Conference/Workshop

Exploring How Parks Play an Essential Role in Summer Enrichment Programs

In November 2009, CSPF convened State Parks staff, summer afterschool program providers from Oakland, Fresno and Gilroy, summer afterschool policy makers and, non profit organization representatives from City Parks Alliance to discuss lessons learned from the summer collaborations and, share experiences from the national organizations that are key in building best practices in the field and strengthening advocacy alliances.   Forty participants gathered in Sausalito for an all day meeting. 

Workshop participants explored several areas where work can be continued in strengthening California State Parks' role in afterschool programs.  Suggestions included formulating a definition of what is quality in a Parks component of a summer enrichment program, identifying allies and, making the case that Parks are powerful educators and advance student learning.  Also discussed was the need to foster systems integration in learning between school, summer after-school providers and parents.   Finally, in thinking about breaking down silos in parks and education/out-of-school time programs, conference participants discussed whether this paradigm shift is worth investing in.