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Backpack Buzz

It’s time to explore! Go-to tips, tools, hacks and facts sourced for families and youth development professionals who work with kids, teens and families during the school year.

Latest Buzz

Two teen girls and two teen boys setting up a STEM fizzy bottle rocket outside on a table

Two Steps to be an Ally for Teens that Identify as LGBTQ

More Buzz

Two boys and a girl on a bench on the side of a field with two adult male coaches sitting behind them

Three Ways Youth Sports Coaches Are Inspiring Healthy Choices

Kids eating at a picnic table outside. The boy in the foreground is holding a strawberry in his hands.

Five Myths about Child Hunger Programs in America

High school graduates smiling in cap and gown.

Getty Images/fstop123

How to Support Teens on College Decision Day

Girl running on a field chasing a stream of water in the air with other kids running and playing in the background.

The ‘Secret Sauce’ for Overnight Camp Success

Male Y staffer watching two girls and a boy mix paints at an art table.

Why Afterschool Staff are Embracing Mindfulness

Teen boy and girl helping elderly women place plants in a community garden.

How Volunteerism Helps Teens Achieve Job Success

Y staff with one female and three males organizing books for a book drive.

24 Volunteer Ideas for Teens

Cork bulletin board with "Connections" written across the top and various posts on it.

One Easy Way to Engage Families After School

Teen girl on playground with her arms around two teen boys

How Setting Goals Helps Teens Succeed

Paper plate with apple slices drizzled with nut butter and topped with shredded coconut and raisins.

Easy Apple Recipes for Young Chefs

Toddler boy crying and pointing behind him.

©Getty Images/Alex Oksana

Nurturing Positive Behavior After School

Girl and two boys huddling with Y basketball coach in gym.

Why Positive Resolutions Work Better for Kids (and Adults)!

Four preschoolers sitting together in a row.

Three Easy Ways to be Inclusive After School

YMCA instructor working on schoolwork with teenage girl

Create a College-Going Culture, Watch Teens Thrive

Young girl in front of holiday decorations writing a letter.

iStock.com/SteveDebenport

Five Ways to Give Back as a Family

Feet standing near line on road

iStock.com/ManuelFabaOrtega

Must-Read Tips For Teaching Kids About Boundaries

Y mobile food truck in Asheville, North Carolina

Three Ways to Inspire Kids to Try New Food

The article's author as a young girl in front of a Christmas tree with a doll stroller with a doll in it.

How to Create New Family Traditions

Kids examining a map at a table

Seven Ways to Support Kids Post-Election

Girl receiving jacket at coat drive.

iStock.com/SteveDebenport

How Will You Share Kindness This December?

Three red candles, one black candle, and three green candles, all lit on a candle holder.

iStock.com/AvailableLight

Celebrating a Diverse December

Teens experimenting in after school program while Y staff observes.

Five Ways to Integrate STEM After School

Jack-o-lantern tipped over with candy corn and other Halloween candy spilling out.

iStock.com/ jenifoto

What To Do With All That Candy

Boy in front of large family eating Thanksgiving dinner.

iStock.com/PamelaMoore

Questions to Ask Kids at the Thanksgiving Table

Kids working at activity table with afterschool program employee.

Five Afterschool Activities for Election Season

Y Instructor giving plate of sandwiches to young girl.

Three Simple Steps to Youth Leadership

Two boys hugging on a field around other children.

When Sorry Isn't Enough: Teaching Kids the Five-Step Apology

Female family members laughing together on a couch.

iStock.com/SteveDebenport

How Healthy, Happy Families Celebrate Thanksgiving

Kids casting ballots for things to do in a Y classroom

Too Young to Vote: Three Ways Youth Can Take Action

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