It's not a matter of "Recording Volunteer hours". That's like claiming Tithing to your church on your taxes. It doesn't really count as a donation to the church if you're trying to get the government to reimburse you part of it. Well volunteering is the same. The "Reward" isn't in saying that you have 200 hours. But you can definitely put such numbers on your application and in the areas that ask about extra curricular activities. My son was in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Volunteering was part of his classes. But when he did his application for the academy, he didn't write down HOURS. He simply said what he volunteered at over the years.
As for if your activities seem enough or not; I really can't answer that. Only you can.
1. Are they the activities that you WANT/LIKE to do?
2. Do you have time for other activities?
3. Are there other activities you're interested in?
4. Are you doing or interested in any leadership roles in these activities?
Depending on the answers will tell you if the quantity of activities you are participating in is enough. If you're trying to figure out a certain list of activities, a certain number of, or which one is better than another; I can't help you with that. Maybe someone can.
Remember; while there are approximately 10,000 applicants trying to get one of 1400 appointments; and all the applicants are from all 50 states as well as a number of countries; you ALL have one thing in common when it comes to extra curricular activities. This is NOT negotiable and not up for debate. YOU ALL HAVE EXACTLY 24 HOURS IN A DAY. And with a minor variation in the amount of time you spend in classes/school; most everyone pretty much as the same amount of time from the time school gets out until you have to go back the next day. So students are trying to do 3-4 activities at the same time. They are doing sports, clubs, church, scouting, etc.... Others do 2-3 per semester. My son ALWAYS did sports; he also did NHS. That left him time for maybe volunteering in the fall; (He liked teaching elementary school kids how to read); and possibly helping the elderly or veterans programs in the spring. The point is; it doesn't really matter how MANY activities you do. You all have the same amount of hours in a day. It's a matter of what you do with those activities. Are you the secretary of the NHS? Are you a captain on the football or soccer team? Are you an officer in the FBLA? Just pick the activities that you like. Make sure you have enough time to either have multiple activities throughout the year; or just a couple all the time. And be involved with it because you like it.
And not that it matters, but my son was NEVER in scouting, NEVER in CAP, NEVER in JrROTC, NEVER in a whole lot of activities that people think give you an edge in BCT and getting into the academy. Yet, he received his appointment the first week of November and is in the class of 2012. And as a side note; having spoken with NUMEROUS cadets who are at or graduated from the academy; those that seemed to do really well in BCT and their 4 degree year had 2 activities in common that MANY said prepared them the most for surviving BCT and that first year. Those who did "2 a day" sports like football, basketball, soccer, etc.... where you are pushed SO FAR that you become brain dead and you move out of reflex. And those in Marching band who were also trained to move by repetition and without thinking. Following everyone else and being part of a team, yet barely thinking past your own brain. I've asked individuals who were in CAP and JrROTC how they were prepared. Most said the academy is NOTHING like CAP or JrROTC and it didn't prepare them for anything.
I only bring it up because I want people to be involved in activities that they like, are passionate about, will excel in, and have fun in their youth. That's also what the academy wants. Don't think that there is some magic list that exists and has a bunch of check boxes. (If I complete everything on this list, then I WILL receive an appointment). Sorry, but no such list exists.
