The SPARC Effect

Rebecca Stokes from University School of Nashville joined the SPARC Effect to share how she grew her After School Enrichment Program, which doubled in size in eight years. From faculty recruitment to finding space for classes, Rebecca offered valuable insight into staying flexible and positive to best manage these pivotal programs. Take a seat around the camp fire and soak up the gold that she gave us!

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With Summer 2024 closing in, we are at the peak of marketing season. Aubrey Bursch from Easy School Marketing joined host Travis Walker to share the strategies and theories we should consider as we focus on marketing our programs. How do we reach our target market? What strategies are most effective? Why do we need to consider certain methods over others? This episode takes a deep dive into everything we need to be doing right now!...

Krystal Speed, from Your HR Strategist, joined the SPARC Effect to discuss trends in Human Resources. With experience in Auxiliary Programs, Krystal gave great practical insight into focusing on employee well-being, aligning your school's policies and practices with its stated mission, and recognizing the growing force and expectations of Gen Z staff. Learn how we should be approaching recruitment, onboarding, retention, and m...

Laura Walker and Bob Rojee join the SPARC Effect to discuss how they prioritize and leverage staff training to create their ideal camp culture. Why is camp culture so important? What are the “musts” that should happen in training? How do you turn high school/college students into competent and confident counselors? Laura and Bob share valuable insight into designing a training experience that shapes camp culture and serves both cam...

Jana Blackwell, Jim Patterson, and Tejan Walcott join the SPARC Effect to discuss how professional development and networking has impacted on their career success. From local networks, in-person and virtual events, and communities like SPARC, engaging in cooperative networking provides much-needed support, connection, and inspiration in a profession where many of us are working solo. This panel of professionals offers valuable insi...

Travis brought on Katie Peterson from the Breck School and Michael Carmody from Fort Worth Country Day to discuss how they utilize off-season camps to extend summer fun. There are a variety of approaches to off-season camps and they shared the strategy, purpose and fun that these camps can bring. This is a very fun episode with plenty of giggles and gold. Get ready to be SPARC Effected!

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David Sullivan, who is a senior advisor with SPARC and former Head of School, came on the show to give us some great insight to the Head of School's role in Auxiliary Programs. Heads have so much to balance, and Auxiliary is an important lever to pay attention to and play an active role in. David gave some great advice and perspective on how that balance happens. Get ready to be SPARC Effected. 

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Laura Walker of Charlotte Latin School and Katie Peterson of Breck School came on The SPARC Effect to share how they generate excitement for the launch of summer registration. We are seeing more and more throughout the industry the directors are making the launch of registration a big deal and they are seeing a positive impact from it. Travis discussed with Laura and Katie the reasons and strategies to creating the hype successfull...

Travis Walker got to speak with Karen McCann McClelland and Bob Rojee to discuss all of the things we have to look forward to with the SPARC National Conference closing in! The Conference is October 1st-4th and will be at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona. There is so much value to be had at the conference both in the attendees and programming. 

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