Killington
posted
Nov 14, 2012
Off-snow training begins mid-November; on-snow training
to be held in December
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest nonprofit
organization in Vermont to provide sports and recreation to people
with disabilities, is seeking new volunteer ski and snowboard
instructors for its winter programs at Sugarbush Resort in Warren,
Bolton Valley in Bolton and Pico Mountain in Killington. This
rewarding opportunity allows members of the Vermont community to
make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities seven
days a week. Vermont Adaptive relies heavily on its more than 400
volunteers to provide and support more than 2,000 lessons to people
with physical, cognitive and emotional or behavioral disabilities
on an annual basis.
Volunteers are required to attend an off-snow orientation at the
mountain of choice in November as well as two days of on snow
training in early December. Trainings are held on weekends. The
off-snow trainings are slated for: Saturday, Nov. 10 at Sugarbush,
Saturday, Nov. 17 at Pico Mountain, and Sunday, Nov. 18 at Bolton
Valley. Junior volunteers, ages 14 and up, also are welcome to
attend training and volunteer.
Volunteers will be taught about disability awareness, how to
teach a ski or ride lesson as well as how to teach a specific type
of lesson such as blind guiding, sit down skiing or working with
participants with cognitive disabilities. Volunteers are expected
that they be a competent skier or rider prior to training. The
program begins at all three locations on Dec. 26 and runs through
the end of ski season at each mountain, typically the end of March
or early April.
There are many benefits to volunteering including opportunities
for specialized training and certifications, earning lift tickets,
making new friends, and being a part of life changing
accomplishments for people with disabilities. Vermont Adaptive also
has internships available throughout the year for students
interested learning more about adaptive sports.
To sign up to volunteer visit
http://www.vermontadaptive.org/volunteer_overview.php or contact
Dave D'Angelo, program supervisor, at 802.353.3178 or email at
truenorth@vermontadaptive.org
