Youth Development Pro

???? BIG NEWS, CAMP PROS! ???? I’m heading to ACA New England and bringing some serious emergency preparedness energy! ?? Session 1: Emergency Response – Is Your Staff Ready When EMS Arrives? When the sirens are blaring ??, will your team step up or freeze up? Let’s make sure they know EXACTLY what to do when EMS rolls in! ?? Session 2: Proactive Emergency Planning: Building a Culture of Preparedness in Youth Programs* Because "hope for the best, wing it when disaster strikes" is NOT a strategy! Let's build a camp culture where preparedness is second nature. ?? BONUS ?? Swing by Table 15 in the exhibitor hall to chat, geek out about camp, and grab a copy of my book, Becoming a Modern Mentor or The Pocket Guide for Summer Camp Staff! ???? ?? Who’s coming to ACA New England? Let’s connect! #ACANE2025 #CampPreparedness #BeReadyNotSorry

It’s time to rethink how we view professionalism. Let them wear jeans! Read Chapter 3 of Becoming a Modern Mentor to learn how changing standards can lead to better outcomes. #ModernLeadership #NewProfessionalism

?? Exciting News! ?? I’m beyond thrilled to have my latest article featured in *Camping Magazine* with the American Camp Association! ?? "Building a Sustainable Camp Culture: Aligning Mission & Financial Goals" dives into the delicate balance of staying true to camp values while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. This topic is so close to my heart, and I’m honored to contribute to the ACA community, a group that continuously pushes the boundaries of what camp can be! Check out the article here: ?? https://lnkd.in/gNkuidSV Let’s keep the conversation going—how do YOU create a mission-driven, financially sustainable camp culture? Drop your thoughts below! ?? #CampCulture #SustainableLeadership #ACACommunity #MissionDriven

?? Spring is Here – Time to Step Outside! ?? The cold winter days are FINALLY behind us, and it’s time to embrace the fresh air! ???? Whether you're leading youth programs or just looking for ways to reconnect with nature, planning outdoor activities with *purpose* makes all the difference. This week’s blog is all about bringing energy, engagement, and FUN back outside—with ideas that inspire movement, creativity, and connection. Ready to shake off the winter blues? Let's get outside and make the most of the season! ?? Read more: Planning Outdoor Activities with Purpose https://lnkd.in/gR4isxG8 Tell us: What’s your favorite way to **bring play and learning outdoors**? Drop your ideas in the comments! ???? #SpringForward #OutdoorPlay #YouthDevelopment #StepOutside

I created a new interactive training: "The Samwise Standard: Leadership Lessons for Youth Development" Samwise Gamgee, the loyal companion in The Lord of the Rings, embodies the leadership traits we need in youth development. He is not the loudest or the most commanding, but he is the most steadfast, compassionate, and mission-driven leader in the entire story. This training will explore how his qualities—empathy, resilience, servant leadership, and unwavering belief in others—are the foundation of effective youth development work. By the end of this training, participants will: ? Identify key leadership traits displayed by Samwise Gamgee ? Understand how these traits apply to youth development settings ? Develop strategies to lead with resilience, empathy, and humility ? Practice applying the "Samwise Standard" to real-world challenges Reach out to me if you are interested in chatting about this and other opportunities. [email protected]

?? Unlock the Power of Play & Team Connection! ?? Looking to engage, energize, and unite your team in a whole new way? Our Interactive Play & Team Engagement sessions bring people together through fun, connection, and growth! ? Interactive Games – Fast-paced challenges to spark creativity & teamwork ? Team-Building Workshops – Strengthen trust, collaboration & problem-solving ? Team-Bonding Experiences – Deepen connections through shared experiences ? Playnote Sessions – Keynote + play for a dynamic learning experience Let’s customize the perfect session for your team! Check it out & get started today! ???? https://lnkd.in/gSQxvftf #TeamBuilding #PlayAtWork #LeadershipThroughPlay #EngageGrowThrive #YouthDevelopmentPro

?? Introducing the Youth Development Leadership Toolkit! ??? Youth development professionals, this one’s for you! The Youth Development Leadership Toolkit is your go-to resource for building stronger teams, leading with empathy, and creating a culture where staff and youth thrive. ? Quick tips & checklists ? Strategies for effective leadership ? Tools to foster positive work culture ? Ways to integrate play & innovation ? Self-care insights for you & your team Whether you're navigating tough conversations, enhancing team communication, or looking for fresh ways to engage staff, this toolkit provides **practical, actionable steps** to support your leadership journey. ?? Get your copy now https://lnkd.in/gFXCBrhd #YouthDevelopment #Leadership #Mentorship #EmpathyInAction #ProfessionalGrowth

?? Building Stronger Youth Programs Through Community Connections ?? When youth organizations collaborate with local partners, the impact multiplies. By working together, we create more opportunities, expand resources, and build a supportive network that helps young people thrive. This week’s blog explores how YOU can engage with local organizations to strengthen your youth development work—leading with empathy and intentional collaboration. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gY5BEgzi What partnerships have made a difference in your work? Tag them below and share the love! ?? #YouthDevelopment #CommunityConnections #LeadWithEmpathy

Big news from the American Camp Association National Conference! A friend spotted Becoming a Modern Mentor in the conference bookstore and grabbed a copy! Seeing this book out in the world, helping youth professionals grow, is an incredible feeling. If you’re at the conference, be sure to check it out—and if you’ve already picked up a copy, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s keep building the next generation of youth leaders together. #ACANational #ModernMentor #YouthDevelopment