In an effort to get more kids from inner-city neighborhoods introduced to the sports of skiing and snowboarding, Shawnee Peak hosted a free learn to ski and snowboard day for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester, Massachusetts, on January 8, 2011.
Shawnee Peak provided free lift tickets, lessons, rental equipment and subsidized food for 150 kids ages 8-15. Several dozen volunteers from Shawnee Peak's Snowsports School and Adaptive Ski program also gave their time to the cause.
Children arrived at 9:30am, obtained their rental equipment, joined a 1 1/2 Hour Group Lesson, had lunch, then skied and snowboarded for the rest of the afternoon. At 5pm, buses took the children and their chaperones home to Dorchester.
"We were thrilled to introduce the joys of skiing, snowboarding and outdoor winter fun to these kids," said Chet Homer, owner of Shawnee Peak. "Very few of the kids had ever strapped skis or snowboards to their feet. It was an entirely new feeling and experience for them."
"The members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester thoroughly enjoyed their day of fun at the Shawnee Peak Ski Area," said Mike Joyce, VP of Programming for the Boys and Girls Clubs. "Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Chet Homer, and the hard work of his staff, our three busloads of kids enjoyed a winter experience unlike any other.
"As we pulled up to the mountain, you could feel the excitement and anticipation mount as the children glanced nervously towards the top of the mountain. They were apprehensive, yet so energized! As we exited the bus, the Shawnee Peak staff’s warm welcome embraced us and put all of us at ease. The blue sky, the crisp cool clean air, the reflection off the white snow, the sweet smell of hot cocoa and the laughter of the children filling the air and created the perfect day of skiing," continued Joyce.
"With lift tickets and equipment provided, volunteer instructors worked with our members on their skiing and snowboarding skills before they spent an afternoon enjoying their day on the slopes. Our kids had so much fun - and were truly grateful for this opportunity. Both Shawnee Peak and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester believe that introducing young people from the heart of our city to healthy outdoor sports and activities helps pave a way to more positive lifestyle choices and appreciation for the great outdoors. This is one partnership we hope to enjoy for years to come," summarized Joyce.