Youth development happens every day in park and recreation spaces and programs. The growth that young people experience in their physical, emotional, and social development is enhanced when mentoring principles are infused into out-of-school time (OST) programs, camps and youth sports.
Family and caregiver engagement is critical to developing positive outcomes in youth. Whether an agency is offering a formal mentoring program, or mentoring occurs informally through the day-to-day interactions between staff and volunteers within park and recreation spaces and programs, the profound impact these programs have on youth increases when families and caregivers are actively engaged.
Families play a crucial role in the overall success of youth in programs, helping to shape their behaviors, actions and choices. By intentionally engaging parents and caregivers to make them active participants in their child’s programs, young people thrive, leading to improved academic achievement, stronger relationships and reduced engagement in risky behaviors. When actively involved with the program, families can stay in tune with their child’s participation in the program, work collaboratively on issues the child might be facing and celebrate successes along the way.
When working with families, it is important to utilize multiple forms of communication for outreach while still taking a personal approach when possible. Be inclusive, equitable, and flexible when welcoming families to be a part of your program. The goal is to build respect and trust to work collaboratively with parents to help youth succeed in and out of your programs and spaces. Here are a few ideas to intentionally begin incorporating family engagement in your programs and spaces:
1. Survey Parents/Caregivers
Learn from your families! They know their child best, so gather information on the child’s interests and needs that the program can help address.
2. Host Orientation Sessions
Hosting a family orientation for parents and caregivers at the beginning of an OST program or sport season is a great way for families to begin developing a relationship with staff, volunteers, and coaches. These sessions can also serve to connect youth and families to outside resources or other programs that the park and recreation department offers.
3. Create a Program Handbook
Create and share a family handbook on program guidelines to help families familiarize themselves with the program and provide guidance around expectations for youth, families, and staff.
4. Celebrate Youth
Invite families to participate as spectators in talent shows or art displays showcasing the talents of the youth that have been built upon through the camp or OST program.
5. Deliver Consistent Communication
Provide regular updates and communication when youth are dropped off/picked up on progress, issues and successes.
As we continue to celebrate National Mentoring Month, I hope that you can think about ways to be more intentional in engaging families in your youth development and mentoring programs over the next few weeks. For more ideas, strategies and key considerations, be sure to check out NRPA’s Mentoring In Parks and Recreation: Strategies to Engage Families and Caregivers resource.
Kent Hunt, CPRP, (he/him) is an NRPA program manager of health.
Previously in our Mentoring Month Blog Series: