GROWTH AT BRANCHESHow will they grow?
Our program development starts at the end - what developmental outcomes are we aiming for? How can our staff and program content support your child’s journey to those outcomes? Amidst all the fun of a Branches program, we’ve got a lesson or two tucked up our sleeves.
Where Summer Grows
THE BRANCHES APPROACHEvery part of the day can move them forward.
The outcomes below guide the way our staff plan activities, conversations, challenges, and opportunities for connection.
DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES
What they take with them.
Each area gives our team a shared language for creating a summer that is joyful, purposeful, and full of room to grow.
Essential questions
- Who am I?
- How do I relate to others?
Opportunities
- Group activities & projects
- Circle/Community Connections sharing
- Activities
- Field Trips
- Discussions
Staff will...
- Cultivate an environment conducive to sharing, making and being a friend, and being respectful of thoughts & expressions of others
- Make space for all voices and encourage meaningful participation
- Support challenge by choice with new activities, ideas, or experiences
Campers will...
- Express interest in exploring new skills and interests
- Appropriately express their needs, thoughts, and feelings
- Recognize and celebrate the similarities and differences among members of the community
Essential questions
- How do I connect with others?
- What is my role in a community?
Opportunities
- Teamwork-based activities
- Course projects
- Group time activities
- Circle/Community Connections sharing
- Activities
- Field Trips
- Events
Staff will...
- Generate and support connections among campers, groups, and staff
- Provide opportunities for teamwork, collaboration, and social skills development
- Hold campers accountable for their intent and impact on others
Campers will...
- Engage in projects and activities with their peers
- Demonstrate awareness of their intention and impact on other members of the community
- Identify connections with other campers and staff
- Recognize their course/group/program as a part of the larger Branches community
Essential questions
- How can I share my ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others?
Opportunities
- Course projects
- Activities
- Group Time projects/activities
- Field Trips
- Circle/Community Connections sharing
Staff will...
- Provide guidance while encouraging free expression
- Provide an environment that is respectful of individual creativity and expression for all campers
- Provide campers with a "compass" instead of a "map" whenever possible
Campers will...
- Explore creative pursuits and means of expressing ideas
- Engage in the sharing of thoughts and feelings with others
- Practice creative problem-solving skills through games, activities, projects, and challenges
- Demonstrate pride in their creativity and expression
Essential questions
- How can I move my body for exercise and fun?
Opportunities
- Sports/games
- Swimming
- Ropes Course
- Archery
- Tennis
- Dance/Movement
- Drama
Staff will...
- Emphasize participation and learning skills and rules of the game
- Encourage teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship
Campers will...
- Participate in individual and group/team physical activities or projects
- Demonstrate growth in new or existing skills related to physical activity
- Express appropriate response to the outcome of a competitive game or challenge
Essential questions
- How can I interact with the natural world around me?
- What is my impact on the environment?
Opportunities
- Nature-based activities
- Outdoor games and sports
- Group time projects
- Outdoor-based field trips
Staff will...
- Emphasize respect and stewardship of our environment
- Provide opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration
- Support recycling and other waste reduction efforts
Campers will...
- Express interest in outdoor activities, games, or projects
- Demonstrate awareness of their impact on the environment
- Participate in conservation efforts
Essential questions
- How can I use what I know to teach or support someone else?
- When can I be a leader?
- When can I be a listener?
Opportunities
- Course projects/activities
- Challenges
Staff will...
- Offer campers the opportunity to lead the group in a game, discussion, or activity
- Enable rotation of "leaders" and "listeners" within the group
Campers will...
- Balance comfort and challenge while taking on leadership roles within their group or program
- Recognize the role of a leader and the role of a listener in a group or team
