The ParentCamp Podcast

April F. Draine
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Tune in bi-weekly to The ParentCamp Podcast to hear conversations that empowers parents, families, and community partners one episode at a time. About ParentCamp: ParentCamp is THE transformational Family-School-Community Engagement Model designed to build a connected school ecosystem of caring and supportive adults surrounding our kids. ParentCamps are not the traditional stand and deliver sessions but facilitated dialogue where the entire room is the expert and everyone brings important and unique perspectives to the table.The Design of the Traditional Family Engagement Model is Compliance Conditions. Compliance conditions keep people in “lanes” or “silos.” The Design of the Virtual ParentCamp Model is two-fold: Equality Conditions plus Purpose. Equality Conditions at a Virtual ParentCamp mean every person can be a learner and leader for kids, with the opportunity to go to any session at any time. Equality conditions mean every person can talk, listen, encourage, and connect with others as it feels right to them. Purpose at a Virtual ParentCamp means family, school and community decide not only the session topics but also the purposes around the topics–connect, strengthen and collaborate. Purpose is the secret sauce that leads to Family-School-Community Collective Efficacy.Welcome to a new lived experience of “Family-School-Community Engagement” where each person can bring their abundant gifts to ParentCamps and together create a world where kids feel happy, healthy and strong.   Welcome to a level playing field and a unique family engagement experience every single ParentCamp.This is how you Transform school culture and education.One hour at a time.  ParentCamp – Transformational Family-School-Community Engagement (https://www.parentcamp.org) "ParentCamp is the puzzle piece missing in schools, listening to families" - DE Schools and DE DOE (youtube.com)

  1. Finding Your Voice, Your Place, and Your Power with Maz Ashraf

    FEB 18

    Finding Your Voice, Your Place, and Your Power with Maz Ashraf

    In this Season 2 episode of The ParentCamp Podcast, host April F. Draine is joined by Julie Pile, President of ParentCamp, and ParentCamp coach Maz Ashraf for an inspiring conversation about what happens when parents move beyond their comfort zones and step into their power. Maz shares her personal journey as a stay-at-home parent, immigrant, and mother navigating a new education system—first feeling like she was “just a parent,” and later realizing she is the parent. Together, the group explores how ParentCamp creates inclusive spaces where families feel safe, valued, and capable of contributing—regardless of language, background, or experience. This episode is a celebration of growth, confidence, and community—and a reminder that when parents are given the opportunity, they rise. Show Notes: Episode Title: Finding Your Voice, Your Place, and Your Power Hosts: April F. Draine Guests: Maz Ashraf, ParentCamp Coach and Virtual ParentCamp Coordinator Julie Pile, ParentCamp President Resources Mentioned: Angela Masden, Play Cousins Collective https://playcousinscollective.wildapricot.org/ and Rose Dove Consulting https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089104753651 Matt Morrison, The Delaware Dream Center - https://dreamcenterde.org/ Matt Morrison The ParentCamp Podcast Episode - https://youtu.be/r04hhphIfNE?si=B0bEMxYVGkl0n1zk Aspira Academy Charter School, Newark, DE - https://www.aspiraacademy.org/ Aspira Academy Charter School YouTube ParentCamp Video (English) - https://youtu.be/z-ArDJxijd0?si=Fq_7MAY7OO15VgJR Aspira Academy Charter School YouTube ParentCamp Video (Spanish) - https://youtu.be/JJGmE8zibMY?si=I_L_fNC2Eqj2VXNm Delaware Department of Education - https://education.delaware.gov/ Delaware Department of Education ParentCamp Video - https://youtu.be/1j7o_duwqi4?si=KWj5hB8R-z0cuYwB Call to Action: Visit the ParentCamp website (https://www.parentcamp.org/) to learn more and bring ParentCamp to your school or district Sign up for the ParentCamp Newsletter - http://cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999 Join us for our monthly Virtual ParentCamp - Dates in our Newsletter Archive - https://app.cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999 Share your experiences with family-school partnerships on social media using #ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcast Connect with Us: ParentCamp’s Website: www.parentcamp.org ParentCamp’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentCamp ParentCamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcamp ParentCamp Twitter: https://x.com/ParentCamp ParentCamp LinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentcamp ParentCamp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentcampglobal/ Julie Pile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapile/ Julie Pile Twitter: https://x.com/juliepile Laura Gilchrist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragilchristedu/ Laura Gilchrist Twitter: https://x.com/LauraGilchrist4 April F. Draine Linktree - https://linktr.ee/aprilfdraine

    31 min
  2. Funding with Purpose: Aligning Budgets to Student Needs with Nathan Williamson

    10/01/2025

    Funding with Purpose: Aligning Budgets to Student Needs with Nathan Williamson

    Summary & Show Notes: In this episode of The ParentCamp Podcast, host April F. Draine sits down with Nathan Williamson, founder of Mazi Education, and Julie Pile, President of ParentCamp. Nathan shares how his team helps schools flip the script on budgeting—ensuring dollars fund meaningful plans rather than simply filling budget lines. Together, they discuss the challenges schools face with family engagement, how COVID shifted the landscape, and why it’s critical to see “children behind the numbers.” Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on aligning funding with strategic goals, partnering across schools and communities, and building authentic family-school-community engagement. Key Quotes: “Don’t plan your funds—fund your plan.” — Nathan Williamson “Behind every budget number is a child we must serve.” — Nathan Williamson “You’ve got to do something different, or you’ll keep getting the same results.” — Julie Pile Show Notes: Episode Title: Funding with Purpose: Aligning Budgets to Student Needs with Nathan Williamson Hosts: April F. Draine Guests: Nathan Williamson, Founder of Mazi Education Julie Pile, ParentCamp President Resources Mentioned: Mazi Education Website National Association for Family School Community Engagement (NAFSCE) Indiana Department of Education Gary Community Schools Corporation Title I Title III Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Call to Action: Visit the ParentCamp website (https://www.parentcamp.org/) to learn more and bring ParentCamp to your school or district Sign up for the ParentCamp Newsletter - http://cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999 Join us for our monthly Virtual ParentCamp - Sign-up for our Mighty Networks Community - https://parentcamp.mn.co/share/fgIj8OGPqR6TTW4O?utm_source=manual Share your experiences with family-school partnerships on social media using #ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcast Connect with Us: ParentCamp’s Website: www.parentcamp.org ParentCamp’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentCamp ParentCamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcamp ParentCamp Twitter: https://x.com/ParentCamp ParentCamp LinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentcamp ParentCamp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentcampglobal/ Julie Pile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapile/ Julie Pile Twitter: https://x.com/juliepile Laura Gilchrist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragilchristedu/ Laura Gilchrist Twitter: https://x.com/LauraGilchrist4 April F. Draine Linktree - https://linktr.ee/aprilfdraine For more information and to listen to the episode visit Apple, Spotify or on ParentCamp’s Podcast YouTube Playlist.

    35 min
  3. Small School, Big Dreams: Building Trust and Hope at Positive Outcomes Charter School

    09/17/2025

    Small School, Big Dreams: Building Trust and Hope at Positive Outcomes Charter School

    🎙️Summary & Show Notes: In the kickoff to Season 2 of The ParentCamp Podcast, host April Draine welcomes back beloved ParentCamp coach Jay Posick and introduces Ed Emmett, Executive Director of Positive Outcomes Charter School in Delaware—the state’s very first charter school. Together, they share how Positive Outcomes serves students who weren’t finding success in traditional settings by creating a safe, family-like environment rooted in big dreams, trust, and relationships. From advisory systems that ensure no child “falls through the cracks,” to ParentCamp sessions where families rediscover hope, Jay and Ed show how love, persistence, and community can transform schools. This is an inspiring conversation for educators, parents, and leaders everywhere. The founding and unique mission of Positive Outcomes Charter School Building trust with students and families in “30-second increments” Creating advisory systems that give every student a caring adult connection How ParentCamp strengthens family-school-community ties The role of hope and dreams in education Why both Jay and Ed keep showing up after decades in education Key Takeaways: -Small school, big dreams: Students at Positive Outcomes often arrive with diminished hope—staff work intentionally to help them dream bigger. -Trust is built daily: Families and students may carry trauma or distrust of schools; rebuilding trust takes consistent, small, positive interactions. -Advisory matters: Every student is connected to a dedicated adult advisor who bridges between school and family. -Return on Relationships: ParentCamp sessions provide safe, supportive spaces for families to connect, share, and grow together. -Why educators stay: Both Jay and Ed describe education not as a job, but as a calling—and they keep showing up for kids. Key Quotes: “We were created to be a safe space for kids who weren’t finding success in traditional schools.” – Ed Emmett “You build trust in 30-second increments.” – Jay Posick “Our hope is that Positive Outcomes will still be thriving at its 50th anniversary, always a place that never gives up on kids.” – Ed Emmett “Even as a retired principal, the kids are still my why.” – Jay Posick Show Notes: Episode Title: Small School, Big Dreams: Building Trust and Hope at Positive Outcomes Charter School Hosts: April F. Draine Guests: Ed Emmett, Executive Director of Positive Outcomes Charter School and Jay Posick, ParentCamp Coach Resources Mentioned: Positive Outcomes Charter School (Delaware) Book: Principals in Action: Redefining the Role of the Principal – by Jay Posick & co-authors Call to Action: Visit the ParentCamp website (https://www.parentcamp.org/) to learn more and bring ParentCamp to your school or district Sign up for the ParentCamp Newsletter - http://cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999 Join us for our monthly Virtual ParentCamp - Sign-up for our Mighty Networks Community - https://parentcamp.mn.co/share/fgIj8OGPqR6TTW4O?utm_source=manual Share your experiences with family-school partnerships on social media using #ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcast Connect with Us: ParentCamp’s Website: www.parentcamp.org ParentCamp’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentCamp ParentCamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcamp ParentCamp Twitter: https://x.com/ParentCamp ParentCamp LinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentcamp ParentCamp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentcampglobal/ Julie Pile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapile/ Julie Pile Twitter: https://x.com/juliepile Laura Gilchrist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragilchristedu/ Laura Gilchrist Twitter: https://x.com/LauraGilchrist4 April F. Draine Linktree - https://linktr.ee/aprilfdraine

    36 min
  4. Seeing the Light in Others: Empowering Others to Thrive

    05/14/2025

    Seeing the Light in Others: Empowering Others to Thrive

    Title: Seeing the Light in Others: Empowering Others to Thrive 🎙️Summary & Show Notes: In our final episode for Season 1, we share in this inspiring episode of  The ParentCamp Podcast, host April F. Draine sits down with Julie Pile for an insightful discussion on the power of recognizing and nurturing potential in others. Julie shares her personal journey, highlighting impactful mentors who've influenced her approach to leadership and community-building. Listen in as Julie recounts powerful stories of parents like Jenny, Paula, and Maz, demonstrating how ParentCamp empowers individuals to step into their unique strengths, significantly enhancing their community involvement and personal growth. Show Notes:Julie Pile’s influential mentors and her approach to leadershipThe importance of authentic relationship-buildingJenny’s journey: from new parent to empowered community leaderPaula’s transformative impact through purposeful mentorshipMaz's growth from dedicated volunteer to ParentCamp coachCreating a welcoming and empowering environment through ParentCampThe significance of vulnerability and authenticity in community building Key Takeaways: Intentional recognition and encouragement can profoundly impact individuals' growth and community engagement.Genuine relationships built on vulnerability and authenticity foster deeper connections and trust.Empowerment often starts with a small step or a simple encouragement, leading to significant community contributions.Creating inclusive, pressure-free spaces like ParentCamp allows individuals to explore involvement without obligation. Key Quotes:"Your job as a manager is to build people up, so they can move onward and upward.""We all have that niche where we really thrive and grow.""In order to build relationships, you must be vulnerable and authentic.""Seeing potential in others and encouraging them gives me the greatest joy."Show Notes: Episode Title: Seeing the Light in Others: Empowering Others to ThriveHosts: April F. DraineGuest: Julie Pile, President, ParentCampTopics Discussed:  Empowering OthersResources Mentioned:  School Based Decision Making Councils - https://www.gettingsmart.com/2025/03/07/kentuckys-learning-ecosystem-in-2040-a-day-in-the-life/Ment2Be Mentoring Program - https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/florence/2014/10/27/mentor-relationships-mentbe-stephens-elementary/18016279/Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership (CIPL) - https://www.prichardcommittee.org/commonwealth-institute-for-parent-leadershipPrichard Committee for Academic Excellence - https://www.prichardcommittee.org/Las Aspira Academy Charter School - https://aspiraacademy.org/Munazah Ashraf, ParentCamp Coach - https://www.linkedin.com/in/munazah-maz-ashraf-1b53bb1b2/Book:  Beyond the Bake Sale - Anne Henderson and Karen MappCall to Action:Visit the ParentCamp website (https://www.parentcamp.org/) to learn more and bring ParentCamp to your school or districtSign up for the ParentCamp Newsletter - http://cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999Join us for our monthly Virtual ParentCamp - Sign-up for our Mighty Networks Community - https://parentcamp.mn.co/share/fgIj8OGPqR6TTW4O?utm_source=manualShare your experiences with family-school partnerships on social media using #ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcastConnect with Us:ParentCamp’s Website:  www.parentcamp.orgParentCamp’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentCamp ParentCamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcampParentCamp Twitter:  https://x.com/ParentCampParentCamp LinedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentcampParentCamp Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/parentcampglobal/Julie Pile LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapile/Julie Pile Twitter:  https://x.com/juliepileLaura Gilchrist LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragilchristedu/Laura Gilchrist Twitter:  https://x.com/LauraGilchrist4April F. Draine Linktree - https://linktr.ee/aprilfdraineFor more information and to listen to the episode visit Apple, Spotify or on ParentCamp’s Podcast YouTube Playlist.

    37 min
  5. Hopes and Dreams - Principles from a Principal with Jay Posick

    04/30/2025

    Hopes and Dreams - Principles from a Principal with Jay Posick

    Title: Hopes and Dreams: Principles from a Principal with Jay Posick 🎙Summary: In this heartwarming and insightful episode of the ParentCamp Podcast, host April F. Draine is joined by ParentCamp President Julie Pile and retired principal-turned-ParentCamp coach Jay Posick. From their first connection during a global book study on Beyond the Bake Sale to today’s family engagement work, Jay shares powerful lessons from over 35 years in education. You'll hear how his simple “hopes and dreams” question transformed parent-teacher connections, why his office was in the hallway instead of behind a desk, and how being present with kids builds trust and culture. Whether you're a parent, educator, or administrator, this episode offers actionable wisdom on creating inclusive spaces, building genuine relationships, and rethinking how schools engage families. Jay’s story proves that leadership grounded in presence, humor, and humanity can reshape school culture—one circle at a time. Show Notes: ● The power of relationship-based leadership ● How Jay’s “hopes and dreams” activity deepens family connection ● Why circles create equal, meaningful dialogue ● Behind-the-scenes of a ParentCamp in Delaware ● ParentCamp as a tool for whole-school transformation Key Takeaways: ● Circles equalize conversation—everyone’s voice matters. ● “Hopes and dreams” is more powerful than setting goals—it invites lifelong vision. ● ParentCamp is about all families, not just parents—it’s a community movement. ● Leadership requires visibility: “If you’re in your office, you’re waiting for trouble.” ● The best engagement doesn’t end after the event—it keeps growing between camps. Key Quotes: ● “Goals have an endpoint. Hopes and dreams can go on forever.” – Jay Posick ● “ParentCamp isn’t just for parents—it’s for anyone who loves a child.” – Julie Pile ● “The only thing you do in your office is wait for trouble. Get out and connect.” – Jay Posick ● “We don’t have to do this—we get to do this.” – Julie Pile Show Notes: ● Episode Title: Hopes and Dreams: Principles from a Principal ● Hosts: April F. Draine ● Guest: Julie Pile, President, ParentCamp and Jay Posick, ParentCamp Coach ● Topics Discussed: Relationship Based Leadership Resources Mentioned: ● Jay Posick on Twitter/X - https://x.com/posickj ● Voxer - https://www.voxer.com/ ● Beyond the Bake Sale Book - https://thenewpress.com/books/beyond-bake-sale ● Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) - https://iel.org/ ● NAFSCE - https://nafsce.org/ ● Principals in Action Book - https://www.amazon.com/Principals-Action-Redefining-Jay-Posick/dp/1734051426 ● Positive Outcomes Charter School, Camden, DE - https://positiveoutcomescs.org/ ● Sussex Montessori Charter School, Seaford, DE - https://sussexmontessoricharter.com/ Call to Action: ● Share your hopes and dreams for your child using #ParentCampHopes on social media and share with your child! ● Visit the ParentCamp website (https://www.parentcamp.org/) to learn more and bring ParentCamp to your school or district ● Sign up for the ParentCamp Newsletter - http://cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999 ● Join us for our monthly Virtual ParentCamp - Sign-up for our Mighty Networks Community - https://parentcamp.mn.co/share/fgIj8OGPqR6TTW4O?utm_source=manual ● Share your experiences with family-school partnerships on social media using #ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcast Connect with Us: ● ParentCamp’s Website: www.parentcamp.org ● ParentCamp’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentCamp ● ParentCamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcamp ● ParentCamp Twitter: https://x.com/ParentCamp ● ParentCamp LinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentcamp ● ParentCamp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentcampglobal/ ● Julie Pile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapile/ ● Julie Pile Twitter: https://x.com/juliepile ● Laura Gilchrist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragilchristedu/ ● Laura Gilchrist Twitter: https://x.com/LauraGilchrist4 ● April F. Draine Linktree - https://linktr.ee/aprilfdraine For more information and to listen to the episode visit Apple, Spotify or on ParentCamp’s Podcast YouTube Playlist.

    34 min
  6. AI and Your Child - Empowering Parents with Amanda DePriest

    04/16/2025

    AI and Your Child - Empowering Parents with Amanda DePriest

    Title: AI and Your Child: Empowering Parents with Amanda DePriest 🎙Summary: In this episode of the ParentCamp Podcast, host April F. Draine and guests Julie Pile of ParentCamp dive into an empowering conversation with Amanda DePriest, Content and Curriculum Developer at AI for Education. Amanda, a former educator and technology coach, shares insights into how parents and educators can positively and safely navigate artificial intelligence (AI) with their children. Highlighting the importance of knowledge over fear, Amanda offers practical tools, strategies, and resources to help families use AI as a powerful assistant that amplifies, rather than replaces, their voices. Listeners will learn about dispelling common AI myths, addressing AI literacy in education, strategies to prevent misuse such as cheating or misinformation, and fostering positive parent-school partnerships. Amanda emphasizes collective learning and informed engagement, empowering families to navigate the complexities of modern technology confidently. Key Takeaways: 1. Knowledge combats fear: Understanding AI empowers parents and educators to make informed decisions. 2. AI should amplify and enhance human voices, not erase or replace them. 3. Digital literacy skills, including verifying AI-generated information, are critical for students and adults. 4. Parents and educators can partner effectively through open and proactive communication about AI. 5. Resources and courses are widely available to facilitate learning and confidence in AI. Key Quotes: ● "Use AI in a way that enhances and amplifies your voice, not in a way that erases and replaces your voice." – Amanda DePriest ● "Parents are their children's best advocates. Collective conversation can address AI literacy effectively." – Amanda DePriest ● "Don't let your children learn about AI behind closed doors; learn together and build understanding collectively." – Amanda DePriest Show Notes: Episode Title: AI and Your Child: Empowering Parents Host: April F. Draine Guests: Julie Pile, President, ParentCamp and Amanda DePriest, Content and Curriculum Developer, AI for Education Topics Discussed: AI usage for parents and educators Resources Mentioned: ○ Free AI literacy course for educators and parents: AI for Education Free Course ○ Google’s Applied Digital Skills ○ Common Sense Media ○ Code.org ○ Cengage Graduate Employability Report ○ State AI Guidance for K12 Schools ○ Northern Kentucky Education Council ○ Northern Kentucky Education Council One to One ○ Tutorbot.eu ○ Khanmigo.ai ○ NotebookLM ○ Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn: Amanda DePriest Call to Action: ○ Visit the ParentCamp website (https://www.parentcamp.org/) to learn more and bring ParentCamp to your school or district ○ Sign up for the ParentCamp Newsletter - http://cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999 ○ Join us for our monthly Virtual ParentCamp - Sign-up for our Mighty Networks Community - https://parentcamp.mn.co/share/fgIj8OGPqR6TTW4O?utm_source=manual ○ Share your experiences with family-school partnerships on social media using #ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcast Connect with Us: ○ ParentCamp’s Website: www.parentcamp.org ○ ParentCamp’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentCamp ○ ParentCamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcamp ○ ParentCamp Twitter: https://x.com/ParentCamp ○ ParentCamp LinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentcamp ○ ParentCamp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentcampglobal/ ○ Julie Pile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapile/ ○ Julie Pile Twitter: https://x.com/juliepile ○ Laura Gilchrist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragilchristedu/ ○ Laura Gilchrist Twitter: https://x.com/LauraGilchrist4 ○ April F. Draine Linktree - https://linktr.ee/aprilfdraine For more information and to listen to the episode visit Apple, Spotify or on ParentCamp’s Podcast YouTube Playlist.

    36 min
  7. Building Community Through Dialogue: Inside ParentCamp Coaching

    04/02/2025

    Building Community Through Dialogue: Inside ParentCamp Coaching

    Title: Building Community Through Dialogue: Inside ParentCamp Coaching 🎙️Summary & Show Notes: Join host April F. Draine as she chats with ParentCamp Vice President Laura Gilchrist and seasoned ParentCamp Coach Emily Howell in this insightful episode. Emily shares her journey from being an educator involved with EdCamps to becoming a pivotal part of the ParentCamp movement. Learn about the magic of ParentCamp’s dialogue-driven model, the transformative power of sitting in circles instead of rows, and how intentional relationship-building can significantly bridge gaps between schools, parents, and communities. Emily provides compelling stories of personal growth, authentic community-building, and the positive impact ParentCamp has on schools and families alike. Show Notes: Introduction with Emily Howell and Laura GilchristEmily Howell’s journey from EdCamp to ParentCamp coachThe importance of authentic dialogue and community buildingChallenges and triumphs from early ParentCamp coaching experiencesPractical strategies to enhance parent-teacher relationshipsReal-life success stories of community transformationVision for future ParentCamp engagement in educationWrap-up discussion: making ParentCamp "the way we do things"Key Takeaways: Authentic dialogue and intentional relationships are key to effective family-school-community engagement.ParentCamp’s model moves away from traditional presentations to meaningful, interactive conversations.Simple changes, such as seating arrangements, can significantly alter the dynamics of engagement and communication.True community-building happens when everyone’s voice is heard, fostering trust and collective empowerment.Show Notes: Episode Title:  Building Community Through Dialogue: Inside ParentCamp CoachingHosts: April F. DraineGuest: Dr. Emily Howell, Coach, ParentCamp and Laura Gilchrist, Vice-PresidentTopics Discussed:  Power of dialogueResources Mentioned:  ParentCamp Community on Might Networks - https://tinyurl.com/pc-mn-homeEdCamp powered by Digital Promise -  https://digitalpromise.org/edcamp/Call to Action:Visit the ParentCamp website (https://www.parentcamp.org/) to learn more and bring ParentCamp to your school or districtSign up for the ParentCamp Newsletter - http://cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999Join us for our monthly Virtual ParentCamp - Sign-up for our Mighty Networks Community - https://parentcamp.mn.co/share/fgIj8OGPqR6TTW4O?utm_source=manualShare your experiences with family-school partnerships on social media using #ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcastConnect with Us:ParentCamp’s Website:  www.parentcamp.orgParentCamp’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentCamp ParentCamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcampParentCamp Twitter:  https://x.com/ParentCampParentCamp LinedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentcampParentCamp Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/parentcampglobal/Julie Pile LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapile/Julie Pile Twitter:  https://x.com/juliepileLaura Gilchrist LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragilchristedu/Laura Gilchrist Twitter:  https://x.com/LauraGilchrist4April F. Draine Linktree - https://linktr.ee/aprilfdraineFor more information and to listen to the episode visit Apple, Spotify or on ParentCamp’s Podcast YouTube Playlist.

    31 min
  8. Meeting Universal Human Needs: The Key to Powerful Family Engagement

    03/19/2025

    Meeting Universal Human Needs: The Key to Powerful Family Engagement

    Title: Meeting Universal Human Needs: The Key to Powerful Family Engagement 🎙️Summary & Show Notes: Join April F. Draine, Julie Pile, and Laura Gilchrist as they dive deep into the fascinating concept of Universal Human Needs in episode 6 of The ParentCamp Podcast. Discover how recognizing and intentionally addressing these fundamental needs—ranging beyond just food and shelter—can profoundly enhance family-school-community engagement. Laura and Julie unpack insights from the Center for Nonviolent Communication and explore practical ways to engineer environments that create opportunities for contribution, connection,trust, relationships, and harmony. They also highlight the transformative power of designing engagement experiences that foster open feelings, ultimately benefiting children by creating vibrant and supportive communities. Show Notes: Exploring Universal Human Needs beyond basic survivalConnection and Meaning: Two Core Categories of Human NeedsPractical insights into meeting these needs through family engagementThe powerful impact of environment and intentional design (rows vs. circles)Real-life stories showcasing the benefits for students, parents, and grandparentsImportance of contribution as a fundamental universal human needHow feelings (open vs. closed) influence engagement and community dynamicsWrap-up: Engineering open feelings for greater impact on students and familiesKey Takeaways: Universal human needs go beyond basic physical necessities to emotional and psychological needs such as connection, meaning, and contribution.Intentionally designing environments (using circles rather than rows) significantly enhances participation and positive outcomes.Meeting universal human needs fosters open feelings—essential for productive and engaging community interaction.Contribution, connection, and meaning are key drivers of successful family-school-community engagement.Show Notes: Episode Title: Meeting Universal Human Needs: The Key to Powerful Family EngagementHosts: April F. DraineGuest: Julie Pile, President, ParentCamp and Laura Gilchrist, Vice-PresidentTopics Discussed:  Universal Human NeedsResources Mentioned:  Universal Human Needs List: www.cnvc.org (Center for Nonviolent Communication)Marshall Rosenberg, Founder of Center for Nonviolent CommunicationDr. Emily Howell, ParentCamp CoachVoxer - https://www.voxer.com/Mentimeter - https://www.mentimeter.com/Call to Action:Visit the ParentCamp website (https://www.parentcamp.org/) to learn more and bring ParentCamp to your school or districtSign up for the ParentCamp Newsletter - http://cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999Join us for our monthly Virtual ParentCamp - Sign-up for our Mighty Networks Community - https://parentcamp.mn.co/share/fgIj8OGPqR6TTW4O?utm_source=manualShare your experiences with family-school partnerships on social media using #ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcastConnect with Us:ParentCamp’s Website:  www.parentcamp.orgParentCamp’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentCamp ParentCamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcampParentCamp Twitter:  https://x.com/ParentCampParentCamp LinedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentcampParentCamp Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/parentcampglobal/Julie Pile LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapile/Julie Pile Twitter:  https://x.com/juliepileLaura Gilchrist LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragilchristedu/Laura Gilchrist Twitter:  https://x.com/LauraGilchrist4April F. Draine Linktree - https://linktr.ee/aprilfdraineFor more information and to listen to the episode visit Apple, Spotify or on ParentCamp’s Podcast YouTube Playlist.

    38 min
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About

Tune in bi-weekly to The ParentCamp Podcast to hear conversations that empowers parents, families, and community partners one episode at a time. About ParentCamp: ParentCamp is THE transformational Family-School-Community Engagement Model designed to build a connected school ecosystem of caring and supportive adults surrounding our kids. ParentCamps are not the traditional stand and deliver sessions but facilitated dialogue where the entire room is the expert and everyone brings important and unique perspectives to the table.The Design of the Traditional Family Engagement Model is Compliance Conditions. Compliance conditions keep people in “lanes” or “silos.” The Design of the Virtual ParentCamp Model is two-fold: Equality Conditions plus Purpose. Equality Conditions at a Virtual ParentCamp mean every person can be a learner and leader for kids, with the opportunity to go to any session at any time. Equality conditions mean every person can talk, listen, encourage, and connect with others as it feels right to them. Purpose at a Virtual ParentCamp means family, school and community decide not only the session topics but also the purposes around the topics–connect, strengthen and collaborate. Purpose is the secret sauce that leads to Family-School-Community Collective Efficacy.Welcome to a new lived experience of “Family-School-Community Engagement” where each person can bring their abundant gifts to ParentCamps and together create a world where kids feel happy, healthy and strong.   Welcome to a level playing field and a unique family engagement experience every single ParentCamp.This is how you Transform school culture and education.One hour at a time.  ParentCamp – Transformational Family-School-Community Engagement (https://www.parentcamp.org) "ParentCamp is the puzzle piece missing in schools, listening to families" - DE Schools and DE DOE (youtube.com)

Information

  • Creator
    April F. Draine
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © @ ParentCamp 2016-2025, All Rights Reserved, www.parentcamp.org
  • Show Website
    The ParentCamp Podcast