News

Digital Storytelling: An Impactful, Creative, and Collaborative Student Activity

At the recent SPARC Symposium, Keynote Speaker Brett Pierce discussed the huge influence digital media has on the lives of young people. Helping them create stories through music, video, and other digital platforms teaches them to collaborate, learn a host of new skills, and have fun in the process. Continue Reading

Oak Hall School’s Signature Programs Enrich Student Life and Increase Community Engagement

Oak Hall School in Gainesville hosts extended day programming with wide-ranging options for younger students. Their two signature programs--Homework Block and the Community Sports League--impressed SPARC Senior advisors with their ingenuity and service to families and the larger community. Continue Reading

Build Your Ideal Camp Culture With Effective Staff Training

On the SPARC Effect Podcast, Bob Rojee and Laura Walker join Travis Walker to discuss how to shape camp culture by building a confident team empowered to create an exceptional camp experience. Continue Reading

Creating and Sustaining a Successful CIT Program

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs provide valuable life and leadership skills to younger campers while creating a pool of knowledgable, well-trained candidates for future hire as Camp Counselors. Three summer camp/CIT experts share their insights into running a successful CIT program. Continue Reading

Introducing SPARC's Tool of the Week

Fill up your SPARC toolbox with the Tool of the Week! Discover useful ways to better manage your programs, stay on task, track progress, and sustain a growth mindset. Continue Reading

The 2024 SPARC Symposium: The Impact of Auxiliary Programs

On February 15, the SPARC Symposium will showcase industry thought-leaders sharing stories about the multifaceted, transformative impact of auxiliary programs. Learn how these programs can change lives, foster life-long relationships, boost admissions, and impact your school's finances. Continue Reading

Webinar Recap: Increasing Auxiliary Revenue Through Entrepreneurial Thinking

Jana Blackwell and Karen McCann McClelland teach us that when designing and implementing auxiliary programs, thinking outside the box can lead to stronger school/community relationships while increasing non-tuition revenue. Continue Reading

Powerful SPARC Member Resources: SPARC Connect's Collections

Discover the full value of SPARC membership by exploring our Collections in SPARC Connect. Find conference slides, downloadable tools, video recordings, podcast episodes, and more in an easy-to-browse page, only one click away from the member forum. Continue Reading

Webinar Recap: The Six Components of Parent Retention

In a recent SPARC webinar, Jill Goodman of Jill Goodman Consulting broke down the key strategies of addressing parents' concerns before, during, and after they choose an auxiliary program for their child. Continue Reading

Member Spotlight: Melissa Curtis, the Hockaday School

By prioritizing personal connections--team building, customer service, and a culture of passion--Melissa Curtis has transformed Hockaday School's Summer Program into a popular, high-quality seven-week experience and a major revenue generator for the school. Continue Reading

Spotlight: SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winner Jim Patterson

As a winner of the 2023 SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award, Jim Patterson stands out as an example of career longevity and success with a strong focus on community outreach. He's always highly respected for his notable kindness, leadership, and approachability. Continue Reading

Member School Spotlight: Milton Academy's Saturday Course

For 45 years, Milton Academy's Saturday Course has been offering students in the surrounding communities classes in biology, writing, robotics, trial law, and much more, all while balancing mission alignment and margin. Continue Reading