D128 Operation Snowball

Operation Snowball has existed in Illinois for over 50 years. Each school does it a little differently, but all offer a similar structure & opportunity:

• A chance to meet new friends via a small group experience, facilitated by peer leaders (an adult is present in each group)
• Outdoor teambuilding
• Keynote speaker
• Activities that build leadership and relationship-building skills
• A fun and unique day

Details:

• YMCA Camp MacLean - Burlington, Wisconsin
• Meet bus at 7:20 AM (yes, this part is painful!)
• Continental breakfast (yogurt, fruit, pastries, hot chocolate, coffee) provided upon arrival
• Lunch provided (chicken tacos)
• Speaker Ty Sells (from Ohio) will be joining us for the day, offering both a keynote and workshop sessions on building leadership
• Ample time outdoors!
• Cost is $50 per student
• All grades welcome!
• Libertyville - Register here in the LHS 5-Star App Store
• Vernon Hills - Register here in the VHHS 5-Star App Store

What would make your Wildcat or Cougar a good fit:

• Willing to stretch their comfort zone a little
• Interested in expanding both leadership and relationship-building skills
• Likes to meet new people (even if shy at first)
• Enjoys woodsy, outdoor settings

A couple of things to note:

• Students can sign up with friends - they can sit on the bus together to and from Snowball and likely wave to each other during the day. After a LOT of discussion about the pros and cons of allowing requests to be with friends in small groups, our director team (consisting of both students and adults) have decided that the best possible Snowball experience comes from actually meeting and getting to know new people. This is the best possible "stretch" where everyone arrives on even footing in terms of who they know or don't know.
• Snowball is not a form of therapy or therapeutic intervention.

VHHS registration here

LHS registration here

As parents, you have likely been following (and perhaps worrying about) what AI means for the future job market. At a recent national education conference, Learning & the Brain, a repeated theme from experts across the fields of technology, neuroscience, and education pointed to the high need for the current generation of students to be skilled in human interaction. One researcher, Isabelle Hau from Stanford, frames this as "RQ". In a world that has become highly grade and "IQ" focused, a common thread back in the forefront--our need for relational intelligence. Experiences like Operation Snowball provide exactly that -- high levels of human interaction and an opportune environment for a day of a different kind of learning. We hope you'll consider Operation Snowball for your Cougar or Wildcat!

Please reach out to your school's Prevention and Wellness Program Coordinator with any questions.

VHHS - Amy Dillon

LHS - Brenda Nelson