Supporting CommUnity, Inc.

With summer sports in full swing, this quote is a timely reminder.

“The most important psychological reward offered by sports is the opportunity to experience and build self-esteem.” — Eric Margenau, Ph.D.

The greatest victories aren't always found on the scoreboard. They're found in the confidence and self-worth we help young athletes build every day.

What an incredible day with the City of Burbank Parks and Recreation Summer Camp team! ☀️🌿🎨

From Summer Daze, art and nature camps, and everything in between, we spent the day exploring how every activity can be intentionally designed to create positive pathways for success in the lives of young people.

We talked about the power of relationships, the importance of creating spaces where youth feel seen, valued, and connected, and the lasting impact camp staff have on the memories, confidence, and development of the children they serve.

Sometimes it's not just the activity that matters—it's the caring individual who listens, encourages, and helps a young person discover their strengths. The experiences created today become the stories, skills, and connections that youth carry with them long after summer ends.

A special thank you Diego, Noah, Jenny, and Doug as well as all the dedicated camp staff. You show up every day ready to make a difference. Your influence extends far beyond games, crafts, and outdoor adventures—you are helping shape futures, one meaningful interaction at a time.

I'm looking forward to leading two virtual training sessions this summer with the Alameda Recreation & Park Department on Understanding Adolescent Brain Development; It's All About Relationships. This week, I'll be working with summer staff, and in August, I'll partner with afterschool programming staff.

Together, we'll dive into how positive experiences and supportive relationships can help create new pathways in the brain and promote healthy youth development. We'll discuss creative ways to enhance programming, strengthen relationships, and engage youth in ways that support meaningful growth and lasting impact.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with the City of Burbank for a full-day training with Parks and Recreation summer camp staff.

We’ll explore how staff can build meaningful connections with youth, create supportive environments, and recognize the powerful impact they have on campers, families, and the community. I’m especially excited to work with this group of leaders as they serve as positive role models and create safe, fun, and memorable experiences for young people this summer.

As young people transition from the school year into summer camps, sports, jobs, and other programs, my session on the adolescent brain offers timely and practical reminders for those working with youth.

Key attendee takeaways from my session include patience, repetition, understanding that adolescent brains are still developing, and the lasting impact of supportive relationships.

The snowy pathway analogy captures this idea well. New skills take repeated practice to become easier over time, and progress is strengthened when trusted adults such as coaches, counselors, employers, and mentors intentionally stay present, reinforce expectations, and support consistency along the way.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to share an inspiring initiative I recently learned about at the VRPS: Virginia Recreation & Park Society (VRPS) Leadership Training Institute. During the event, Jason Bookhelmer introduced attendees to I Play Too — a meaningful initiative focused on mental health awareness and encouraging individuals to pay attention to their own mental well-being.
Just like our physical health, our mental health deserves intentional care and attention. Are we getting enough rest? Practicing self-care? Taking breaks when needed? Reaching out for help and support? Just as importantly, are we creating environments where others feel safe doing the same?
One of the most powerful reminders from this initiative is that it’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to pause and take care of yourself. Thank you to VRPS for highlighting the importance of mental health and making valuable resources available to support individuals and organizations alike.
No matter the profession or industry, life brings stress, challenges, and uncertainty. Prioritizing mental health helps us navigate those moments with greater resilience, clarity, and compassion for ourselves and others.
As a continued reminder, check out my article, “Navigating Mental Health and Emotions in the Workplace – Lessons from Inside Out and Beyond,” https://lnkd.in/gTEtPMZa which explores the importance of intentional self-care, emotional awareness, and accepting support from those around us.
Take care of yourself … and each other.

I’m looking forward to connecting with colleagues at Colorado Parks & Recreation Association's PLAaY Spring Conference, where I’ll be leading the opening keynote, “The Johnny Appleseeds of Our Time: Planting the Seeds of Support,” along with two additional breakout sessions.

We’ll start the day exploring the reasons we “do what we do” and how we can sow the seeds of support through our stories of success.

Registration is open until 12:00 p.m. MDT today. I’d love to see you there and continue the conversation in person! https://members.cpra-web.org/events/Details/plaay-spring-conference-2026-1699098?sourceTypeId=Website

May is Mental Health Awareness month. Taking care of your mental health means something different to everyone. Self-Care means something different to everyone. Whatever it is to you...make sure you're doing it!

Leadership is action. It’s not about a title—it’s about how we choose to show up for others every single day. And the truth is, those choices create a ripple effect far beyond what we can see in the moment.

That’s exactly what I felt during my time with the VRPS: Virginia Recreation & Park Society Leadership Training Institute. So many intentional opportunities to create positive ripples—and I was truly honored to be part of the learning experience supporting those outcomes.

A heartfelt thank you to VRPS and everyone who helped bring this incredible event together. Your passion, energy, and commitment to this profession is inspiring. It was such a joy to share insights and connect around something bigger than any one person or organization—a collective purpose that will continue to strengthen parks and recreation well into the future.

Because leadership isn’t about moving up…

It’s about the ripple you leave behind long after you’ve left the room.

Summer programs can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life, and the way staff show up each day makes all the difference.

For organizations that may not be able to bring in training but still want to support their teams, I’m sharing a 7 Weeks of Summer Leadership handout. It offers simple, practical ideas to help staff build connection, consistency, and a positive culture.https://supportingcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7-Weeks-of-Summer-Leadership.pdf

If you’d like to talk through ideas for implementing the 7-week plan, feel free to message me to schedule a brief Zoom conversation. I’d be glad to support your work.