SPARC National Conference 2024

Now more than ever, relational skills like co-regulation, perspective taking, problem solving and self-expression are critical to handling interactions with campers, students, staff, and colleagues. On a larger scale, these skills inform the leadership and stewardship of a functional and thriving community culture.
Come and learn more about the ways in which the basic tenets of brain anatomy can provide a roadmap to good coaching/training, program development, behavior management, and more. Hands-on skill practice and an accessible, simple model of the relevant neuroscience basics will guide our time together so you can leave with practical tools to share!

This session we delve into the multifaceted world of afterschool programming. From success stories to stumbling blocks, we'll explore the full spectrum of experiences in creating and maintaining effective afterschool programs. In "The Good," we'll showcase successful models of afterschool programs that have made a tangible impact on students' lives and communities. Through case studies and real-world examples, participants will gain insights into what makes these programs thrive and how they can replicate these successes in their own contexts. Transitioning to "The Bad," we'll confront the challenges and obstacles commonly faced in afterschool programming. From limited resources and funding constraints to staffing issues and logistical hurdles, we'll address the tough realities that practitioners encounter and offer strategies for overcoming them. Finally, we'll confront "The Ugly" when your vision for afterschool programming clashes with the school's vision or other stakeholders' expectations. Through interactive discussions and scenario-based exercises, participants will learn how to navigate conflicts, build consensus, and advocate effectively for their vision while aligning with broader organizational goals.

Most schools face increasing pressures to increase sources of non-tuition revenue. And for many Directors of Auxiliary Programs, the mandate falls squarely on your shoulders. What are new ways you are using to find additional revenue for your school? Come to this discussion ready to share ideas and brainstorm strategies that lead to an increased financial growth!

Explore the essential stages of the employee life cycle and learn how to build thriving teams from start to finish. This 75-minute session, led by HR expert Krystal Speed, will guide you through effective hiring practices, comprehensive onboarding, impactful mentorship, and continuous professional development. Get strategies for enhancing employee well-being, boosting retention, and driving engagement. Learn how to support your staff at every stage of their journey, fostering a productive and positive work environment.

Discover how to create exceptional workplaces through powerful collaboration with your HR team and/or business office. This session will cover 6 transformative strategies, from tech optimization and aligning goals to enhancing employee well-being and promoting an inclusive work environment. Gain practical insights on how to collaborate well with your HR team to advance your program’s goals. Led by HR expert Krystal Speed, you’ll leave with actionable tips to elevate your leadership, collaboration with HR, and the keys for building a thriving work environment.

What do you do when an instructor falls asleep behind a piano during a camp? What if you need to remove a camper for the rest of the week due to disruptive behavior? In this session, we will look at and discuss situations that can arise with staff members or families and different ways to handle them.

Excel and Google Sheets are powerful tools that you can use to help you make decisions, plan for daily logistics and organize your data for a more streamlined communication and effective partnership with the business office, admissions department, and other stakeholders in your school. Using a case study format, this session will provide examples, templates, helpful formulas, and formatting tools to organize all of your auxiliary program data! 

Please bring your computer as this will be an interactive session working with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Although not required, having any financial records available may be useful for reference while we work through the session. You will not be asked to share your financials with anyone during the session.

In today's dynamic auxiliary landscape, adaptability is key to thriving. Organizational change is not just inevitable but essential for growth and sustainability. This presentation explores the strategies and principles behind effective change management. From understanding the need for change to implementing strategies that foster employee buy-in and organizational resilience, we delve into the intricacies of navigating transformational journeys. Join us as we uncover the tools and techniques necessary to lead your auxiliary portfolio through change with confidence and achieve lasting success in an ever-evolving world.

Welcome to an immersive workshop where we transform after-school programs into vibrant hubs of hands-on exploration and learning! Join us as we delve into the art of fostering dynamic learning experiences during extension programs, whether after-school programming or summer camp. Get ready to infuse your sessions with creativity, engagement, and interactive activities that spark curiosity and inspire discovery! In this workshop, you'll learn: innovative strategies to make after-school programs come alive with hands-on learning; techniques for fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive environment; and how to hire for an engaging, supportive, hands-on after-school program instructor. You’ll leave with ten easy and inexpensive one–hour projects to enhance your after-school programs and keep participants eager to come back for more! You'll also and learn how to find, evaluate, and create step-by-step instructions for future projects. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, dive into creativity, and transform your after-school programs into unforgettable adventures of learning and fun!