Consider the Mental Health Needs of Youth, Families, and Staff

In these stressful times, people who work with kids and families are often the ones who are most likely to see mental health issues as they come up. The following are some strategies to help: Try to incorporate mental health time for your staff during these days in case people need time to process. Secondary […]

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No Kid Hungry Grant Opportunity

This fall, the No Kid Hungry Campaign is offering a community based organization nutrition grant opportunity and Connecticut is one of their target states.

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Creating Culture in a Cafeteria Classroom – A COVID19 Consideration

Mask Break Bags As the 20/21 school year started, I reflected on our 2020 summer program. I am thankful that I made it through camp without showing any COVID19 symptoms. You could say it was a matter of luck because (unfortunately) several summer programs we heard about in the news were not as lucky, but […]

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Visual Cues – COVID Protocols for Schools

As we look forward to the coming school year we know that providing our staff and the children in our programs with clear guidance and structure is going to be the key to keeping everyone safe.  Verbal cues and discussion will be helpful but clear visuals will be key in helping everyone succeed.  The following […]

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Summer Activity Guides – Units 1-5 and Quick Guides

The Summer Activity Guides are a suite of fun and engaging activities and challenges designed specifically for this atypical summer.

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Important Changes to Summer Program Rules

The following important changes to group size, program size, temperature checks and Care4Kids are included in the information below from the Office of Early Childhood: Dear Child Care and Youth Camp Community,   The Office of Early Childhood is sharing these critical announcements related to child care and youth camp operations effective Monday, June 22, […]

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2020 Summer Planning Tools

Summer program and camp providers are entering an unprecedented summer as they prepare to provide a safe, enriching, and fun summer experience while managing changing safety protocols and challenges amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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Choose Love

Are you feeling kind of grumpy and out of sorts; working hard to keep yourself motivated and moving?  This website might help.  It was created by a mother of a Sandy Hook child who died but left a loving message for his mother.  She took this message to heart and created a website in his […]

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Free masks for essential businesses

Governor Lamont partners with CBIA and CONNSTEP to distribute free face coverings for small businesses Governor Lamont today announced that his administration is partnering with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) and its affiliate CONNSTEP on an initiative to distribute free face coverings to eligible, essential small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Eligible […]

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Sample Checklist for After a COVID Case

In addition to the Sample Daily Checklist from the YMCA, they have also prepared a list of activities to consider after your program has a COVID case. Click on the document to open in a separate window where you can download it. Special thanks to our colleagues in Santa Clara County, California!

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