Positive Action Sparks Summer Learning Through Partnerships with Camps and Out-of-School Time Programs

Collaboration with Summer Programs:

This summer, we celebrate the continued partnerships with a wide array of Out-of-School Time programs, including community centers, non-profits, and local clubs like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. By extending a whole-child approach beyond the school year, we aim to enrich the lives of children nationwide. Our collaborations ignite positive vibes and attitudes among the kids through activities that focus on self-esteem, responsibility, and respect. It's all about making good times great!

"I am excited to see our BGC kids responding so positively to Positive Action. Overall, I am seeing them being more cognizant of the impact their behavior has on others. And even our little ones (K-5) are policing their peers more than I have ever seen before in terms of stopping hurtful talk when they hear it. The program is really making them realize that we all play a part in the Club's climate, and we all have a responsibility to protect that.” —BGC of Western Pennsylvania, Somerset Clubhouse

Focus on Successful Implementations:

We're hands-on and heart-in, partnering closely with educators and camp leaders to blend Positive Action smoothly into summer fun. With a little guidance on how to adapt here and there, site administrators can tailor lessons to fit each camp's needs and find that smaller groups really turn up the dial on effective learning. This approach generates camp spirit, ramps up friendships, and makes teamwork dreamwork. Plus, by reshaping the curriculum to fit the relaxed summer vibe and simplifying things a bit, the learning stays light and fun!

Introducing Pasela:

And hey, speaking of making things easier, say hello to Pasela, our exciting new digital platform! Pasela is your go-to for accessing and teaching Positive Action lessons with a few easy clicks. Whether you’re running a small local day camp or a large summer program, Pasela’s friendly tools help facilitators tailor educational content to fit their unique schedule and atmosphere, ensuring that every child enjoys the best slice of summer learning.

Research-Backed Success:

Don’t just take our word for it—science backs us up! A study featured in the Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal cheered on our extension of Positive Action into summer camps, showing reductions in youth violence, anti-social beliefs, and gang relations, and improvements in individual behavior among participants. This proves our vibe works wonders all year round!

“The strengths of the Positive Action program appear to center around its ability to encourage conversations among youth and create safe spaces where they feel comfortable interacting with each other.” —M. Patel, 2018, 25

I couldn’t interrupt it even though it was time to transfer on to another activity, the kids were just talking about culture and pride and privilege and they were just so into it. The girls were just opening up like the floodgates were opening up. —Camp Teacher

“I think that personally some of the most rewarding moments I’ve had from working for the camp have come from the discussions from Positive Action. To be quite frank, I view Positive Action as a catalyst to sort of delve into deeper things…if you just use it as a tool to sort of dig into their brains and see how they think it can be pretty effective.” —Camp Teacher

Encouraging Improvements:

The feedback loop from summer programs is buzzing with good news. Educators tell us that camps infused with Positive Action see campers stepping up their engagement and getting a clearer picture of how to be their best selves. And yep, this isn't just happy chatter—it's supported by solid research that keeps giving our methods a high five.

As we support Positive Action in diverse OST environments, we guide facilitators in aligning activities with best practices for health and safety. For more information on creating healthy Out-of-School Time settings, visit the CDC’s guidelines here.

Conclusion:

As we gear up for a summer packed with growth and giggles, Positive Action is all in on creating Out-of-School Time spaces where young folks flourish. We invite educators, facilitators, and parents to jump in with both feet.

Let’s not only make this summer fun but transformative! And while you're at it, don't miss our Top 10 Summer Learning Activities for an educational break that’s packed with fun!