In this episode, we sit down with Eva Joe Meyers, a seasoned youth development expert and co-creator of the Spark Deck. They discuss the creation and impact of Spark Decks—sets of cards designed to help youth development professionals and educators manage transitions, foster engagement, and support professional growth. Eva shares insights from her years of experience, offering practical advice for both frontline educators and administrators on turning downtime into meaningful learning opportunities. The conversation also explores the challenges and rewards of making youth development a lifelong career, and the importance of self-care and continuous improvement in out-of-school time programming.

Key Talking Points:

• The origin and purpose of the Spark Deck: back pocket activities to manage transitions and reduce negative behaviors.
• The importance of keeping activities fresh and engaging during program transitions.
• Overview of different Spark Decks: positive behavior guidance, social-emotional learning, academic support, equity and inclusion, and professional development.
• Shifting professional development from lecture-based to hands-on, peer-driven learning.
• Practical tips for managing transitions: keeping simple supplies on hand, like playing cards or juggling bags, to keep kids engaged.

Resources

Spark Deck Online Store:  www.spark-decks.com/products/

Spark Deck Website:  www.spark-decks.com

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