We had such a rich conversation today! Here are the notes. Please add your thoughts by replying to the post, or feel free to put your comments directly in our notes Google Doc. And, check out the four-part series we hosted last fall where presenters shared many other great strategies for running their programs!
What are some strategies you use for building relationships with teens in your program? (This may be different from creating community among the teen group, but rather how do you, as a program facilitator, prepare yourself for supporting teens?)
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Varies so much based on program and each teen
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I have realistic expectations about how much a teen wants to have a relationship with me. I'm 44, I'm not "cool". We have a crew with people in their 20s also, they might have stronger relationships with them
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Modeling our expectations, showing mutual respect and expectation that they're going to perform a duty. Listening to what is important to them. Individually, trying to find what makes them tick, sharing that "there is interest in who you are as a person here"
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Approaching mentorship as "modeling" a healthy early work relationship/work-life balance, a healthy first work relationship, -communicating how much they'll be paid
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Limiting screens/distractions during lunch AND recognize that their social networks are a major part of their life, so also consider building in space/time for phone breaks to satiate that need
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Sitting next to a different youth employee each time. Listening to what they bring up - the track meet from the week, for example.
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Practicing empathy. "This is really hard. What can we do to take a break, step away, and get you what you need?" They know well what they need sometimes.
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Our program application shares, "this is darn tough work. Will this work for you? Share an experience of hard physical labor you've done recently. How did it go, how did you do?" Add a hypothetical scenario in the interview.
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Not trying to form a relationship as a peer but establishing a mutual understanding and respect for duties. If duties aren't met, students are asked to leave. (This led to challenges with parents - not an exemplar strategy!)
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Seeing teens as the whole people they are with developing minds and personalities, seeing the work as real work that's darn tough
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Having a relationship doesn't mean you're friends. That's an important thing to distinguish. You're employer/employee. They want to be seen. You can check in with them, that will get you far. Finding what they're good at, what they care about.
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If possible, trying to slow down and be intentional about taking time to check in AND hold onto that interaction to follow up - remembering just one thing about each student could be a good starting goal
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Teens also want to know why - why do we need to schedule things this way, why are we doing this before that, etc. I think it brings clarity and transparency, but most of all, trust!
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Sarah M. has teen "employee handbook" - has standard things, but also expectations about teens. I always check myself on my idea of efficiency and productivity. This isn't a space where we need to be as highly productive as a veg. Teens are NOT the most efficient work force.
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Resource - especially the "straight talk" resource : https://ucceny.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ENYF-Growing-Young-Leaders-FINAL-for-web.compressed.pdf
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What about supporting teens who are in "survival mode"?
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Something that has been key to City Blossoms' cooperative model has been allowing teens to set their group expectations and hold one another accountable, create and display art they create together, and sign an employment agreement that has been shaped with youth input - helps foster the group dynamic and overcome challenges as they arise
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teaching leadership skills by way of peer interaction and co-creating the business/space
What is the number one thing you do when things start to go astray / when group morale starts to decline?
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Snacks! Meeting everyone's basic needs - popsicles to beat the heat
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arrange the day to try and offset fatigue, change things up
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If morale is dragging, don't push it to be better. Pause and address their needs, keep an eye and take dragging morale as a sign that it's time to stop and do something differently
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what about when campers (younger kids) are involved and counselors need reinvigorating?
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At Cedar Circle Farm, counselors take part in planning the camp. There's themes for each week but options for activities. They can choose how they spend their day. Guaranteed lunch (with peers) and intermittent breaks to have time entirely away from kids
What are your favorite activities for Opening Meetings with teens, and how do you evaluate activities before using them?
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Charlotte - group sharing for 15 - 20 minutes as staff - what needs to happen that day / whose needs are centered that day (the campers, for example).
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Meeting students where they are: start in a circle - hold up number of fingers for "Where you are feeling today," 1 = I got nothing / feeling depleted; 10 is "ready to go!" Change it up every circle. Kids get bored if it's too much the same. Starting with "Fun" every day. Word association game for example
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YEC Program Manager shared that youth loved, "telestrations". If the group is a little more introverted, it was a fun drawing game to start the day. New games, fun and bonding.
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Joint Playlist - mushed together - develops over time and space - play it while they're outside
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Book of trust-building games Silver Bullets: A Guide to Initiative Problems, Adventure Games and Trust Activities
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One opener I use with my interns, is passed down from my boss, we take a few minutes share "New and Goods" where they can share new and good things that have happened. Is a fun way to help our teens share with each other - "Clearings and Celebrations" is another strategy someone shared during the last summer camp meeting
- Another resource from East New York Farms
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Vera Simon-Nobes
Farm-Based Education Network
Shelburne VT
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 10:08:52 PM
From: Vera Simon-Nobes
Subject: Teen Farm and Garden Programs: mentorship and evaluating
Hey Everyone! On March 7 from 3-4 pm EST, I'm hosting a casual drop-in Zoom to talk about teen farm and garden programs. This is a space to continue the conversation from our fall teen entrepreneurship in the farm and garden programming with City Blossoms and US Botanic Garden. We're also pleased to share the videos from the four-part series!
Teen Entrepreneurship Drop-In Virtual Space
March 7
3 pm ET / 12 PT
We'll open with three questions, and we'd love to hear your perspectives!- What are some strategies you use for building relationships with teens in your program? (This may be different from creating community among the teen group, but rather how do you, as a program facilitator, prepare yourself for supporting teens?)- What is the number one thing you do when things start to go astray / when group morale starts to decline?- What are your favorite activities for Opening Meetings with teens, and how do you evaluate activities before using them? Thanks, and hope to see you Thursday at 3 ET!
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Vera Simon-Nobes
Farm-Based Education Network
Shelburne VT
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