Join us for the 2025 OST Conference!
This year's conference will be held in person on the NAIT campus, in the Productivity and Innovation Centre Building. We will have incredible presentations from Edmonton Public Library, BGCBigs, Ever Active Schools and more!
Experience the informative and practical sessions focused on building staff and organizational capacity for delivering summer programs in our ever-changing world. This conference is for people who work with children and youth in out-of-school time programming. It is a fun and interactive way to engage in meaningful discussions, access valuable training, and acquire new skills and helpful tools.
If cost is a barrier to attendance, please email brandy.basisty@reachedmonton.ca
Agenda June 26, 2025
8:30am-10:25am
Breakfast, Opening Remarks, Blessing, and Keynote Speech by Martha Cordero
Keynote:
This keynote reflects on the quiet strength of grace—toward others and ourselves—as a guiding principle in navigating the complexities of communication, behavior, and connection. It also explores the power of inclusive environments where neurodiverse children and youth are not only supported but truly seen. It centers on the importance of intentionality in how we create physical, emotional, and relational spaces that honor unique ways of thinking, learning, and being.
With over 20 years of experience in out-of-school time training, Martha specializes in creating and delivering impactful programs that empower staff across diverse educational settings. Martha's approach centers on the capability of learners, fostering an inclusive environment that enriches the learning experience for all.
10:35am-11:35am
Breakout Session #1 (You will need to select one of the available sessions to attend. Please see below for session descriptions)
11:40am-12:40pm
Breakout Session #2 (You will need to select one of the available sessions to attend. Please see below for session descriptions)
12:40pm-2:00pm
Lunch Break. Food will be provided with vegetarian and vegan options. If you have any other dietary requirements or allergies, please provide them on the registration page.
2:05pm-3:05pm
Breakout Session #3 (You will need to select one of the available sessions to attend. Please see below for session descriptions)
3:10pm-4:10pm
Breakout Sessions #4 (You will need to select one of the available sessions to attend. Please see below for session descriptions)
Breakout Session Descriptions
Attendees will choose 
one session
 from each time slot
Breakout Session 1 & 2 options:
#1: Discovering Your Strengths
Presented by 
Amy Badger
The research identifies hope and strengths as being closely related, making learning to work in a strength-based way integral to learning to work hopefully. Join us in this interactive session and take an initial step in supporting youth in identifying their own strengths by discovering yours first.
#2: Building Connection Through Presence & Patience
Presented by
 Martha Cordero
Establish trust and support for neurodiverse youth through attuned, mindful presence. We'll focus on understanding neurodiversity, practicing presence, and exploring implicit bias and self-regulation. There will be opportunities for rich discussion, interactive activities and personal reflection.
#3: Strategies for Gang Prevention
Presented by 
Cesar Villaseca
Cesar has lived experience with gang involvement, and now works as a coach and youth support worker. His session will offer:
-A group discussion of what things folks noticing in their service areas regarding gangs and the kids they’re working with
-Tips and strategies for service providers
-Q & A
#4: Play is for Everybody
Presented by Everactive Schools
This interactive workshop is designed to equip educators and community leaders with the tools and insights needed to promote equitable, inclusive, and accessible physical activity opportunities for all. We will explore the essential values and principles that underpin our "Play is for EVERYBODY" framework. Participants will discover how to create a sense of belonging by removing barriers, offering choices and emphasizing opportunities for participation.
Breakout Session 3 & 4 options:
#5: Rolling for Literacy: Dungeons & Dragons in the Learning Space
Presented by Edmonton Public Library
Step into the world of imagination, collaboration, and critical thinking! This session explores how Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can be a powerful tool for engaging kids and teens in libraries and out-of-school care programs. Learn how EPL has built an inclusive and creativity-fueled space where storytelling meets skill-building and discover practical tips and real-world outcomes demonstrating the ways D&D fosters literacy, teamwork, and confidence—one dice roll at a time.
#6: Healing-Centered Connection with Neurodiverse Youth
Presented by 
Martha Cordero
Honor the whole child through cultural humility, wellness, and community care. This session will focus on Strengths-based support, cultural lenses, and youth wellness. There will be opportunities for rich discussion, interactive activities and personal reflection.
#7: Using a Strength Based Approach and Positive Behaviour Supports
Presented by 
BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters
 
(
BGCBigs)
In this session we will talk about using a strength-based approach and positive behaviour supports when working with children and youth.
Understanding behaviours in children and youth is essential for youth workers to build supportive, respectful relationships. Behaviour often reflects unmet emotional, social, or environmental needs, and should be approached with empathy and curiosity. A strength-based philosophy helps youth workers focus on each young person’s abilities and potential rather than their challenges, fostering trust and resilience. When combined with positive behaviour supports - which emphasize prevention, skill-building, and reinforcement—this approach creates consistent, supportive environments where youth can thrive. By focusing on strengths, understanding the reasons behind behaviour and responding with compassion and structure, youth workers can empower young people to build on their strengths, develop healthy coping strategies, and thrive in their communities.
#8: Games & Activities to Optimize Self Regulation
Presented by EverActive Schools
The development of social and emotional skills is foundational to student success in school, work and life. This learning opportunity explores the five competencies of social and emotional learning and how these skills help to support students with academic outcomes and positive relationships. The session offers practical classroom activities to specifically address the teaching and learning of these competencies.
Parking and transportation information for the NAIT campus can be found here: 
https://www.nait.ca/nait/about/our-campuses/parking-transportation
Free parking will be available for the date of the conference in the M and L lots. Further details about free parking will be sent out by email. We encourage you to carpool!
Information Source: REACH Edmonton | eventbrite

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Time:	Jun 26, 2025 (UTC-6) ENDED
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