Y Ranger Camp Challenges and Feedback by

Transportation/Timing

2024-08-20 22:36:38 UTC

Zum buses- sometimes timing can be an issue getting to sites

Lots of students from the groups we served had experienced parks and nature before and we felt like we weren't serving a priority group.

2024-08-20 22:37:15 UTC

Improve communication

2024-08-20 22:37:35 UTC

Many late corrections to the schedule that were not communicated very broadly. There should be a more central way for all parties to get ahold of each other.

More Training for Y Counselors

2024-08-20 22:37:40 UTC

Y Counselors should get more training on how to deal with youth who are distracting others. This improved over the summer but the NPS staff are not responsible for disciplining Y youth.

We definitely felt the need for more coordination and communication prior to programs with Y Staff. Setting clear expectations, peer to peer learning prior to programs will be helpful in planning.

2024-08-20 22:38:01 UTC

Service Learning Waivers

2024-08-20 22:38:31 UTC

A challenge was ensuring the service learning activities were age-appropriate as well as the collection of service waivers.

We would also like to set up NPS and Parks Conservancy meetings prior to the season to understand roles and approaches to these programs.

2024-08-20 22:38:32 UTC

Service Learning Suggestions

2024-08-20 22:38:55 UTC

There was one service learning opportunity scheduled at Tennessee Valley that we unfortunately weren’t able to conduct. There was a bus logistics issue (out of our control) but I think more time should have been budgeted for that program as it involved a 1 mile hike out to the site.

It also seemed like the service learning opportunities that I was involved with were more geared to older kids. Curious to know if the Y can send their older participants to those specific programs.

2024-08-20 22:39:21 UTC

Waivers/program photos - collection from families

Campfires - if signed up, please show up.

2024-08-20 22:39:22 UTC

Multiple people called out, some of which was preventable. Need 3 per campfire.

Y staff had very different and sometimes concerning approaches to youth management. They also shared preferences and biases towards working with certain groups that made park staff feel a bit uncomfortable

2024-08-20 22:39:30 UTC

Site Preparedness

2024-08-20 22:40:19 UTC

There was a time when students showed up unprepared for weather - not wearing layers. Maybe having site/program information shared at the beginning of the season so staff can best prepare students for the site

Grouping Service Projects by Age

2024-08-20 22:40:29 UTC

It would be helpful for park staff leading programs to meet with Y staff who will be leading the program so there is coordinated planning

2024-08-20 22:40:55 UTC

Can park staff come together before the beginning of the season to set expectations and vision together? A session on best practices would be helpful too.

2024-08-20 22:41:37 UTC

Y leaders need to be trained and know that they are responsible for their youth and should demonstrate good role modeling, so the young people will copy their positive, safe, respectful behavior. Avoid having side conversations when the ranger is trying to teach or present.

2024-08-20 22:42:29 UTC

Program Scheduling

cristina_martinez18 — 2024-08-20 22:43:38 UTC

Preventable- Taking travel time to site into consideration in the beginning stages of planning/scheduling could help ensure branches that are further way from sites can still receive a full program.

Would be helpful to know what the Y's learning goals are

2024-08-20 22:43:40 UTC

Many of our staff use a program overview guiding document, so we could all adopt that as a best practice!

2024-08-20 22:47:00 UTC