Cross-Cultural Agility

How to Shed Your Earth Suit
Niambi Jaha-Echols

"Diversity is who you invite to the party; inclusion is who you ask to dance; but cross-cultural agility is when groups share their native dances with each other." So says Niambi. This provocative video is an in-your-face dare to elevate superficial diversity and inclusion to the virtuous plane of cross-cultural agility. Vulnerability and sharing are the keys to this peaceful, multicultural kingdom.

Gender and Sexuality in Youth Programs

Aligning Respect, Kindness, and Inclusiveness
Scott Arizala

The male-female distinction used to be a social staple. Assigned at birth, gender was a constant—if sometimes misguided—hallmark of identity. Today, we are beginning to understand the complex biopsychosocial interactions between chromosomal sex and gender identity. This sensitively co-hosted module will equip all youth-serving organizations to welcome their first transgender participants.

Leading with Control and Warmth

The Authoritative Balance of Power
David Conley

Drawing on Baumrind's landmark research, this foundational module brings the four-quadrant model of leadership and parenting to life. Witness the harmful effects of [high control + low warmth] or [low control + low warmth] or [low control + high warmth]. The balanced approach of [high control + high warmth]-called authoritative-yields happy, compliant, and high-achieving youth.

Canoeing Success, Part III

Capsizing and Safe Rescue
Mike Sladden

It's all part of the sport, but tipping over in a canoe can be stressful... if you’ve never done it before. Away from calm water or a familiar shoreline, you'll be glad you can perform a competent rescue. Part III of this beautifully filmed series teaches the proper way to rescue a canoe that has overturned, drain and right it with stability, and re-enter the craft with grace and newfound confidence. A safety essential.

Woodworking Projects by Hand - Advanced: Boxes

Dr. Chris Thurber

Boxes epitomize handcrafted woodworking and require considerable measuring and cutting skill to get right. In this advanced video, Chris teaches three different ways to construct a pint-sized box with a whisper-quiet leather hinge. For variety, you can build your box cubic, oblong, or wide, with mitered corners or butt-jointed pillar corners made of a contrasting wood species. A classic.

Woodworking Projects by Hand - Advanced: Picture Frames

Dr. Chris Thurber

Create an heirloom-quality picture frame from clear New Zealand pine-or any other species of 1x3 strapping-then learn to master the miter box for accurate 45-degree cuts. Chris provides detailed directions for using fluted dowels and glue to produce tight, strong joints. Plus, learn to construct a homemade clamping board that provides three dimensions of pressure.

Woodworking Projects by Hand - Beginner: Curio Shelves

Dr. Chris Thurber

Clear pine boards are transformed with careful cutting and creative fastening to produce a curio shelf for displaying prized memorabilia. Chris reviews the pros and cons of miter boxes vs. woodworking vices for cutting stock and how best to fasten parts with nails and glue. Plus, learn how to make a simple hanger for your shelf using leather scraps and brass upholstery tacks.

Woodworking Projects by Hand - Beginner: Cutting Boards

Dr. Chris Thurber

Vivid, step-by-step instructions for a basic woodworking favorite: the rectangular cutting board. Using reclaimed walnut, Chris demonstrates the use of a measuring tape, speed square, pull saw, block plane, and various grits of sandpaper to create a lustrous cutting board with a food-safe finish. Plus, learn how to make laser-straight cuts and avoid tear-out while planing end-grain.

Woodworking Projects by Hand - Intermediate: Coat Hook Racks

Dr. Chris Thurber

Sticks lying on the forest floor become the rustic centerpiece of a functional and stylish set of coat hooks. Plus, learn what makes a high-quality auger bit and see why lining your vice jaws with hardwood saves time. Chris also demonstrates whittling, planing, and hand-drilling. Careful finishing elevates your coat rack from rudimentary to refined, while preserving its natural charm.

Woodworking Projects by Hand - Intermediate: Ping Pong Paddles

Dr. Chris Thurber

Table tennis (aka ping pong) was introduced in 1901 to North America. Since then, this fast-paced sport has become a staple of summer youth programs. In this intermediate-level video, Chris demonstrates how to get coping saws and woodworking vices to cooperate in the creation of a customized table tennis paddle made of ¼" plywood, 100-grit sandpaper, and a reclaimed ash bough.

Woodworking with Hand Tools, Part I

Setting Up Shop
Dr. Chris Thurber

The elegance of traditional woodworking is matched only by its beauty. But the creative process is what pulls young people in and keeps then engaged, right from the start. In Part 1 of this innovative three-part series, you’ll learn why woodworking with hand tools is superior to power tools in youth programs, how to make a sturdy workbench, install beefy vices, and set-up proper lighting.

Woodworking with Hand Tools, Part II

Tools and Supplies
Dr. Chris Thurber

In Part 2 of this three-part series, Chris explains details of the 15 hand-tools and 5 supplies every traditional woodworker needs. From pencils to block planes and hammers to beeswax, you'll learn surprising facts about the 20 ingredients you’ll need to make every project in the EOT library, plus hundreds more. See how manual tools harness wood's beauty when handled skillfully.

Woodworking with Hand Tools, Part III

Safety and Hacks
Dr. Chris Thurber

Protecting your eyes, lungs, and hands is the foundation of shop safety. Unfortunately, most woodworkers neglect the protections and procedures that prolong life and limb. In Part 3 of this three-part series, take a detailed look at safety glasses, sniff around for good dusk masks, and slice through the myths about cut gloves. Bonus footage includes Chris's Top-Ten shop hacks!

Suicidality in Youth Programs, Part I

Assessment and Support Basics
David Conley

Lay assessment of suicidality requires patience, empathy, a clear explanation of confidentiality, and a timely referral to a qualified professional. Although rare in youth, suicidal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are urgent matters for which all leaders need to be ready. Part 1 of this module features a guided, step-by-step case example of a conversation with a suicidal youngster.

Suicidality in Youth Programs, Part II

Sidestepping Support Pitfalls
David Conley

Talking about suicide makes most youth leaders uncomfortable. But avoiding the topic will leave you unprepared. To better equip you to provide support to a suicidal child or teen, Part 2 of this module demonstrates honest solutions to common pitfalls of lay assessment: avoiding the subject of suicide; minimizing expressions of distress; and overstating the parameters of confidentiality.

Customer Service Excellence

Details, Language, and Solutions
Kurt Podeszwa

Bad days get worse fast when customer service stinks. We've all experienced terrible customer service in airports, in restaurants, and over the phone with so-called "specialists". So, instead of listening carefully because the menu has changed, climb aboard with Harley-riding Marine, Kurt Podeszwa, to learn all the industry best-practices for providing exceptional customer service.

Promoted to Supervisor!

Leadership Skills for Newly-Minted Managers
Sarah Kurtz McKinnon

Congratulations! Few industries promote from the front lines to the supervisory ranks without explicit training. Your exemplary youth leadership has vaulted you to a higher paygrade but an unfamiliar skill set. This practical video for internally promoted staff shows you what to embrace, what to avoid, and how to draw the best from those you are supervising—without alienating them as friends.