My first adventure with the Crew
It was a busy Saturday morning in late January at Perfect North Slopes, my first Adventure Crew outing.
I had been clued in to spot Crew teens by their colorful helmet covers, and I quickly came across a group of girls working to get their ski boots on. My own first-time struggle with the clunky, unforgiving boots came to mind. I had been about their age, 13 or so. I asked if they wanted help, wary of imposing on kids determined to figure it out themselves.
They were excited and giggly; a few were wide-eyed, pushing back on their nervousness with a resolve not to miss out. This particular group was seventh graders, first-year adventurers. They had earned a spot on the ski and snowboard trip by going on at least one previous adventure. None had been on skis before.
A total of 46 Adventure Crew teens made their way out to the slopes on skis and snowboards that day. Those who were new to the experience kicked off with a one-hour lesson. Walking across the starter slope through the groups of learners, I introduced myself to our volunteers and Outdoor Specialists, the part-time staff who guide and encourage Crew teens on their adventures. In the middle of all the action, I saw a student sitting in the snow, legs straight out in front of her, clearly “not having it.” Outdoor Specialist Lauren was crouched next to her to help, and she shared that this new skier, Molly, just might be calling it a day.
Molly’s face was pained. She told me her boots felt awkward and uncomfortable. I expressed my sympathy for the weirdness of ski boots and a few encouraging words about taking time to get used to them, and left the pair to work out the best way forward.
At lunch a short time later, I saw Molly right away, sitting with friends and her school advisor, Julie Biolchini, a counselor at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. “Molly! How did it go?” I asked.
Excitement and pride boosted her voice across the table of chatting kids. “I did it! I got different boots, I went up the chair lift, and I did it!” Julie chimed in that Molly had gotten right back out there, braved the often-daunting first ride up a chair lift, and had her first run down a slope. “And I didn’t even fall!” She was beaming, confident and eager to get back to sharpening her new skills on the snow.
Our Saturday adventures are designed to deliver a blend of elements that make big wins like Molly’s not only possible, but a mainstay of the outdoor experience every weekend. Our teens are already tenacious, resilient and curious; our commitment to them is to eliminate the economic barriers of transportation, cost to participate, and access to equipment and skill-building, while cultivating a sense of inclusion and belonging through our community of highly dedicated staff and volunteers.
My sincerest thanks to all who make this possible for hundreds of teens across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky every year. We’ll be taking kids out to the slopes all throughout February; if you’d like to help make an adventure like Molly’s possible for more city teens, click here.