SPARC News

SPARC is a dynamic and energetic community. Stay informed about all that is going on in the auxiliary world: see profiles of auxiliary leaders, take deep dives into notable programs, and explore important themes.

SPARC News

Marketing Wins: SPARC Member Schools Share 2025 Success Stories
Marketing Wins: SPARC Member Schools Share 2025 Success Stories

Successful marketing strategy requires creativity, experimentation, and refining what works. In a recent webinar, SPARC members shared the innovative and data-driven methods they used to up their marketing game in 2025. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted12/14/2025


The 2025 SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winners
The 2025 SPARC Excellence in Auxiliary Award Winners

On October 7 at this year’s SPARC National Conference, Executive Director Nat Saltonstall presented the Excellence in Auxiliary Award to auxiliary leaders from Episcopal High School and Open Window School. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted12/14/2025


3 Inclusive Practices for Neurodivergent Students
3 Inclusive Practices for Neurodivergent Students

With more neurodivergent kids joining summer camps, auxiliary leaders are facing challenges meeting their needs and managing family expectations. Here are a few ways to strategize and adapt so every student has a chance to experience "the best summer ever." Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted11/17/2025


"The Spirit of SPARC:" Regional Events Foster Peer Connections and Professional Development
"The Spirit of SPARC:" Regional Events Foster Peer Connections and Professional Development

Regional workshops for auxiliary professionals offer inclusive, affordable, in-person networking and professional development. Jim Patterson of Harvard-Westlake School explains why regional connections remain vital to the support and success of auxiliary work. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted10/27/2025


Leading with Purpose and Authenticity: Brodrick Clarke's Keynote from the SPARC National Conference
Leading with Purpose and Authenticity: Brodrick Clarke's Keynote from the SPARC National Conference

At SPARC's recent 10th Anniversary National Conference, Brodrick Clarke's keynote inspired attendees with his call for renewal and connection to the deeper purpose of auxiliary work: the lifelong impact we can have on the students we serve. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted10/15/2025


Gather 'Round the Campfire at the SPARC National Conference
Gather 'Round the Campfire at the SPARC National Conference

At next week's 10th Anniversary National Conference, join fellow conference attendees for cozy evening Campfires--a new way to come together, reflect on our careers, and enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of the SPARC community. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted10/2/2025


The SPARC Accelerator Inspires Innovative Summer Day Camp at Miss Porter's School
The SPARC Accelerator Inspires Innovative Summer Day Camp at Miss Porter's School

After joining the SPARC Accelerator, Miss Porter's School and Director of Auxiliary Programs Sophie Paris created Daisy Days, the first summer day camp for girls in the school's 189 year history. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted09/12/2025


Ian Wheeler Leverages the Power of SPARC to Create Thayer's First Auxiliary Department
Ian Wheeler Leverages the Power of SPARC to Create Thayer's First Auxiliary Department

During his first year as Thayer's Manager of Auxiliary Services, Ian Wheeler brought positive energy, a fresh perspective, and skills learned from SPARC leaders to create a successful summer portfolio of sports and enrichment programs. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted08/29/2025


SPARC Camp Crawls Foster Connection and Build Regional Networks
SPARC Camp Crawls Foster Connection and Build Regional Networks

Auxiliary professionals in Massachusetts and Washington D.C. are visiting each other's summer camps to connect and break down silos. In the process, they're discovering the power of sharing ideas, offering feedback, and taking the time to find joy during the hectic summer season. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted08/7/2025


Brodrick Clarke: Opening Ignite Session Speaker for SPARC's 10th Anniversary Conference
Brodrick Clarke: Opening Ignite Session Speaker for SPARC's 10th Anniversary Conference

For SPARC's 10th Anniversary Conference, we're welcoming Brodrick Clarke as our Opening Ignite Speaker and leader of an empowering deep-dive session. Read how Brodrick's experience and passion for youth development will leave attendees inspired and reconnected to the "why" of the vital work we do. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted07/14/2025


Celebrating a Decade of SPARC at our 10th Anniversary Conference!
Celebrating a Decade of SPARC at our 10th Anniversary Conference!

It’s hard to believe that SPARC’s 10th Anniversary National Conference is only three months away! From October 5-8, we’ll be meeting at the beautiful Valley Ho Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona for what promises to be our most dynamic and inspiring event yet. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted07/7/2025


Streamline Your Auxiliary Program Marketing with AI
Streamline Your Auxiliary Program Marketing with AI

In a recent SPARC webinar, Brendan Schneider of SchneiderB Media shared a few powerful steps to help auxiliary professionals get started using AI to generate marketing materials for their programs. Learn how AI can make you more efficient and free up time to focus on high-level leadership goals. Continue Reading

Postedby Amy Grier
Date posted06/9/2025