I am working with a small group trying to finalize funding to take twenty two kids from disadvantaged backrounds for a three day trip to a local resort. In preparing the kids for the trip , we had an open forum for parents to inform them of the opportunity. To our surprise, we heard a few things from parents that we did not expect. Some parents questioned the practical nature of their kids engaging in outdoor sport. There were parents of colour, south east asians and native parents who suggested that snowboarding, like skiing, was not an 'inclusive sport'; that is was for the rich and as such, their kids going on a sport weekend will be of no use to them. This seems a valid concern for those who are part of the working poor class. So what arguments beyond the usual (health, fitness, opportunity to visit another community, culture, etc) can we offer? If there are any other educators, youth workers, laiety, etc who have some ideas that would be most helpful. As visible representation is also a problem, if anyone can suggest a company that might have people of diverse backgrounds on their roster/team or perhaps some articles that might be directed to those living in economically challenged or low income urban areas. Race and economics aside, we just want the kids to have a great time. Any help would be warmly received. Thank you for your time.

I know Aspen hosts an all black ski meet every year. There's a few "race" based ski clubs out there if you're looking for 'role models'. Beyond that...I'd love to see our recreational dollars going to skiing and making it more affordable for everyone (Because it IS a rich person sport at this point), rather then basketball courts, pools, soccer fields.  Not to mention rather then bombing people as well...but I'm not trying to start a political flame war.

I think it is about choices.  A lot of our young people do not realize that living in poverty is their choice.  They have not been shown that oppurtunity exist for everyone and it is their decision to take advantage of the oppurtunity.  I volunteered for a program called choices in which we talked to 9th graders and tried, often successfully, to explain to them their future was in their hands.  Showing them something different than they are accustom to may awaken them to an outside world that they are unaware exist.  We gave awards  at the end of the school year to the students that made the greatest change after our program.  The greatest cheers of the day were for the Choices Awards.  We even had young gangsters excel academically afterwards.   I say go for it.

 

[Edited by olerubbertoe on 2/11/2008 at 6:50 PM]

You should check out Burton's Chill program.  It is designed for inner-city kids and giving the children a chance to try something different.  The program is a success and might be able to help you with some ideas.  Good luck!!  :)

[Edited by wrathfuldeity on 2/12/2008 at 9:27 AM]
[Edited by wrathfuldeity on 2/12/2008 at 9:30 AM]

What grade level are your students in?  There is the 5th Grade pass from Colorado Ski country.  It's good for 3 free lift tickets to each of the ski areas in Colorado and it's free.  All Colorado Resorts are included.  The 6th Grade pass does the same but you have to pay a small fee for that one.  Doesn't really cover everything but it could cut some costs for you.

It doesn't sound like it's a problem of getting a program together to bring these kids to the mountain. The resources are out there... this sounds more like a problem with the parents. The kids would probably love the chance, but you're dealing with low income families which live a different culture and see snowboarding and skiing as recreational at a large expense and not as an investment in the child's future. This sport, in their eyes, is unattainable, so why even expose their kids to it.  I think you're going to have a hard time convincing those parents that this is good for the kids as something new and exciting and another outlet for them to express themselves. Just keep talking with those parents and have the kids talk with their parents. Maybe they'll come around.

I did hear something about an initiative to introduce more Hispanic-American children living in the Greater Denver area to the sport.

Can anyone comment on this?

Your comments thus far have been helpful.  But attitudes suggesting that kids should just accept the status quo and be content with cleaning lavatories or working chair lifts.....

Diversity is wide spread and I realize that while 'inner city' or the new definition of 'urban' implies Black, this is not the case in Canada.  We are trying to help all sorts of kids, primarily the children of recent immigrants who find it hard enough to make rent and speak the language.  Winter sports can be  tough sell to this group.  But we are trying.

I didn't ask this earlier but are there any members of this forum who are  'riders of colour'?  If so, I would be interested in hearing about your early experiences on piste.  (You can always send a private email.)

 'riders of colour' lol...hey I'm a bananna (immigrated from Korea to Nebraska and migrated to PNW and currently having a hella midlife crisis on a snowboard and loving it)...Ale and several others here can testify to that...my early experiences on piste....well on my a$$ most of the time.

[Edited by flinchagainstthefire on 28/02/2008 at 11:19 PM]
[Edited by flinchagainstthefire on 28/02/2008 at 11:22 PM]

Dude, very very kewl of you to do that with just 5 kids.  Way to make a difference, my hat's off to you.

BromwellStaff, You didn't mention at what age group you are working with, there are many reasons that they wouldn't want thier kids to get this experence, some real some not. If it's younger children, then as a parent it isn't easy to say sorry no money, to your kid that really inspires to do something, it only reminds them of thier  state. But as mentioned, to the child it may open thier eyes to a whole different world and inspire them on to aim higher. As to the comment on needing the lower income jobs, don't get in a tiffy about it, use it as an example of how a young person can get a job in a resort area and work and board at the same time.
[Edited by matbo on 07/05/2008 at 6:37 AM]