Tuesday April 25, 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: Craig Presar, NAE4-HYDP President
Today’s Context Setter, Dr. Darlene Locke, Texas A & M University
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Barry Garst, Clemson University
Today on the main stage we welcome Dr. Barry Garst, Professor and Youth Development Coordinator at Clemson University to deliver the keynote address. Dr. Garst’s applied research focuses on critical and emerging issues facing the youth out-of-school time community of children, adolescents, staff, parents, alumni, and program providers. He also serves as Research Chair for the Alliance for Camp Health, advancing research to examine factors impacting health and safety outcomes for youth and staff within the context of summer camp. Recent research has explored overparenting among parents of early adolescents, parent anxiety associated with summer camp experiences, efficacy of leadership programs targeting military-connected youth, and camp health care practices to reduce communicable disease spread including COVID-19.
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: Grow Groups: A Strategy to Promote the PYD of Campers
Presenters: Nila Cobb, West Virginia University; Debbie McDonald, West Virginia University; Barbie Little, West Virginia University
Session Abstract: Grow Groups have been a part of the WV Statewide 4-H Alpha Camps for over two decades. The success of the groups as a vehicle for promoting aspects of positive youth development in campers has been studied and documented. A formula for the operation of the groups has been developed and tested and will be shared so that all types of camps can replicate this effective small group strategy with campers of any age. The accompanying group leader training assists in developing staff members who understand what promoting PYD looks like and how to implement PYD best practices.
Session Two Title: Gender Affirming Camp Practices
Presenters: Joseph Rand, University of Minnesota; Amy Collura, University of Minnesota
Session Abstract: Overnight camp experiences can pose challenges for 4-H staff when creating positive environments that affirm gender identity and expression. Best practice tools have been helpful in recent years to create these environments and navigate sometimes difficult situations. However, there are few opportunities to hear positive stories of gender affirming camp experiences directly from young people. In addition to hearing directly from a panel of young people about their positive experiences at a residential overnight camp in Minnesota 4-H, attendees will build awareness of best practices to support campers, counselors, and staff who represent all genders, sexes, and sexual orientations.
Session Three Title: Why Do Youth Return to Camp? Pivotal Experiences are Grounded in High Quality PYD
Presenters: Ruth Wallace, Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension
Session Abstract: What do teens consider pivotal moments in their camper and teen counselor experiences? This session provides research-based information that 4-H Camp teen leaders in Virginia shared during the 2022 camping season about the experiences that motivated them to return to camp throughout their camper and into their teen years. Not surprisingly, their answers correspond to the elements of positive youth development (PYD) as illustrated in the 4-H Thriving model. Participants will use small and large group discussions to explore the implications for counselor and staff training and to connect them to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion at camp.
Session Four Title: Camp is Storytelling
Presenters: Ben Clawson, Rutgers University
Session Abstract: In this workshop, participants will learn how to use the basics of story structure and simple tenets of creative storytelling to support and enhance their own true camp stories. Through a series of interactive (and fun) exercises, participants will focus on their own camp program and experiences to identify and hone their stories, and consider methods and opportunities to share them to help accomplish their goals. These stories can be used for marketing, fundraising, staff training, and even to structure camp programs and activities.
Session Five Title: A Path to Success: Improving Career and Community Participation Skills through Mentoring Relationships for Youth with Disabilities
Presenters: Priti Pandya, Partners for Youth with Disabilities
Session Abstract: The Department of Labor’s employment rate for youth with a disability was 21.1% for 16-19 years old and even lower (16.5%) for adults 20-24 years old. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). This workshop will provide an in-depth look at unemployment and the community and civic participation gap for youth with disabilities. Participants will look at tools, resources, and best practices that promote inclusive mentoring for young people with diverse needs. Strategies shared are through the lens of universal design principles and disability inclusion that promote mentoring relationships and life skills that positively impact a young person’s success.
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.