Wednesday April 26, 2023
Main Stage Event
(11am ET; 10am CT; 9am MT; 8am PT)
Each day kicks off with a fun opening session that will set the stage for what follows the rest of the day. The keynote address will follow the opening, with opportunity for Q & A with the keynote speaker.
Today’s Emcee: Dr. Kimberly Holmes, Alabama A & M University
Today’s Context Setter, Dr. Mary Arnold, National 4-H Council
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Laurie Browne, American Camp Association
Today on the main stage we welcome Dr. Laurie Browne, Director of Research at the American Camp Association to deliver the keynote address.
Reflection Voices
(1pm ET, Noon CT, 11am MT; 10am PT)
After a short break we will join back in the main stage session for some fun and interactive reflection on the keynote and what it means for how we help youth thrive at camp.
Capacity Building Sessions
2:30pm ET (1:30pm CT; 12:30pm MT; 11:30am PT)
Choose from one of five peer-reviewed professional capacity-building sessions selected to help you enhance your PYD expertise in a camp setting. All sessions will be recorded and archived for you to view later, so you don’t have to worry about missing out!
Session One Title: How to Design Absorbing, Immersive, and Inclusive Experiences for New Campers
Presenters: Allen Taggart, Oregon State University; Darlene Locke, Texas A&M University; Gary Ellis, Texas A&M University; Alexandra Skrocki, Clemson University
Session Abstract: Many families are becoming increasingly eager to get their children outdoors. Many youth are new to the world of overnight camping, and may feel nervous or even apathetic about attending a camp they were signed up for. How can camp staff and counselors help kindle sparks for these youth to thrive? One promising solution has been found in using the theory of structured experience (TSE) to design camp programs. TSE has been used in youth development programs as well as within the recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries to design, deliver, and evaluate engaging, immersive, and absorbing experiences.
Session Two Title: Why Can’t You All Just Get Along? (Social Skill Development at Camp)
Presenters: Emily Golinsky, Bright Moose LLC
Session Abstract: Some kids are social butterflies – and others might be better described as social awkward tacos. For youth struggling with lagging social skills, navigating the camp experience can be stressful, tiring and ostracizing (in other words, exactly the opposite of what the brochure told Mom it would be!) This session covers the basics of setting up children for social success, (including WHY it can be challenging for some youth) and teaches several techniques staff can use to encourage friendship building, scaffold camper interactions, and help “those kids” get out of their own way and make friends at camp!
Session Three Title: 4-H Weather and Climate Science Camp
Presenters: Miracle Rabon, Clemson University
Session Abstract: The program mission is to train youth to be informed weather reporters for their community. I will be sharing what worked in my county in the summer of 2022. In the coastal city of Myrtle Beach, hurricane season is the main concern for its residents. During the summer of 2022, 26 junior and senior-aged youth participated in a three-day camp held at the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach. Each day was packed with lessons and guest speakers. The mission it to educate and prepare youth and their families for natural disaster situations that may arise in their community.
Session Four Title: Where does the Soup go? Lessons Learned From an Anxious Kid at Camp
Presenters: Amanda Wahle, University of Maryland
Session Abstract: I was given a gift when my son attended camp for the first time-that gift came in the form of tears, fear, and overwhelming anxiety. It was a heart-wrenching experience to see my favorite place in the world be so hard for him to experience. What about camp was making it so hard? How can I fix this? His answers fundamentally changed the way that my team and I now approach camp. Join us as we work through his anxiety and learn the answer to the question where does the soup go?
Session Five Title: Creating Accessible Camp Programming for Youth of all Abilities
Presenters: Rachael Lewandowski Sarette, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Kayla Oberstadt, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Johanna Desprez, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Session Abstract: Quick! You have two days to make your programming accessible to a Deaf youth. And now, you have one day to make programs accessible to someone in a wheelchair. This wouldn’t be so stressful if accessibility was incorporated into the planning process from the beginning. Join Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center and Wisconsin 4-H as we discuss inclusive accessibility. Session participants will learn the concept of universal design and how it is applied throughout the planning process. We will spend time discussing case studies from situations experienced over the past year to improve your confidence in facilitating accessible programming.
LGU/State/Organizational Reflection and Planning Time
4:30pm ET (3:30pm CT; 2:30pm MT; 1:30pm PT)
One of the most valuable aspects of the virtual PYD academy is time for you to gather with your state or LGU 4-H program, or other organizational groups that plan to meet at this time. This time is facilitated by a person identified to lead the session using a specially designed reflection guide.