Supporting Youth Development Partners During Summer Training Season
As schools wrap up and summer programming begins, many youth-serving organizations spend time preparing staff and volunteers for a successful camp and summer season. In June, Santa Barbara County 4-H had the opportunity to partner with local organizations to provide training sessions for youth development professionals.
At Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, Melissa Guillen, 4-H Youth Development Advisor, facilitated a training on trauma-informed youth development strategies. Guillen also partnered with the Santa Maria Boys & Girls Club to provide training for recreation leaders focused on teen development and helping youth discover and develop their "sparks," the interests, skills, and passions that motivate and engage them. Both sessions included research-supported tips and practical strategies for creating environments where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
The Santa Maria Boys & Girls Club training was supported by Community Education Specialists Ella Mitchell (Santa Barbara 4-H) and Kumari Jayakody (CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE San Luis Obispo/ Santa Barbara), who co-facilitated the training, led activities and discussions, engaged participants, and guided a physical activity break.
These partnerships reflect the important role Cooperative Extension can play in supporting youth-serving professionals and expanding access to research-based practices that help young people thrive.
