The Ultimate Checklist for Training Seasonal Staff
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Managing Frustration and Coaching with Empathy: It’s one of the most frustrating moments as a youth development professional, especially when you're trying to lead young staff or volunteers. You care deeply about the work. You know the impact it has on kids. And when it feels like your team isn’t picking it up—or worse, isn’t trying—it’s easy to let frustration bubble up.
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When you think about staff training, what comes to mind first? A PowerPoint presentation? A long policy manual? Maybe a staff meeting with a few icebreakers before diving into logistics? If you're leading in youth development, you've probably experienced all of these. But here’s the truth: those methods rarely stick. Not because the information isn’t important, but because it’s not delivered in a way that reflects how people—especially younger staff—learn best.
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As a youth development professional, you have an incredible opportunity—not just to educate young people, but to shape the way they view the world and their role in it. Earth Day, and the broader conversation around environmental responsibility, gives you one of the most powerful platforms to do just that.
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I’ve been in the youth development field for over 30 years, and if there’s one truth that keeps showing up again and again, it’s this: kids need to play. Not just structured play. Not just enrichment activities, sports leagues, or afterschool clubs. I’m talking about real, unstructured, child-led free play—the kind where kids lose track of time, scrape a knee, get into arguments, build a fort out of trash, or climb a tree a little higher than we’d like.
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April is Youth Month—a time to shine a light on the energy, creativity, and potential of young people. But this month is more than just a celebration. It's a call to action for you. Whether you're a youth development professional, a mentor, a teacher, or a community leader, April offers a powerful opportunity to lead with empathy and foster lasting change.
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Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time to build your team. Finding the right people to support your youth program is one thing, but keeping them engaged and committed throughout the season? That’s where the real work begins.
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Think about the last time a parent reached out to you, not with a complaint, but with a heartfelt thank-you for the impact your program had on their child. Those moments don’t just happen; they are the result of intentional efforts to engage families in meaningful ways.
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As a leader in youth development, your role goes beyond guiding programs and managing logistics—you are a mentor, a coach, and an advocate for young people finding their voice. Encouraging youth voice is not just about giving them a platform to speak; it’s about creating a culture where they feel heard, valued, and empowered to take action.
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As the days grow longer and the air fills with the promise of spring, it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors with your youth programs. Whether you’re leading a summer camp, an after-school program, or a weekend retreat, outdoor activities offer an incredible opportunity to foster growth, build connections, and instill confidence in the young people you serve. But planning these activities with intention grounded in empathy and engagement can make all the difference.
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When you think about youth development, your mind likely goes to the kids and teens you serve daily. But how often do you think about the role your broader community plays in that development? The connections you forge with local organizations don’t just benefit your program—they help shape the entire support system surrounding the young people in your care.
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Working with youth means more than just facilitating programs and activities. You are shaping the future by guiding young people through some of the most critical moments of their lives. In today’s world, youth mental health is a major factor that influences behavior, engagement, and overall well-being. As a youth development professional, you need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to support the kids and teens in your programs—not just as participants, but as individuals navigating real challenges.
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As a preschool staff member, you hold one of the most impactful roles in a child’s early development. Every moment in your classroom is an opportunity to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and spark a lifelong love of learning. But here’s the key—learning at this age isn’t about rigid lesson plans or endless worksheets. It’s about play.
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Valentine’s Day is more than just candy hearts and red roses—it’s an opportunity to foster empathy, connection, and kindness among the young people you work with. As a youth development professional, you have the chance to redefine this holiday, moving beyond commercialized expectations and creating meaningful experiences that promote emotional well-being and inclusivity.
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Imagine a world where young people step forward to help their communities with open hearts and innovative ideas. That world can be a reality, and it starts with you. Encouraging youth to volunteer not only strengthens their character but also cultivates empathy—an essential trait for future leaders. Volunteerism provides young individuals with an opportunity to connect deeply with others and foster a sense of purpose.
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When working with young people, your role as a mentor is more than providing guidance—it’s about inspiring a mindset that fuels their growth and development. A growth mindset, the belief that skills and intelligence can be developed through hard work and perseverance, is a powerful tool for lifelong success. And fostering this mindset begins with how you lead—with empathy.
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Winter is here, and with it comes the challenge of keeping young people engaged when outdoor activities seem less appealing. As someone who works in youth development, you know the importance of maintaining connection and engagement, even during the coldest months. But how do you inspire excitement and connection when the weather isn’t on your side? By leading with empathy and focusing on creating meaningful experiences that resonate with the youth you work with.
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As a youth development professional, you pour your energy into helping others grow, thrive, and succeed. But when was the last time you gave yourself the space to recharge? Leading with empathy begins with showing compassion for yourself. In 2025, make it a priority to recharge, not just for your well-being, but for the sake of the young people you lead and inspire.
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As the year comes to a close, you find yourself looking back on the triumphs, challenges, and lessons of the past 12 months. These moments of reflection are critical. Not just for personal growth, but for building stronger teams and creating a culture of empathy and achievement. How often do you pause to recognize the impact you’ve made, not just in outcomes, but in the lives of the young people you work with?
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