Level up your staff training
Looking to improve your staff training game? SkyWild can help! We offer customized training programs that help staff level up their skills to be better, more empathetic communicators with their campers and each other.
Behavior Management (2 hours)
Most youth development programs teach behavior management skills through the lens of reaction, and particularly in reaction to what a disruptive behavior looks like. But data prove that behavior management is way more effective when we both understand why a behavior is happening and how we can prevent it from happening again. This detailed workshop includes more in-depth knowledge of functions of behavior, a reframe for staff to help shape how they think about tough behaviors, and applicable skills (and practice!) that everyone can use with their campers.
Neurodiversity and Autism (1.5 hours)
Neurodiversity is an understanding that everyone's brain works in different ways. Learning more about the ways that some people's brains work can help improve the camp experience for everyone. This neurodiversity and autism overview is an introduction to these concepts that provides some insight into the camp experience for campers and staff who are neurodivergent. Staff can expect to leave with greater empathy for campers and coworkers who are neurodivergent, as well as some basic communication strategies to make programs more accessible to those who think and learn differently.
Communication Toolkit:
Applicable Skills for Supporting Campers (3 hours)
Communicating with kids who think and learn in different kinds of ways doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, simplifying how we communicate is often helpful for everyone. Learn and practice some tools for improving communication with neurodiverse campers. Staff gain applicable skills that can be implemented immediately and rotate through stations to practice each skill in small groups.
Meltdown Carnival (2 hours)
*must be combined with Communication Toolkit program
If you ask staff during pre-season what they are most anxious about, many will say encountering a big camper behavior they don’t feel prepared for. Here’s where we come in. The Meltdown Carnival is an opportunity to role play a larger camper crisis with the aid of fellow staff, all while building confidence. Think of it as the dress rehearsal, where it’s ok to mess up, ask for a pause, brainstorm with your team, and try again. Specific scenarios will be tailored to fit the needs of each camp program so that staff gain as much experience as possible with situations they are most likely to encounter.