A group of Positive Futures’ young people recently completed their second stage of Snow-Camp, also called the graduate programme. They spent six days on the snow over a two month period. As well as time on the snow, the group of young people also got the opportunity to explore the world of skiing and snowboarding, with talks from people within the industry, such as athletes and tour operators.
Snow-Camp has been supporting young people since 2003, working with those who are traditionally hard to engage. They use snow-sports as a tool to engage with young people from inner cities.
This is Positive Futures’ second year collaborating with Snow-Camp. Of the young people who took part in last year’s Snow-Camp five now volunteer for Snow-Camp. Some are completing an apprenticeship with them, helping more young people learn to ski and snowboard. One of the young people who attended Snow-Camp last year stated:
“I enjoyed getting involved with everyone and seeing everyone push themselves and improve.”
This year’s cohort saw seven young people complete the course in October 2019, all of who have achieved their ASDAN sport and fitness certificate.
The benefits of Snow-Camp proved to be varied. Young people mentioned all manner of improvements, from having enough confidence to ask for help, to the belief that through hard work young people can achieve anything. One young person from this year’s programme said:
“I learnt that if I keep trying I can learn anything,” with another commenting “I am now more determined with school.”
This is emblematic of the further benefits to young people’s lives as a result of Snow-Camp.
The value of this course is not simply the gained skills and passion for snow sports. It provides a wider benefit to the young people in school and in work, with a boosted confidence in their own abilities. Since Positive Futures began collaborating with Snow-Camp in 2018 17 young people have completed the Snow-Camp programme.
Positive Futures support young people every year through a variety of activities of which Snow-Camp is just one. To find out more about the impact that their services have on the lives of young people, read their annual report here.
