Join us for an engaging and practical training with Emily Golinsky, the second session in our monthly professional development series: De-Escalation: Managing Intense and Unsafe Behaviors.
This must-attend training equips camp and after-school professionals with proven tools to confidently navigate challenging behaviors before they escalate. Participants will gain hands-on strategies for recognizing early warning signs, preventing escalation, and responding effectively when behaviors become intense or unsafe, including situations involving aggression.
Through real-world examples and interactive learning, this session breaks down the full escalation cycle, from calm behavior and triggering events to peak intensity, de-escalation, and recovery. You’ll learn how to respond to different escalation styles, such as “tantruming” and “turtling,” and why one-size-fits-all approaches simply don’t work.
Flexible in design and tailored to participant experience, this training can include dynamic role-plays that allow attendees to practice skills, build confidence, and leave prepared to apply what they’ve learned immediately.
If you work with youth and want practical, effective strategies you can use right away, this training is for you.
Advanced registration is required. Registration NHRPA Member – $35.00 Non-NHRPA Member – $40.00
0.15 CEU's Available
This session needs a minimum of 12 participants. Please register but do not pay the invoice until you receive confirmation that the session will take place. Zoom link will be sent once we reach 12 participants.
NHRPA Business Meeting 2.13.2026.pdf
Join the NHRPA Executive Board for a business meeting at 9:30am. Zoom link is in the email confirmation.
Ugh, I Have to Call a Parent with Emily Golinsky Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 10:00–11:30 AM Live on Zoom NHRPA Members: $35 Non-Members: $40 0.15 CEU's available Let’s be honest. Calling a parent is rarely anyone’s favorite part of the job. But it doesn’t have to feel intimidating, overwhelming, or doomed before you even dial. In this practical, confidence-building session, Emily Golinsky reframes parent and guardian conversations as what they truly are: opportunities for partnership. Parents and staff share the same goal, ensuring each camper has the best possible experience. When you lead with that shared intent, even the toughest conversations become more manageable and productive. Participants will learn a clear, step-by-step approach for initiating and navigating challenging conversations with parents and guardians. The session covers everything from preparation and anticipating roadblocks to surviving first contact, collaborating on solutions, and yes, handling moments when emotions run high. You’ll leave with concrete tools to communicate calmly, clearly, and confidently, replacing dread and anxiety with a plan that works. This session is ideal for anyone who communicates with campers’ families and wants to do so with greater confidence, professionalism, and positive outcomes. Learning Objectives Participants will: Learn how to assess parent and guardian expectations and anticipate potential challenges Practice collaborative communication strategies that reduce anxiety and build trust Increase the likelihood of positive, productive outcomes in parent and guardian conversations. Advanced registration is required. Minimum of 12 participants required. Please register in advanceto reserve your spot, but do not submit payment until confirmation is sent. A Zoom link will be provided once the minimum enrollment is met.
0.15
Speaker: Monica Panait from Primex
This program is designed to help attendees better understand how to manage the day-to-day operations associated with the use of volunteers in a way that reduces the risk of unintended liability for public entities. The program focuses on equipping participants with practical tools to minimize risk and increase confidence when coordinating volunteers. This will be achieved through a clearer understanding of liability coverage and the sharing of best risk management practices that pool members can readily implement.
Allying Without Enabling: Supporting Participants with Autism is an interactive training for professionals working in parks and recreation programs, focusing on building practical autism literacy so staff can support participants across settings with confidence, dignity, and intention. Participants will gain a high-level understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with particular attention to how sensory processing, communication differences, and regulation needs show up in active, group-based environments. Through myth-versus-fact discussions and real-world scenarios, participants will explore the difference between allying - supporting autonomy, skill-building, and independence - and enabling, which can unintentionally limit growth through over-helping or avoidance. Emphasis is placed on making thoughtful, moment-by-moment decisions that balance safety, regulation, and participant dignity across a wide range of program settings.
Objectives: (1) Describe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a neurodevelopmental difference and explain how sensory processing, communication styles, and regulation needs influence behavior and participation in parks and recreation program settings.
(2) Distinguish between allying and enabling in day-to-day program interactions, identifying common moments where well-intended support may unintentionally limit independence or skill development.
(3) Apply practical, strengths-based strategies to structure successful interactions that support regulation, autonomy, and dignity while maintaining safety and program expectations.
*minimum of 12 participants required.
Supervisors Crash Course Led By Emily Golinsky
Geared towards anyone with supervisory responsibilities, including those new to the role. In this quick-paced introduction to leadership styles; this session focuses on supervising / coaching / mentoring, incident response, handling difficult conversations well, and QYMNKTA (questions you might not know to ask). A great way to setup your leaders for Success!
"NHRPA " is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. 172 Pembroke Road, Concord, NH 03301
