2026 SPARC National Conference

What can a children's construction show teach us about summer camps and after-school programs? More than you might think. In this interactive session, participants will explore how intentional program design creates stronger outcomes for children, greater value for families, and more sustainable auxiliary programs for schools and organizations. Drawing inspiration from Peter Gray's research on the developmental power of play, the Reggio Emilia approach to child-centered learning, and proven strategies for embedding life skills development into camps and enrichment programs, we'll examine how every program can be designed with purpose.