Breakfast Club Blog

The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is a curated space where bloggers from around the world contribute content on a continual basis about a variety of topics relevant to in and out-of-school time. The BOOST Breakfast Club blog is at the heart of an ongoing dialogue where expanded learning and education professionals share their personal thoughts and stories from the in and out-of-school time field. They also tell us what they ate for breakfast!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. Enjoy the brain food.

The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is Brain Food for In and Out-of-School Time Leaders!

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On-Site Staff / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management

 Fostering a Growth Mindset

Tiana Brown No Comments

I remember extending my right hand up in the air and waving it feverishly. I thought today “I had enough” after being ignored by my fourth-grade teacher too many times, today was the day I was going to speak up. Each day, I eagerly raised my hand to answer a question only to be overlooked. (Know that this is my fourth-grade perception of things.) I would watch her peer out into the classroom and scan all the buzzing hands, including mine, hoping she’d pick me. Ugh! Again, I thought, “she only pi...Read More

On-Site Staff / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management

Words Are Powerful, Use Them Wisely

Tiana Brown No Comments

Growing up, I learned that I had to grow a thick skin. I know people will insult you, and I understand. However, I think it’s essential to emphasize teaching children speech that brings the best out them and others. As we begin a new year, let us become more mindful of our words. We should exchange words honestly, but tactfully. Sarcasm, jokes, and sharp, candid speech can be taken to heart, even if you’re kidding. Also, we must listen patiently and use our words to express sincere goodwil...Read More

On-Site Staff / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management

A Time Of Transition And Growth

Jill Gordon No Comments

I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with youth development and out-of-school learning time since 1998. For the past eight years, I’ve been the Program Director of the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana (YPII). In that time, I’ve watched as YPII built a strong local, national, and even international reputation as a thought-leader and become a significant resource for training on youth philanthropy, young people sharing their time, talents, and treasures.  Through numerous collaborations...Read More

On-Site Staff / Opinion / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management

Girltopia – It Is Achievable!

ElizaBeth Phillips No Comments

I have to say, it has been feeling a little dark and grey the past few weeks. It’s been hard to be a girl. The news and world around really haven’t been very empowering or positive, and quite frankly have been sucking the happy out of my soul. But after this past weekend, I feel like a little spark has been rekindled. My Girl Scout troop had a meeting to work on our Girltopia Journey. A journey is an opportunity for scouts to “explore new things, connect with friends and her community, and make ...Read More

On-Site Staff / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management

ARE YOU SAFE?

Brad Lademann No Comments

Editor’s Note: Welcome first-time BOOST Blogger @bradfrommissouri! Brad is the state lead for the Missouri AfterSchool Network. Brad’s passion is to use his background and experience to develop and manage programs that enhance the lives of individuals and organizations. We are thrilled to have him join our esteemed blogger tribe!  —– Are you safe? It seems like an odd question, doesn’t it? After all, our afterschool programs provide a safe place for students to go when sc...Read More

On-Site Staff / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management / Sustainability

Youth Development at a Hot Dog Stand

Alicia Wilson-Ahlstrom No Comments

Good youth development practice can emerge in unusual places. For thirteen-year-old entrepreneur Jaequan Faulkner, good youth development came in the form of a street vendor permit. The teenager opened a hot dog business in his Minneapolis neighborhood on Penn Avenue North, meeting with early success and a booming business. Then young Jaequan ran into an obstacle that nearly upended his entrepreneurial pursuit – he lacked the proper permit to run a freestanding food stand. Jaequan had an idea an...Read More

On-Site Staff / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management

Celebrating the Top Resources to Inspire Youth to Give Back

Jill Gordon No Comments

Editor’s Note: A special thank you to author @jillgordon  for sharing the last of four webinars from the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana’s 2017 webinar series designed to promote next-gen leadership and giving opportunities. Today’s post focuses on how to incorporate service learning and volunteerism into your program.  Jill provides several free resources and links to activities that any program can implement! ____________ In 2017, Youth Philanthropy Connect (YPC) and the Youth P...Read More

Opinion / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality

Doubling Down: Parenthood Strengthened My Commitment To Children, Families & Communities

Jeff Davis No Comments

I was fortunate to find my way to youth development work. As a college student, I was an intern at a local preserve where I led groups of all ages. The director saw something in me and referred me to a local summer camp where I discovered my talent and passion for this work. In pursuit of that passion, I applied and was honored to be accepted as an Americorps Tutor in an expanded learning program. Within the first three weeks of my term, I lost my vehicle in an accident. To fulfill my service to...Read More

On-Site Staff / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management

Overcoming Obstacles: Successful Media Strategies to Share Impact

Jill Gordon No Comments

Editor’s Note: A special thank you to author @jillgordon for sharing the third of four webinars from the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana’s 2017 webinar series designed to promote next-gen leadership and giving opportunities. Today’s post focuses on how student voice makes a powerful difference and social impact when telling stories through journaling, blogging, vlogging, and social media.  And keep your eyes open in July for the next special webinar from Youth Philanthropy Initiat...Read More

On-Site Staff / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management

Tailwinds vs. Headwinds

mikeashcraft No Comments

Runners and cyclists are especially familiar with this phenomenon. When running or cycling into the wind, we are aware of the hardship every second. When we get the wind at our back, we are grateful … for about a minute. Then we forget about our good fortune until the going gets tough again. Why is it so easy for people to feel put upon? Why are we hyper-aware when we feel the deck is stacked against us? Studies have shown that this phenomenon happens in many aspects of our lives. With siblings,...Read More

On-Site Staff / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality / Staff Leadership and Management / Sustainability

Webinar 2: How to Inspire Youth Giving

Jill Gordon No Comments

Editor’s Note: A special thank you to author @jillgordon for sharing the second of four of Youth Philanthropy’s webinar series. Today’s post focuses on youth philanthropy models that can be implemented in your program too!  Click on the webinar link below “How to Inspire Youth Giving” for the full program.  And, keep your eyes open in March for the next special webinar from Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana. The Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana (YPII) created a 4...Read More

On-Site Staff / Partnerships and Building Relationships / Program Design, Development, and Quality

Serving Through Hands-On Projects

Jill Gordon No Comments

Editors Note: A special thank you to author @jillgordon for sharing one of four of Youth Philanthropy’s webinar series. Today’s post focuses on service learning models that can be implemented in your program too!  Click on the webinar link below “Serving through Hands-on Projects” for the full program.  And, keep your eyes open in February for the next special webinar from Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana.  Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana (YPII) created a 4-part webi...Read More