Critical hours training conference

Less lecturing, more magic. Facilitation skills for engagement and inclusion | Moins d’exposé, plus de magie. Renforcer les compétences d’animation pour créer des espaces engageants et inclusifs.

(Bilingual Session)

Presented by: Aidan Fritz

Participants will learn the 3 principles of developing fair programs, in which participants want to participate freely. Finally, participants will learn the MAGIC that will allow them to create purposeful programming that engages, includes and moves people towards thinking, feeling and doing differently. Whether you are new to this work, or an experienced helping professional, everyone will walk away with new ideas and greater confidence leading groups.

Children's Right to Play: Opening the Door for Play in Community Spaces

(French translation available)

Presented by: Marnie Power

This workshop will examine play as a children's right, and explore how we, as community program staff, can show up fully to cultivate equitable, playful spaces and experiences where children thrive. We will be playing outside during this workshop. Please dress appropriately to get into the dirt, sit on the ground, etc. 

Beyond “Bullying”: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Harm Between Children

(French translation available)

Presented by: Dr. Krista Edwards

This session will explore effective anti-bullying approaches that move beyond punishment and focus on understanding behaviour, building safety, and strengthening community. Participants will learn how trauma, disenfranchisement, emotional regulation, and unmet needs can contribute to harmful peer dynamics, including when youth project their own struggles onto others. Using trauma-informed and relational practices, this session will provide tools to help prevent bullying, respond to conflict more effectively, and create environments where all young people feel seen, safe, and included. 

Beyond the Timesheet: Coaching Youth Staff into High-Performing Teams 

(French translation available)

Presented by: Omar Alhattab

This interactive workshop supports supervisors in leading summer youth staff through a relationship-based, strengths-focused approach. Recognizing that many staff are early in their employment journey, it offers practical strategies to build psychological safety, navigate boundaries, and provide feedback that supports growth and accountability. Participants will leave with tools to create a team culture where both staff and program participants can thrive.

Integrating Literacy and Numeracy Into Critical Hours/Summer Programming

Presented by: Cindy Bissonnette

This hands-on workshop will explore creative ways to integrate literacy and numeracy skill practice into your existing programming. Participants will leave with practical ideas and activities that can be implemented with limited preparation. Activities will focus on ages 6-12. 

Critical Hours Framework: From Reporting Data to Using It

(French translation available)

Presented by: Beth Tooley

Evaluation doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. This workshop supports frontline staff in using simple, relationship-based approaches to understand what’s working in their Critical Hours programs and where there are opportunities to grow. Participants will leave with practical strategies to capture impact across the three pillars and use that learning to strengthen their programs in real time.