WINGS got BOOSTed!

Our team recently had the pleasure of attending the BOOST Conference 2023 in sunny Palm Springs, California. BOOST stands for Best Out-of-School Time Conference, so attending, speaking, and exhibiting here was right up our alley. And let me tell you, we had a blast! 

We were SO inspired by the speakers! From keynote addresses to breakout sessions, there was no shortage of engaging and thought-provoking presentations. Our team learned about the latest trends and research in afterschool and education, heard success stories from other organizations, and gained valuable insights on how to improve our own programs. It was clear that everyone in attendance shared a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of children and youth. 

Our exhibitor spot was on the Front Porch and we had so much FUN playing our casino-themed game and handing out prizes to lucky winners! After rolling dice and flipping cards, we had the opportunity to network with educators, program coordinators, and nonprofit leaders from all over the country. The WINGS team saw so many smiles, gave some high fives, and drank lots of water! 

Our SEL Trainer Katie also presented a workshop "Leading with an SEL Lens." In her session, participants learned how to lead with SEL—creating an environment where social-emotional skill building can thrive in both staff and students. Participants engaged in group discussions, hands-on activities, and actionable takeaways to begin to lead through the use of SEL practices. It was refreshing to connect with others who share our vision for creating safe and supportive learning environments where young people can thrive. We exchanged ideas, shared resources, and made some new friends along the way. 

Overall, we were so happy to be at the BOOST Conference 2023. It was an incredible experience that left us feeling energized and motivated to continue our work. Our team came away with new knowledge, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. We can't wait to implement what we learned and see the positive impact it has on the children and youth we serve.

To all the educators and afterschool program staff out there, we highly recommend attending the BOOST Conference in the future. It's a great opportunity to connect with others in the field, learn from experts, and get inspired to make a difference. We hope to see you there next year!