What do you expect from a summer camp/after-school worker?

We are excited that you are interested in facilitating or assisting in our classes. Please take some time to look over the following information with an open mind and heart.

Please note that we recruit individuals based on a desire to learn and grow and not on a perfect application of these philosophies.

• Pass a background check.

• Enjoy working with children.

• Like arts and crafts.

• Listen to the students. What the students have to say is more important than what you have to say.

• Ask one question at a time - reflect back their answers. Do not lead them to the answer you want.

• Stay away from affirmation statements, answer by asking them what they think or feel.

• In conflict encourage them to resolve it. Assist by helping them identify a solution and not focus on the problem.

• Never allow violations of personal space.

• Encourage participation but do not single out children - kids learn in many different ways and may take a while to participate actively.

• Be flexible and open to the process. If they go in a different direction from the day’s lesson plan try to incorporate principles into the new activity creatively, whenever possible allow them to lead.

• Require respect and consideration for each child. Encourage taking turns, personal space, listening to others, helping each other, etc.

• Let them move. Do not expect them to be able to sit for 45 min. Notice when the class is losing focus or getting restless and incorporate movement.

• Be goofy. Say the wrong thing and let them correct you, read stories in an animated way, be a kid and they will connect with you.

What are your influences and inspirations?

Just like kids need to have good nutrition on a daily basis, kids need to have their daily serving of the arts. Chances are, though, that kids are not getting enough art—in or out of school. The arts are more than just fun "extra" activities for kids. Studies have shown the far-reaching benefits of an arts education. Allowing a child to experience a dream to sing, to dance, to draw, to act creates a person who is confident at imagining and exploring the world and themselves through the arts. We are influenced by many different schools of thought, which have inspired our current approach. However, our leading influences are the Reggio Emilia style of learning and the nonviolent communication style of interaction.