In the winter of 2022-23, the Lakeland Hills YMCA in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, started the GRIT ‘n Snow program for area youth. Fast forward to the present, the unique offering has received national recognition by winning the 2023 Mountains are for Everyone Award from the National Ski Areas Association and is still ongoing.
In collaboration with Mountain Creek Resort and the Mental Health Association, the program guides children toward developing strong mental health and well-being through learning how to snowboard.
The first season included five foundational lessons at the YMCA, incorporating social emotional learning (SEL) workshops and resilience-building activities developed by the YMCA. Participants also took part in snowboarding skill-building sessions in the gym before going on three trips to Mountain Creek to put their abilities into practice.
“The GRIT ‘n Snow program began with 46 participants in its inaugural year,” said Rosemary Linder Day, the vice president of marketing and membership at the YMCA. “Now in its third season, the program has expanded to nearly 90 participants. Thanks to Mountain Creek’s generous scholarship program, 25% of participants receive full funding. This year, the program has grown to include three additional SEL workshops for participants, a workshop for parents and five trips to the mountain, culminating in a family celebration during the final snowboarding outing.”
Program Details
GRIT ‘n Snow is designed to empower youth by blending SEL with snowboarding skills. The program begins with three, two-hour workshops at the YMCA, focusing on building SEL skills and teaching snowboarding fundamentals.
Following these workshops, participants move on to Mountain Creek, where they apply their newly acquired skills during five snowboarding lessons held in January and February.
“This combination of SEL development and hands-on snowboarding instruction provides participants with the tools to build resilience and confidence both on and off the slopes,” said Linder Day. “Through our experiences, we’ve discovered today’s youth thrive when learning through hands-on experiences. This approach not only helps them build self-esteem and confidence but also teaches a crucial lesson: perfection is not expected right away. As the saying goes, ‘Practice makes perfect.’”
The Youth Resilience Series at the YMCA embraces this philosophy, encouraging young participants to adopt a growth mindset. They learn the power of understanding while they may not be able to do something at first, with effort and persistence, they will succeed in time.
Evan Kovach, the general manager/resort chief at Mountain Creek, said in a statement that the program allows the organization to introduce more children to winter sports while weaving in concepts on mental health and resilience. “This allows us to help create a comprehensive program benefiting the well-being of our youth,” he said. “It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Specific Benefits
The GRIT program offers a variety of benefits for youth participants, focusing on personal growth and development. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Building Resilience. The program helps youth develop the ability to overcome challenges, adapt to adversity and persist through difficulties. Resilience is a key life skill that supports mental and emotional well-being.
2. SEL. Participants gain valuable SEL skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and effective communication. These skills are essential for managing emotions, building positive relationships and navigating social situations.
3. Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem. Through hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to try new things, youth build confidence in their abilities, which translates to higher self-esteem and a greater sense of personal accomplishment.
4. Growth Mindset. The GRIT program encourages a growth mindset by teaching that failure is a part of learning. Youth learn success comes with practice and perseverance, and they develop a positive attitude toward challenges.
5. Physical Activity and Skill Development. Snowboarding lessons at Mountain Creek not only promote physical fitness but also offer a fun and engaging way to build new skills. Participants develop coordination, balance and focus while learning a new sport.
6. Sense of Community and Belonging. The program fosters a supportive environment where participants can build friendships and connect with peers who share similar interests, creating a strong sense of community.
7. Parental Involvement. The program’s inclusion of workshops for parents strengthens family bonds by offering tools and strategies to support their children’s emotional and social development.
8. Real-Life Application.
The combination of SEL workshops and snowboarding lessons provides participants with practical opportunities to apply their learning in real-life situations, enhancing both personal growth and skill mastery.
Tips for Leaders
Linder Day said when creating effective winter programming, focus on leveraging seasonal activities like snow sports, while ensuring inclusiveness for all skill levels. “Combine physical activity with SEL to create a well-rounded experience and consider partnerships with local organizations for resources and expertise,” she said. “Flexibility is key, so have backup plans for weather challenges, and prioritize safety throughout.”
Most importantly, Linder Day advised to foster a fun, community-driven atmosphere to engage participants and encourage personal growth.
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