Young people are more affected by what we do and how we act than by what we say. In our afterschool programs, we have the opportunity to be role models for honesty, kindness and respect, especially in our communication with each other as adults. In this workshop, we will explore how to supervise and collaborate with staff in a way that creates solutions instead of punishment and encouragement instead of fear, embodying the values we wish to instill in young people.

Many programs aimed at elementary and middle school-aged children hire teens as part of their staff. While these young people have responsibilities, they also need special support and assistance to help them succeed. This workshop helps adult staff supervise and work with youth staff to support their development and the success of the program.

It is often what goes unsaid that impedes our progress. This workshop will cover developing open communication, running participant-driven meetings and workshops where people really speak their minds and hearts.

If you ask a young person why they attend an after school program most will say ‘because of the staff’. After school programs can be a place where young people seek solace, support and guidance, and where they can participate in informal and planned activities. Who you hire to take on these roles will contribute to the success of your program. In this workshop we will discuss the skills and qualities that successful staff members have and the types of program models that will help programs meet their staffing goals.

Successful leaders don’t know just one style of leadership- they are skilled at several and have the flexibility to switch between styles as circumstances change. In this workshop, participants will learn the use and value of different leadership styles, and explore using them in the everyday context of afterschool programs.

Afterschool program directors are not only managers, they are also staff developers. In this workshop, participants will explore strategies for designing and facilitating staff development workshops that bring out the best in all staff.

This workshop will help site directors build strong and open communities that are inclusive of staffs’ diverse talents, backgrounds and interests. When staff are encouraged to bring their whole selves to the job, everyone benefits – especially the kids. This workshop will cover developing open communication, running participant-driven meetings and workshops where people really speak their minds and hearts, and creating dynamic program activities based on the skills and talents of staff and the interests and needs of children.

Summer programs provide unique opportunities for young people to learn about and interact with the world around them through activities and trips not offered during the regular school year. Planning an engaging and effective summer program requires thoughtful preparation to ensure that young people are safe, engaged and having fun all summer long. This training will help participants understand the importance of providing intentional summer learning opportunities based on research related to "summer learning loss". Participants will leave with concrete ideas for specific trips and engaging indoor and outdoor activities they can incorporate into their summer program.

This workshop focuses on how to be an effective adult mentor for young people, using the model that mentors should encourage young people to build on their strengths, equip them to tackle areas in need of improvement, and enable them to achieve ongoing success.