Ways for Gifted to Find Friends

After I read about the unhappy gifted boy in fifth grade who had no male friends in his very small class because he wasn't into sports, I wanted to send you some ideas that worked really well in our family. My husband and I were gifted, so we had some insight and did some preventive care in the social area, combining it with the overall needs of our son.
Our son is in third grade. We have him in Cub Scouts, and that gives him an intellectual, practical, physical and social outlet. A boy in fifth grade would be ready to start Boy Scouts soon. He could find that some of his classmates are involved, giving them some common ground. Summer day camp could also work in the same way.
Another biggie is karate. Without team competition, it can be entered at any time, provide physical exercise and build confidence. Once again, there might even be overlap with classmates.
If this boy could also pick up a musical instrument that would lend itself to marching, there could be long-term social and physical benefits. Band members tend to be smart and stick together. Their practices require dedication and physical exertion. In band, my husband even learned about football and basketball by attending the games.
Answer: As your letter shows, there are other ways for children to bond with their classmates beyond sports activities.