Do you want to engage your staff and volunteers in training sessions? Do you want the material to stick long after the training ends? Experiential learning helps make any training, whether in-person or online, more fun and impactful for both new and

In this session IPRA’s Recreation Section Special Event and Senior Committees have compiled new or adjusted programs that were developed by recreation professionals from across the state. Participants will explore best practices, gain tips, and view specific examples from multiple agencies to

Esports is the fastest-growing genre in the sports world. It’s target audience is teens and young adults. Which is a demographic that many agencies struggle to serve. A National Alliance Youth Sports Poll shows that 70% of children stop playing sports by

“What’s wrong with them?” Or should we be saying, “What’s Happened to Them?” This session will enable participants to identify toxic stress and the effects of adverse childhood experiences to the brain. The original Adverse Childhood Experience study will be explored to

What is the magic recipe to providing engaging programs that youth want to join? There may not be a magic recipe but some key ingredients lead to better quality programs. Whether a child chooses to participate, their parent needs a reliable, safe

If your anything like me you are always looking for ways to make your programs even better. An easy way to impress and improve engagement in your programs is through the use of technology. This session will not only give you countless

Are you looking to help maximize your time but are limited on time, resources or funds? In today’s world, we are asked to be working on multiple projects, while also being pulled in two different directions at the same time. Time management

Parents trust us to care for their most prized possessions: their children! Running a safe and successful afterschool program starts with the Supervisor. Once staff supervise safely, they will then be able to implement activity facilitation by engaging their youth. Learn how

Recreation activity patterns and trends are changing and evolving due to COVID‐19. Recreation providers are adapting and exploring new ways to re‐purpose existing parks and design new parks and linear open spaces that address safety concerns, increased demands, and changing use patterns.

Forms of Imaginative play have been found to develop social skills and strengthen decision-making in both children and adults alike. Listen in on how Bigfoot and other cryptid creatures were used in our Imaginative play programming. Learn how to use your imagination