The thought behind this year’s theme, In the City, Anything is Possible, is a culmination of the last few years of pivotal moments we’ve all encountered that have shaken and reshaped how we deliver programs and services to children, youth, programs, and families. Through it all, DCYF grantees continue to be at the forefront of providing, services. In the City, Anything is Possible serves as a reminder to continue the innovation, fun, and inspiring work that happens for communities to live full lives filled with opportunities.


In-Person Conference for Direct Service & Mid-Level Staff

Location: Hibernia | May 16th, 2024 from 9:30AM-1:00 PM | Click here to register


Virtual Workshops for Direct Service

9:00AM-1:00PM | Monday, May 13th | Tuesday, May 14th | Wednesday, May 15th

Click on the addition sign to drop down session information and registration links per day.

  • Handling Summer Fatigued and Stress

    Allies 4 Equity | 9:30AM-11:30AM | Register Here

    As the school year wraps up, some will take the summer to recharge, but as districts and community organizations launch summer programming, the pressure is on many to continue the work. This offering creates space to discuss how providers can meet summer service needs and be ready for the fall, without burning out.

    Healing Circles

    Ed Center | 11:30AM-1:00PM | Register Here

    A healing circle is a powerful way to explore your hard emotions in a soft way. Think of it as a support group with a little more ceremony. We’ll include mindfulness, poetry, ritual, and sharing to help you explore the areas you need to heal. Take some time for yourself and join us!

    Behavior Guidance and Classroom Management During the Summer

    Edutainment for Equity | 11:00AM-1:00PM | Register Here

    Summer programs are different from school year programming. Summer programs tend to be shorter, more intensive and focused. This means that you have less time to cultivate a healthy learning environment and build trust which can be challenging, but it also means that you have more influence because you are not contending with the pressures or spill over from the school day. In this workshop, you will learn strategies for (1) establishing classroom culture and building trust quickly yet authentically, (2) building and maintaining a behavior guidance toolbox to dig into when disruptive behaviors arise. Don’t start Summer programming without this foundational workshop!

    Supporting English Language Learning This Summer

    Spark Decks | 10:00AM-11:30AM | Register Here

    San Francisco is a diverse city, with newcomers arriving regularly from around the world. Summer is a great time for English language learners to practice their language skills in a fun, relaxed, and relevant environment.

    In this workshop, participants will learn new ideas for practices and activities that support English language learning in ways that are fun and meaningful for youth.

    By the end of this workshop, participants will:

    Learn research-based best practices to support English Language Learners

    Learn and practice activities that build English language fluency (in writing, reading, speaking, listening, and cultural awareness)

    Create an Action Plan for how to integrate these activities into summer programs.

    Nuts and Bolts to Activate your Summer Program

    Blaze Consulting Group | 10:00AM – 12:00PM | Register Here

    More information is coming soon.

    Name Games, Icebreakers and Team Building to Cultivate Connection during Summertime (K-8)

    Be the Change | 9:00AM – 11:00AM | Register Here

    This session is all about infusing energy and fun into your camp activities while strengthening group development and fostering a sense of belonging among participants.

    Throughout the workshop, you'll dive into a diverse range of activities specially curated to break the ice, help everyone get to know each other's names, and build camaraderie within your camp community. From classic name games to creative icebreakers, we'll explore interactive strategies guaranteed to keep the atmosphere light-hearted and engaging.

    But that's just the beginning! We'll also delve into team-building exercises designed to promote collaboration, communication, and trust among campers. Whether it's problem-solving challenges, cooperative games, or outdoor adventures, you'll discover a wealth of activities to strengthen bonds and create lasting connections.

    Get ready for a hands-on experience filled with laughter, excitement, and plenty of opportunities to learn and grow together.

    Name Games, Icebreakers and Team Building to Cultivate Connection during Summertime (TEEN/TAY)

    Be the Change | 11:00AM – 1:00PM | Register Here

    We understand the unique challenge of engaging teens, and our workshop is designed to captivate their interest while promoting meaningful group interactions.

    Throughout the session, participants will explore a diverse array of activities specifically chosen to resonate with middle and high school students. From high-energy icebreakers to creative name games, we'll dive into strategies that not only help everyone get to know each other but also cultivate a sense of camaraderie and belonging within the camp community.

    But wait, there's more! Our workshop goes beyond just breaking the ice. We'll also delve into team-building exercises carefully crafted to challenge and inspire participants. Through collaborative challenges, problem-solving activities, and exciting group games, students will develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership—all while having a blast!

    Expect an interactive and engaging experience filled with laughter, camaraderie, and plenty of opportunities for personal growth and connection.

    Incorporating Healing Centered Engagement during the Summer

    Flourish Agenda | 11:00AM – 1:00PM | Register Here

    More information is coming soon.

    Introduction to Measure Your Impact

    Candid | 11:30AM – 1:00PM | Register Here

    More information is coming soon.

  • Healthy Boundaries 101: Maintaining Perspective While Serving Teen and TAY

    Allies 4 Equity | 9:30AM-11:30AM | Register Here

    In our desire to “go the extra mile,” to effectively serve teens and TAY impacted by trauma, providers can experience compromised perspective and a blurring of boundaries. This offering provides tips and tools that increase the ability to hold a clear perspective and the knowledge of healthy boundaries that support the wellbeing of the provider and the teen and TAY populations served.

    Supporting Spirited Kids

    Ed Center | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM | Register Here

    In your program, you have a subset of kids who take much of your time and energy. These kids have big feelings that lead to impulsive, often challenging behaviors. The regular dose of connection, boundaries, and behavior support doesn’t seem to matter with these kids. They also may have ADHD (whether diagnosed or not). In this workshop, you’ll learn how to support spirited kids in a way that meets their needs, and doesn’t leave you frazzled at the end of the day.

    Authentic Youth Leadership in the Summer (Teen/TAY)

    Edutainment for Equity | 9:00AM-10:30PM | Register Here

    The condensed, yet concentrated nature of Summer is the perfect environment for authentic youth leadership opportunities! Without the pressures of the school day, you can set your own culture from the start and leverage your Summer program to design an environment that centers youth leadership from the first day! In this workshop you will learn strategies for designing your program to optimize opportunities for youth leadership that will keep your youth engaged and invigorated.

    Developing Meaningful and Engaging Curriculum

    Edutainment for Equity | 11:00AM-1:00PM | Register Here

    Summer programs can be transformative. So many of us have powerful experiences from Summer programs that helped open our minds, build our skills and cement friendships.

    In this workshop you will be led through a tried and true process and receive tools for planning curriculum that will not only engage your students but will also develop their skills and increase socio-emotional literacy.

    Promoting a Math-ful Environment this Summer

    Spark Decks | 10:00AM-11:30AM | Register Here

    Though math in summer can be fun and supports year-round learning, many summer staff feel intimidated teaching math, especially with a Common Core focus. This can lead to math being under-represented in summer lesson plans and activities. We aim to help staff learn how to create a math-ful environment, so they feel confident in bringing engaging math activities to their summer programs.

    In this workshop, participants will learn quick and easy methods for integrating more common core-aligned math into their programs in ways that are fun and engaging for participants, including Counting and Cardinality; Operations and Algebraic Thinking; Measurement and Data; and Geometry.

    Love Letter to SF

    Flourish Agenda | 11:00AM-1:00PM | Register Here

    Join us for an immersive workshop experience where we'll not only unravel the unique cultural beauty of San Francisco but also delve into the depths of our own identities. Through interactive activities designed to foster cultural understanding, we'll explore various concepts, ideas, and perspectives. As a particular highlight, we'll craft love letters to the city that has shaped our cultural foundations, celebrating the profound connection we share with San Francisco's vibrant soul. Join us on this heartfelt journey of self-discovery and appreciation for the rich tapestry of our beloved city.

    We’re here for it! Engaging Middle and High School Youth

    Blaze Consulting Group | 10:00AM-12:00PM | Register Here

    More information is coming soon.

    Restorative Behavior Guidance (K-8)

    Be the Change | 9:30AM-11:30AM | Register Here

    This session delves into the importance of understanding and implementing restorative practices to effectively address conflicts while fostering growth and development among participants.

    Conflicts are an inevitable part of human interaction, and during summer programming, they can arise for various reasons. However, rather than viewing conflicts as disruptions, we recognize them as valuable opportunities for learning and personal development. In this workshop, we'll explore why conflict is an integral part of development, and how restorative approaches can transform conflicts into meaningful learning experiences.

    Participants will gain insight into the principles and practices of restorative behavior guidance, which focus on repairing harm, building empathy, and promoting accountability within the community. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises, attendees will learn practical strategies for de-escalating conflicts, facilitating constructive dialogue, and fostering positive relationships among participants.

  • Trauma, Development and Brain 101 (K-8)

    Allies 4 Equity | 9:30AM-11:30AM | Register Here

    This training will offer insight into the ways in which trauma can impact the brain and development in children k-8, while also exploring ways to lessen the impact of trauma and increase opportunities for children to thrive.

    How to Stay Calm when Your Kids are Not

    Ed Center | 11:30AM-1:00PM | Register Here

    In this workshop, you’ll learn some habits, tools and techniques that will help both you and your kids stay regulated.

    Incorporating Multiple Intelligences with Youth during Summer

    Edutainment for Equity | 11:00AM-1:00PM | Register Here

    Can you remember a time when you were excited to learn something? You were at the edge of your seat, perhaps you even did more than what was expected because your drive for more was so strong. This is the environment that we want to create for our children and the good news is, Summer programs are the perfect place to do it! In this workshop, you will learn strategies for leveraging multiple intelligences to ensure that your content is engaging and fun.

    Making Engaging Literacy Activities a Favorite Part of Summer

    Spark Decks | 10:00AM-11:30AM | Register Here

    Reading, writing, speaking, and listening, the core skills that make up literacy, are critically important for academic and life success. Luckily, summer programs are well positioned to provide opportunities for youth to practice these skills in fun and relevant “summer-camp-like” ways that they will look forward to!

    In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will try out various fun activities and practices that build literacy skills that engage young people’s minds through “disguised learning” appropriate for summer programming.

    We will focus on the process of innovating new ideas from a “spark” and reflecting and modifying activities each time they are implemented. In this way, on-the-job learning and the continuous quality improvement cycle are embedded into the workshop.

    By the end of this workshop, participants will:

    Learn and develop creative ways to integrate language arts into their programs

    Share new ideas and network with other workshop participants

    For supervisors, learn strategies to support staff in implementing activities that support language arts

    Hustle and Flow

    Flourish Agenda | 9:30AM-11:30AM | Register Here

    More information is coming soon.

    Innovating Engaging Summer Programs

    Blaze Consulting Group | 9:30AM-11:30AM | Register Here

    More information is coming soon.

    Transformative Social and Emotional Learning (K-8)

    Be the Change | 10:00AM-12:00PM | Register Here

    Transformative SEL is anchored in the notion of justice-oriented citizenship. This session is dedicated to empowering individuals with essential skills for building emotional intelligence and self-awareness in a dynamic and engaging way.

    Throughout the workshop, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, exploring key concepts of SEL in the context of summertime experiences. From understanding and managing emotions to cultivating empathy and building healthy relationships, our session will provide practical strategies and tools to enhance participants' emotional quotient (EQ) and overall well-being.

    But this workshop isn't just about theory—it's about experiential learning and real-world application. Through interactive exercises, group discussions, and reflective activities, participants will have the opportunity to explore their own emotions, strengths, and areas for growth in a supportive and nurturing environment.

    How Candid Helps Nonprofits

    Candid | 11:30AM-1:00 PM | Register Here

    More information coming soon