Inspiring Youth:
Youth Development
Because the best way to insure a positive future is to positively impact our youth.
Relationships: The Cornerstone of Impactful Youth Programs
In this session, participants will discover that safety does not just relate to physical safety, but also social and emotional safety. Staff will be empowered with strategies for providing a socially and emotionally safe space for the youth in their programs. In addition, participants will understand the importance of building relationships with youth and how to begin building those relationships. In longer sessions, participants will be introduced to the “relationship equation” learning strategies for connecting with youth in even the smallest ways.
**Program is anchored by youth development best practices
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone new to working with you or looking for a refresher or new ideas
TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding how positive and negative behaviors impact youth
- Understanding and curtailing bias
- Strategies for inclusivity
SUGGESTED TIME
2-3 hours
Pull Them In, Keep Them In: Strategies for Youth Engagement
Participants will learn methods for developing activities where youth are engaged, have the opportunity for self- expression and learn both new knowledge and life skills. Participants will also be introduced to “the hook”: strategies for getting youth excited about activities.
**Program is anchored by youth development best practices
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone new to working with you or looking for a refresher or new ideas
TAKEAWAYS
- The importance of learning in positive youth development
- Intentional skill building ideas
- Providing choice within all activities
SUGGESTED TIME
2 -3 hours for introductory session
Great as a series
Coaching Skills for Youth Workers
Coaching is a methodology used to inspire and empower. In this session, participants will learn how to work with youth as a coach; working in partnership toward a common goal. Participants will learn and practice several coaching skills that can be put into use immediately to improve communication with the youth they serve. Skills may include intuitive listening, empowering questioning, acknowledging, validating and more.
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone who works with youth
TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding the coaching methodology
- Understanding how coaching differs from adult/youth roles
- Several skills for immediate use
SUGGESTED TIME
2 -3 hour initial session
Great as a series
Youth Development Best Practices
*Based on the Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI) framework developed by the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality www.cypq.org
Workshops on the following topics:
- Emotional Safety
- Accommodating Environment
- Warm Welcome
- Session Flow
- Active Engagement
- Skill Building
- Encouragement
- Managing Feelings
- Belonging
- Youth Leadership
- Interaction with Adults
- Youth Planning
- Youth Choice
- Reflection
- Responsibility
**Contact Amy for more details
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone who works with youth. Workshops can be offered at either an introductory level or customized to take the subject matter deeper for experienced staff
TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding of PYD and purpose for PYD strategies
- Each workshop includes a takeaway outlining simple and specific topic-related strategies for immediate use
SUGGESTED TIME
1.5 – 2 hours per workshop
Great as a series
Craft Happy
Say goodbye to “canned” crafts and hello to a home-cooked buffet. Learn how to keep crafting in way that engages more kids, explodes creativity and offers a means for self-expression. Participants will participate in several hands-on activities. Youth development best practices will be emphasized.
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone who works with youth
TAKEAWAYS
- A mind shift into what makes a successful craft project
- How to “anchor” a project
- Several ideas to take and use immediately
SUGGESTED TIME
2 – 3 Hours
Knives, Glitter and Glue Guns
In this session, participants will discover the value of using traditionally “off limits” tools and materials with youth. In addition to teaching valuable life skills, use of these materials builds trust and common respect between youth and adults. In addition to knives, glitter and glue guns, we will use hammers, screw drivers, flour and more. Be prepared to get messy. Youth development best practices will be emphasized.
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone who works with youth
TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding how to build trust through the use of unconventional materials
- Several ideas to take and use immediately
SUGGESTED TIME
2 – 3 Hours
Joy with Junk
Your recycling barrel is loaded with treasures! Learn how to use these unconventional materials to create several highly engaging activities. Participants will learn how to use junk to engage youth in both science and art. Youth development best practices will be emphasized.
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone who works with youth
TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding how to turn recycled materials into projects
- Several ideas to take and use immediately
SUGGESTED TIME
2 – 3 Hours
It Just Takes Two
Great activities don’t require a lot of planning or a lot of expensive materials. In this program, participants will learn how to create a week of activities from just two materials. Several combinations of two will be presented that can be taken back to youth immediately. Participants will then be challenged to create their own take-two activities. Youth development best practices will be emphasized.
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone who works with youth
TAKEAWAYS
- An understanding that less is often more in youth activities
- Several ideas to take and use immediately
SUGGESTED TIME
2 – 3 Hours
Mini Engineers
In this session we will build with Legos, note cards, boxes, junk and more. These projects can then me taken back to youth. Learn how to teach about engineering and important life skills such as perseverance and problem solving through simple building projects. Youth development best practices will be emphasized.
WHO IT’S FOR
Anyone who works with youth
TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding of the engineering process
- Several ideas to take and use immediately
SUGGESTED TIME
2 – 3 Hours