started cheaply in all of them.
 
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Since he already works out, running some races might be a good one. Not the cheapest, but if he stays with local races and not Disney ones it shouldn't break the bank. He might meet some new active people that way as well (of all ages, but probably some younger ones as well). But ultimately he's going to have to have something spark for him on his own.
 
Big Brothers/Big Sisters come to mind - after all he was a lifelong Boy Scout, apparently.
Join the local ham radio club?
Not much else to offer above what's already been suggested (great suggestions, IMHO).
 
His town doesn't have anything... have you ever cut through these side road towns in Florida on the way to Orlando... that is the type of town he lives in.
Google this --The Quarry Golf Course in Brooksville, FL - Disc Golf Course Review, which also shows nearby courses
 















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