Jump Start 2026

Leadership isn't a solo climb; it's bringing your team with you. In this facilitated session, Felix Bobo, an after-school administrator, walks program directors, site coordinators, and future leaders through The Climb: casting a clear vision for where the organization/team is headed (the Summit), taking honest stock of the foundation already in place (Basecamp), and recognizing that what got the team here may not get them where they're going. Participants identify, in their own words, the real obstacles standing in their way (Challenges), and explore why even strong leaders need the support of others to bring a vision to life (Support).

​Being an educator feels a bit like signing up for a marathon and discovering it’s an ultra-marathon...with hurdles… in hot sand… with no shoes. From managing wardrobes of students (tube tops) to debating the existence of the Tooth Fairy, the surprises never end. The journey of an educator is often filled with unexpected challenges, changes, and an emotional grind that make us all pause and wonder at some point, “Is this really happening?” This session explores the strategies used by two educators navigating the demanding yet rewarding path of education and how they got lost and found their way back.

This training is meant to help afterschool professionals identify blind spots in their program development in a way that feels tangible. Oftentimes, creating programs can be overwhelming because you have so many people to think about, on an individual level. This training will help bring a collectivist mindset in our planning to help decrease feelings of anxiety when planning for various people from a wide range of backgrounds. Come and be a part of the discussion and create an intersectional framework that works for you.

Afterschool educators are invited to discover practical strategies to transform your everyday activities into experiences kids can't wait to join. This interactive panel explores how gamification, "subverting reality" by adding playful twists to familiar activities, and pop-culture-inspired themes can help level up your classes and make learning fun and memorable. You'll leave with ready-to-use ideas and adaptive curriculum frameworks to beat boredom--the final boss of learning.