SPARC is a dynamic and energetic community. Stay informed about all that is going on in the auxiliary world: see profiles of auxiliary leaders, take deep dives into notable programs, and explore important themes.
Over the past five years, auxiliary programs in independent schools have undergone a meaningful shift. What was once often treated as a collection of individual programs is increasingly functioning as something larger: a school enterprise. Continue Reading
Through a bold reorganization of the siloed programs at Parish Episcopal School, Amy Gilchrist created new capacity for growth and innovation, streamlined processes, and improved staff morale. Continue Reading
Auxiliary and Advancement departments, historically operating in different lanes, are discovering that by working together with intention, they can generate new donor revenue through creative and strategic thinking designed to attract families though summer and auxiliary programs. Continue Reading
Summer and auxiliary departments operate, in many ways, on the front line; they often experience and see issues before the rest of the school. By engaging with auxiliary leaders, senior leadership can empower them in ways that benefit the whole school. Continue Reading
This spring, SPARC was on the ground with several member school summer programs presenting the "Fill Your Toolbox" and "The Power of Camp" workshops. Here are 5 ways SPARC bolstered their staff training to create a strong staff culture and the best summer camp experience possible. Continue Reading
The highlight of the 2025-2026 Leadership Institute was the collection of capstone projects developed by this year's cohort of auxiliary professionals. The five standout capstones featured here show how the Leadership Institute's comprehensive skill-building sessions lead to real-world success. Continue Reading
Kim Aycock and Jolly Corley believe that shaping camp culture begins with developing a strong staff community. In a recent SPARC webinar, they shared 12 steps to create a staff culture for an impactful and joyful camp experience. Continue Reading
Auxiliary programs attract leaders from a variety of backgrounds with diverse skill sets, experiences, and education. SPARC Senior Advisor David Sullivan shares why professional development is a must for auxiliary leaders to achieve program success. Continue Reading
After eight years as Marlborough School's Director of Summer School and Enrichment Programs, Ida Dahan shares what she's learning about ensuring the future of the school's auxiliary programs through strategic succession planning. Continue Reading
Schools spend enormous energy crafting the message families receive at open houses and admissions events. But that targets families who have already decided to look at your school. What about the families who haven't decided yet? Continue Reading
When Chad Perney stepped in as Stony Brook School's first Director of Auxiliary Programs, he found a chaotic facilities rental system in dire need of change. This is how he turned it around in just one year. Continue Reading
Auxiliary programs often operate in the background of a school's ecosystem. But step back and look at the bigger picture: auxiliary touches almost every strategic priority a school has. Continue Reading
