Response - Operation Snowball

Operation Snowball

What is Snowball?

Snowball can be described as summer camp packed into a weekend. It’s a weekend-long retreat planned and led by teens that gives you a break from your life and introduces you to new people from all over Chicago and the suburbs. With support from Response staff, teens lead a weekend of fun activities like Ultimate Frisbee or Improv. You can also learn new things about yourself and issues that matter to you. In past years we’ve talked about lots of things: self-defense, sexual identity, violence, diversity, and substance abuse prevention. Each year, our teen leaders come up with a theme for the weekend. The theme of Operation Snowball 2009 was Around the World. This year, Operation Snowball 2010 will take place on the weekend of March 19, 2009!! (Snowball is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug FREE weekend).

Want to become a Snowball Teen Leader?

Continue to check back here for the next teen leader information session to take place in August 2010! Learn more about Snowball and how you can become a teen leader for the weekend retreat in 2011.

Details about the weekend!

How do I get there?

Snowball takes place at Camp Henry Horner in Ingleside, IL. Response provides round trip transportation. We meet at Response (9304 N Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL), on Friday, March 19 at 8 AM and depart promptly for the camp. We return to Response on Sunday, March 21, 2009 at 4 pm.

How do I sign up?

Registration forms for Snowball 2010 will be available in mid January of 2010. At that time, you can also register online by simply clicking on this link. After you register, we will send you a confirmation/registration packet in the mail, with forms that you will need to send back. (Registration deadline is February 1, 2010, but we will continue to accept applications until we are full.)

How much does it cost?

$150, which includes food, lodging, workshop materials, t-shirts, and transportation. You need to bring a sleeping bag, towel, and toiletries. We’ll give you a list of other items you may want to bring. If you can’t pay the full fee, SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE, but partial payment is appreciated. Even if you cannot provide partial payment, you can still be on the list. No one is turned away for lack of funds! To get on the scholarship list, you will attach a request to your rsvp or fill out the online registration form and tell us: “I would like to come to Snowball, but can only afford to pay & (insert your amount.)

Can anyone go?

Participants must be of high school age, be excited about a weekend away, be open to fun and new experiences and agree to Snowball rules (that it’s a substance free weekend).

What should I bring?

You will need to bring:

___ forms with parential signature

___ $150 or whatever portion of the fee you are paying if you have not yet paid

___ sleeping bag or sheets

___ pillow

___ clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the weather (multiple shoes?)

___ towels/soap/shower sandals, etc.

___ alarm clock

___ flashlight

___ toiletries

You may also bring:

___ watch

___ poetry/special readings

___ musical instruments

Who can I call with questions?

Adult Directors for 2010:

Jorie Prepura: 224-625-2906, jorieprepura@jcfs.org

Mari Meyer: 224-625-2946, marimeyer@jcfs.org

Snowball 2010 is sponsored by:

· Response

· Niles West High School

· Niles North High School

· Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Community-Based and Primary Prevention Substance Abuse Prevention Program

· Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago

· The Hirshman Family & Friends

View Snowball registration pamphlet (PDF)
Register Online >
Register & Pay Online >