The ParentCamp Podcast – Season 1 – Episode 7 – Building Community Through Dialogue: Inside ParentCamp Coaching

Summary:

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 Gilchrist
Emily Howell’s journey from EdCamp to ParentCamp coach
The importance of authentic dialogue and community building
Challenges and triumphs from early ParentCamp coaching experiences
Practical strategies to enhance parent-teacher relationships
Real-life success stories of community transformation
Vision for future ParentCamp engagement in education
Wrap-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.