Operation Snowball
What is Snowball?
Snowball is a weekend-long retreat for high school aged teens, planned and led by their peers with support and structure provided by professional, trained Response staff. Snowball is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug free weekend. It can best be described as a truly “life changing event.” Through provision of a series of small and large discussion groups, opportunities to meet other teens from outside their communities, a talent showcase, team building activities and a focus on positive strengths, the weekend activities help enhance self-esteem whle teaching leadership and communication skills.
Snowball’s motto is “if I have a positive impact on you and you have a positive impact on others, the effect of our interaction “snowballs” in a pay it forward manner. Throughout the weekend, teens participate in discussion and debates which help to signficantly increase their awareness about community and world wide concerns, such as racism and oppression; mental health and stigma; diversity and acceptance, etc. They also learn new things about themselves and issues that matter to them.
In past years we’ve talked about lots of issues, including: 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 2011 was “Superheroes” - a time to find your inner strengths, discover other’s secret powers and realize that anyone can be a superhero! This year, Operation Snowball 2012 will take place during the weekend of March 10th-12th from Saturday till Monday evening. Theme is TBA!
What is a Snowball Teen Leader?
Snowball Teen Leaders are young people who put in months of work to really make this retreat happen!Next year’s teen leader information session will take place in August, 2011. Stayed tuned to this site to look for updated information which will offer teens an opportunity to learn more about Snowball and how they can become a teen leader for the 2012 weekend retreat.
Details about the weekend!
How does my teen 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 Saturday, March 10th at 7pm and depart promptly for the camp. We return to Response on Monday, March 12th.
How does my teen sign up?
Registration forms for Snowball 2012 will be available in mid January of 2012. At that time, you can also register online at www.responsecenter.org. 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 2, 2012, but we will continue to accept applications until we are full.)
How much does it cost?
$200, which includes food, lodging, workshop materials, t-shirts, and transportation. Your teen needs to bring a sleeping bag, towel, and toiletries. We’ll give them a list of other items they 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, your teen 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).
Who can I contact with questions?
Please contact Sarah Casper at 224-625-2946 or sarahcasper@jcfs.org