Jump Start 2026

Explore how small, intentional shifts away from directive, compliance-based strategies to open-ended, curious facilitative communication approaches can strengthen staff-youth relationships, amplify youth voice, and create environments where young people feel encouraged and empowered to contribute to their learning and development. Appropriate for all youth development professionals, this interactive workshop will leverage ideation, reflection, discussion, and practice. Learn to listen deeply, collaborate boldly, and design interactions with intention that nurture competence, appropriate risk-taking, persistence, and joy in youth. Leave with simple, effective, and immediately implementable tools and frameworks designed to create more responsive, engaging, and youth-centered experiences.

"This advanced leadership session connects strategic organizational communication with daily program management, focusing on how supervisors can empower front-line staff to build immediate trust with families. Led by a veteran communications director and a seasoned principal, this interactive workshop teaches leaders how to train their direct-care staff in clear, empathetic communication techniques that de-escalate parent concerns.

Attendees will leave equipped with a practical, three-step ""Bridge to Focus"" communication framework. This tool is designed to turn stressful daily interactions into positive, trusted connection points—proving that the little moments of deliberate, reframed communication yield big outcomes in staff retention and strategies for meaningful family engagement."

You do not need a gymnasium to get students moving. Physical activity can be seamlessly woven into your existing curriculum. Integrating physical activity into academic and enrichment programming is a fantastic way to boost engagement, improve knowledge retention, and support overall student well-being. When students move, they learn better. During this session you will develop a comprehensive guide to blending movement with learning, managing groups, and facilitating adventure-based teamwork.

With most students spending about 20% of their year in a classroom, creating bonds with teachers and afterschool professionals provides students with protective factors that last beyond the classroom into adulthood. In this interactive and connecting breakout session, attendees will walk away with proven strategies to provide opportunities, skills, and recognition to youth to promote healthy outcomes. Every child needs one trusted adult to believe in them. We provide a way to become that person for the youth in our community.