Woodcraft Rangers
Woodcraft Rangers has been at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities in the greater Los Angeles area for 100 years. Woodcraft now serves 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually at afterschool enrichment programs, summer day camps and sleepaway camps. Our trauma-informed and highly trained staff are in 90 Title I schools, providing programs in four major learning pathways: visual and performing arts, sports and wellness, STEM, and youth leadership.
From the start, Woodcraft Rangers challenged the norm by opening its programs to all children from every race, religion, and socioeconomic background. Today, we remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it is reflected throughout the organization, in our students, staff and leadership. We continue to welcome and accommodate all youth, including those with disabilities and LGBTQIA youth. Woodcraft Rangers’ DEI commitment can be seen through our hyperlocal staffing model, commitment to outdoor education equity, DEI thought leadership and culturally relevant programs.
Wednesday, April 26
10:30AM-12:15PM
DEI + SEL = Belonging to All
Andres De La Peza, Director of Partner Relations; Cassandra Arechiga, Learning Associate; Danny Salas, Chief Program Officer; Herbert Bolaños, Associate Director of Learning, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA
Join us for an interactive and enlightening workshop that will dive into social-emotional learning and diversity work in a fun and engaging way! Having heard buzzwords like “inclusion”, “equity” and “social-emotional learning” this session will explore how you and your organization can invest in authentic and reflective DEI and SEL work at all levels of service. From field staff behaviors to office culture, this workshop will leave you with practical strategies to implement in your day-to-day!
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers Workshop Strand
2:45PM-4:45PM
Power Your Early Learning Programs with STEAM
Eliana Mancilla, Associate Director of Professional Development and Early Learning; Cynthia Meneses, Trainer Associate; Vivian Jimenez, Learning Manager, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional opportunities of the future lie with children who can think critically and creatively, communicate with others, collaborate, and problem-solve. These skills are fostered and developed through STEAM learning and are necessary to prepare children for 21st-century careers. Join us in this hands-on workshop where we will discuss how to integrate developmentally appropriate STEAM practices and fun inquiry-provoking environments for students.
MLA, CB, DS, PK, E
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers Workshop Strand
Thursday, April 27
10:00AM-12:00PM
Piecing Together the EXL Puzzle: Strategies to Blend and Braid ELO-P to Create a Stronger, High-Quality Program
Julee Brooks, Chief Executive Officer; Javier Gonzalez, Director of Programs; Jasmine Arjon, Director of Programs, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA
The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program IS a fantastic opportunity to deliver whole-child programs and stronger school environments. But building a new program of this scale can feel like a game of Jenga. Join Woodcraft Rangers leadership team who has spent the last year working with a variety of LEAs to put the building blocks together to suit the specific needs of their schools and students.
ULA, MLA, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers Workshop Strand
1:15PM-2:30PM
Go Take a Hike! Outdoor Education and Nature Programs as a Key Component to EXL Programs
Helen Santos, Director of Outdoor Education; Natalie Pinedo, Manager of Outdoor Education and Camp Woodcraft; Jesse Esquivel, Camp Coordinator, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA
As generations continue to become more sedentary and engage less with nature, it is vital for out-of-school time programs to offer high-quality, informed outdoor education activities. This session will provide opportunities to understand outdoor ethics and how to create an outdoor education program in any school.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers Workshop Strand
Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events including all meals and all workshops.
