Thu, August 21, 2025
9:00 am - 10:30 am

Creating a Welcoming Environment in Your Program – VIRTUAL

In this training, participants will understand how building an emotionally safe community of peers and adults is essential for youth to develop as individuals within a group. In this fun interactive training, you will practice activities that help youth feel a sense of belonging and increase participation and learning in your program.

Training Objectives:

Participants will:

  1. Compare and contrast icebreakers, energizers, name games and bonding games.
  2. Demonstrate ways to provide youth with opportunities to develop a sense of belonging.

Core Knowledge, Skills and Competencies Addressed (CKSCs):

Relationships and Interactions with Children and Youth 

Enhancing Group Experiences 

Identify – D. Identifies child/youth abilities and corresponding positive guidance techniques to support successful group experiences. 

Apply – C. Plans and guides group activities to teach children and youth cooperation and collaboration. 

Equity and Inclusion 

Culturally Responsive Practice 

Apply – A. Designs and executes program activities and routines that build on children and youth’s cultural context. 

Primary QIS Scales Addressed: 

I-Safe Environment 

I-E Creating Safe Spaces 

I-E-1. Foster positive emotional climate. 

I-E-2. Convey warmth and respect. 

I-E-6. Show active inclusion. 

III- Interactive Environment 

III-K- Sense of Belonging  

III-K-1- Opportunities for young people to get to know each other. 

III-N- Cultivating Empathy 

III-N-1- Structure activities for sharing and listening.