2024/2025 Winter Camp Report
Boardslide Mission’s Winter Camp for All 24/25 was a success and an amazing experience for our campers!
THE MISSION
This 4 week learn to ski/snowboard camp was designed to primarily serve youth from historically marginalized communities (black/indigenous/people of color, girls, LGBTQ+), who might face barriers to learning/enjoying snowsports. Our mission was to break down these barriers, introduce youth to a new passion and pathway to thrive, and help them build confidence in themselves and community with one another.
THE MOTIVATION
Boardslide Mission is a volunteer operated organization comprised of folks who love snow sports and want to share it with others, as well as folks who are invested in social equity. We see the disparity in snowsports participation, proven by multiple industry statistic reports, and are keen to the barriers that cause that disparity. Winter Camp for All is designed to be a welcoming and supportive entry point to skiing and snowboarding for underrepresented demographics and low-income families, as well as a space to support sport adoption. We also believe, through lived experience, that skiing and snowboarding offer immense life enrichment through community, engagement in the outdoors, and physical activity, particularly throughout the winter season. Although our program is locally focused, we are one of many across the U.S. working towards a common goal. We aim to make an impact on the industry via our shared effort, and most importantly on the lives of the youth we serve. Please see our organization’s mission for additional detail.
THE YOUTH
A very diverse group of twenty-six youth ages 12-18 registered this year. We are pleased that our registration has grown year over year, and are also cognizant of keeping our registration manageable for our crew and resource pool to ensure a high quality experience for the youth that we serve. This approach maximizes sport adoption and participant impact by ensuring registered youth receive the best experience we can offer them. Below are notable statistics. Our aim is to exceed the snow sports industry’s current demographic statistics for gender and race, support participation for low-income families, and ensure we’re creating a welcoming space for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and female participants. Our program has also served as a supportive haven for participants with differing cognitive abilities. Although this was not the initial focus, we are stoked that our camp environment inherently supports a vast range of partipant needs!
42% Female
12% Gender-Expansive (don’t identify exclusively as male or female)
62% BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)
62% Qualify for free or reduced lunch
57% New to ski/riding
35% returning campers from last year’s camp
THE EXPERIENCE
Here are a few ways we tackled barriers and fostered community and inclusivity.
Eliminated the financial barrier (‘pay what you can’ program fees starting at $15)
Fostered a sense of community by bringing together youth of marginalized identities.
Respect for and acknowledgment of gender/pronouns.
Chaperoning and mentorship from a diverse group of volunteers with youth-serving and/or professional snow sports experience.
Transportation via bus from downtown Milwaukee.
Loanable soft gear - Coats, snowpants, gloves, gaiters, goggles, and socks.
1 hour lessons each program day through Crystal Ridge Snowschool.
A meal was provided each program day to socialize and refuel.
Freeride time with our volunteer team to socialize and hone skills learned during their lesson time.
NEW: GEAR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This year, we introduced our gear scholarship program. Campers who have demonstrated their passion for the sport were able to apply for a pre-owned ski or snowboard set-up. We were able to gift 5 sets of helmets, snowboard/bindings, and snowboard boots. These set-ups allow recipients to continue to pursue their passion outside of camp! Thank you to Focus Boardshop for their help in sourcing and refurbishing this gear!
Additionally, we were able to gift goggles, neck warmers, and gloves to all of our campers. ESC Gloves helped out with designing and gifting commemorative T-Shirts for campers, as well as gloves for all of our volunteers!
Overall Winter Camp for All met our organization’s goals of creating an engaging and rich experience for a diverse group of youth. We received excellent feedback from our families and volunteers. We also witnessed many youth spark a new pathway to joy through snowsports, gain confidence, and bond with one another. With continued support from our community and program sponsors, we look forward to hosting this program in the future, further impacting the lives of youth and diversifying/enriching the snowsports community!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED THIS YEAR!
