Ep. 149: The Impact of Positive Counselors & Mentors on Youth Development with Stephen Wallace

<p>In Episode 149, I’m talking with repeat podcast guest Stephen Gray Wallace about his new book, <em>Impact: An Introduction to Counseling, Mentoring, and Youth Development.</em> The book offers insightful commentary on the important role of mentors in the lives of children and teens. While it specifically addresses camp counselors, <em>Impact</em> is equally relevant for all key youth influencers, including parents, teachers, and coaches.</p> <p><a href="https://sunshine-parenting.com/ep-27/">Ep. 27: Raising Teens who Thrive with Stephen Wallace</a></p> <p><a href="https://sunshine-parenting.com/ep-92/">Ep. 92: Creating Strong Relationships with Teens</a></p> <p>Stephen has broad experience as a school psychologist and adolescent/family counselor. He is president and director of the <a href="https://ecareforkids.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Center for Adolescent Research and Education</a> (CARE), a former associate research professor at Susquehanna University, and the past national chairman and chief executive officer at SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions/Students Against Driving Drunk). Stephen also works with the American Camp Association (ACA) as a feature magazine writer, media spokesperson and faculty member at its e-Institute for Professional Development.</p> <p><strong>Review of IMPACT</strong></p> <p><em>Decades of experience and research are packed into Wallace’s guide for leaders at summer camp. Wallace communicates the responsibility and life-changing impact counselors can have and the many facets of their role, which go far beyond what most people think of when they hear the job “camp counselor.” Covering a multitude of topics that are critical for counselors to understand, with discussion questions at the end of each chapter, the book is user-friendly and can be quickly incorporated into staff training. Lists that offer key takeaways of each concept on topics including developmental stages, disciplinary dos and don’ts, leadership styles, and effective teaching techniqu