--- title: Gearing Up for Summer? Ensure Youth Feel a Sense of Belonging in Your Summer Program description: Five strategies for fostering a sense of belonging during summer programs. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SummerPrograms-STEM.png --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog June 11, 2024 2 Minutes Read By : [Ashley Boat, PhD, Research Scientist](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/ashley-boat-phd-research-scientist) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Gearing Up for Summer? Ensure Youth Feel a Sense of Belonging in Your Summer Program [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fgearing-up-for-summer-ensure-youth-feel-a-sense-of-belonging-in-your-summer-program%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fgearing-up-for-summer-ensure-youth-feel-a-sense-of-belonging-in-your-summer-program%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fgearing-up-for-summer-ensure-youth-feel-a-sense-of-belonging-in-your-summer-program%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Fgearing-up-for-summer-ensure-youth-feel-a-sense-of-belonging-in-your-summer-program%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SummerPrograms-STEM.png) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Youth Programs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-programs) # Gearing Up for Summer? Ensure Youth Feel a Sense of Belonging in Your Summer Program By [Ashley Boat, PhD, Research Scientist](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/ashley-boat-phd-research-scientist) June 10 2024 2 Minutes Read It’s important that all kids feel that they matter and belong. Young people want to feel like they fit in and are accepted by others including their peers. While a sense of belonging can’t be forced, youth practitioners and leaders can help create the conditions to support and nurture young people’s sense of belonging within their summer programs.   ## Five Strategies for Fostering a Sense of Belonging - **Invest in developmental relationships with youth.** It’s all about meaningful and high-quality relationships. Make sure that each young person has at least one adult or peer they can turn to in your program.  - **Create opportunities for peers to positively connect through a shared goal.** Group experiences with peers are a fundamental part of creating a space where young people feel connected. Working towards a common goal can help youth of different backgrounds learn to work together.  - **Embed voluntary and youth-initiated tasks within non-voluntary activities.** Find ways to give youth a voice and a say. This may start with how often youth have opportunities to contribute ideas and/or help make decisions about activities and other things happening in your program.   - **Integrate authentic learning opportunities that youth care about.** Dig deep to understand what youth care about and find ways to make real-world connections with those interests.  - **Provide safe opportunities for youth to explore new interests and take risks.** When youth feel physically and emotionally safe they are more apt to explore and try new activities or ideas.  To learn more, check out our “[A Comparison of Contexts: How the Performing Arts, Sports, and Nature Conservation Foster Positive Youth Development](https://info.searchinstitute.org/dmis-research-report-download)” report to hear from exemplar programs about how they’ve used these strategies to foster positive youth development. ## Need Help Getting Started? Below are some activities you can integrate into your summer program to promote a strong sense of belonging:  - [**Relationships Check**](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/relationship-check). Because strong developmental relationships in youth programs play an essential role in ensuring that all youth have the support and guidance they need to learn, grow, and thrive, it is important to reflect on your own relationships with young people. Check out Search Institute’s [Relationships Check](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/relationship-check) as a starting point. This five-minute online check-up is designed to help you identify where relationships with young people are strong and where they can grow. - [**Colorful Conversations**](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/colorful-conversations) is a 30-minute activity where youth take turns sharing about themselves using colorful props. This [activity](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/colorful-conversations) is designed to support positive peer relationships through listening and communication. - [**What Makes You Happy?**](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/what-makes-you-happy)is a 45-minute activity where youth share their deep interests, talents, or activities— their sparks! Use this [activity](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/what-makes-you-happy) to help youth identify their sparks so that you can integrate them into your summer program.    [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6693290/74e91714-639f-418d-92b5-027c7b7a87fc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6693290/74e91714-639f-418d-92b5-027c7b7a87fc) [Developmental Relationships, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Youth Programs, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-programs) #### Ashley Boat, PhD, Research Scientist Author ## Recommended For You [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/insights_practice_2022-05-summer-scholars.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/summer-scholars-fellowship-focuses-on-equity-and-inclusion-in-youth-development) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Summer Scholars](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/summer-scholars) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) 2 Min Read ### [Summer Research Fellows Focus on Equity and Inclusion in Youth Development](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/summer-scholars-fellowship-focuses-on-equity-and-inclusion-in-youth-development) [Search Institute May 08 2022](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![Image of Summer Scholars](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Summer%20Scholars%202025.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-welcomes-2025-summer-scholars-research-fellows) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Summer Scholars](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/summer-scholars) 3 Min Read ### [Search Institute Welcomes 2025 Summer Scholars Research Fellows](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-welcomes-2025-summer-scholars-research-fellows) [Search Institute July 02 2025](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/summerscholars-2024-1-1.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-welcomes-2024-summer-scholars-research-fellows) [Summer Scholars](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/summer-scholars) 3 Min Read ### [Search Institute Welcomes 2024 Summer Scholars Research Fellows](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-welcomes-2024-summer-scholars-research-fellows) [Search Institute July 15 2024](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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