ENGAGE HEARTS AND MINDSPLANNING WITH YOUTHAUSTIN, TX May 3, 2023
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LARGEST PROVIDER OF YOUTH PROGRAMS IN U.S.
EARLY CHILDHOOD 110,000 kids
9 million kids each yearAFTERSCHOOL600,000 kids
DAY CAMP700,000 campers per summer
DESIRED SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES
Achievement
• Youth feel that their efforts are valued and recognized
• Increased youth perception of self as capable leader
• Increased [youth] sense of self confidence/esteem
• Increased knowledge and awareness of development pathway/progress (youth, staff, families)
Relationships
• Staff have an increased knowledge of each youth’s personality, likes/dislikes, interests
• Families feel informed and included in program and youth development
• Youth feel that they can openly and honestly communicate with staff
• Increased transparency with current & potential community partners
Belonging
• Youth feel valued by peers and staff, part of Afterschool “team”
• Youth feel included in program development and/or delivery
• Increased awareness of diversity, including different perspectives, ideas, and customs.
• Staff feel responsible for youth development
YOUTH LED ACTIVITIES
BUT WHY?
• Helps Youth take responsibility for aspect of the program and their own development
– Think for themselves – Develop Problem Solving Skills– Critically Thinking Skills– Staff and Youth work together to implement suitable activities
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ADORA SVITAK-WHAT ADULTS CAN LEARN FROM KIDS
SIX STEPS TO FACILITATION
FACILITATION SKILLS
STEP 1
• Introduction– Let campers settle down
– Compare the campers ideas of the theme or activity
– Explain the purpose, procedures, goals and time to complete this discussion
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FACILITATION SKILLSSTEP 2
• Gathering – Have campers share their
ideas they consider to be important
– Discuss these ideas that were mentioned and work them into the daily activities
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FACILITATION SKILLS
STEP 3
• Selecting– Give the campers the
ability to select which activities should be cover first
– Joint Decision
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FACILITATION SKILLS
STEP 4
• Handling– Ideas are collected and voices are
heard
– As a group, we compromise and work together
– Decisions are made
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FACILITATION SKILLS
STEP 5
• Planning– Ensure the solutions found
are actually reflective
– Responsibilities need to be assigned
– Work should be divided equally
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FACILITATION SKILLSSTEP 6
• Conclusion– Reflect on your activity
– What was the outcome?
– What did you like?/ Didn’t like?
– How can you alter future activities to accommodate campers feelings?
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RECAPINTRODUCTION GATHERING SELECTING HANDLING PLANNING CONCLUSION
REVISIT YOUR IMPACT STORY
IMPLEMENTING FACILITATION SKILLS
UNDERSTANDING YOUTH-LED ACTIVITIES
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YOUTH-LED ACTIVITY PLANNER
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IMPLEMENTING YOUTH-LED ACTIVITIES
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IN CAMP LESS IS MORE
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IN CAMP LESS IS MORE
THANK YOUAdan Gaona & Jacqueline SalazarYMCA OF [email protected]@austinymca.org