Snowball "empowered each student"

Last weekend, District 218 hosted its annual Operation Snowball weekend. Teachers reflected on how their students gained from the retreat, and this is what they had to say:

Less than a day after arriving at Camp Manitoqua for Operation Snowball, Richards High School teacher Kelly Kaczmarek sat beside a campfire and smiled. She found the moment, watching students who met just a few hours ago, act like friends.

“It was heartwarming. It was as though they had known each other for years, when in reality many students had only met each other 24 hours earlier,” said Kaczmarek, who volunteers annually as a staff member for the weekend retreat.

"This year’s Snowball was a great experience. It was our first time having the retreat in the fall, which turned out to be awesome. One new thing this year was the bonfire we had on Friday night. This was my favorite part of the whole retreat because it brought all the small groups together. Students from all three schools were engaged in conversation and laughter. It was an amazing thing to see," added Richards teacher Lauren Pavesic.

Faculty members fill the Snowball weekend, an experience that seeks to prevent substance abuse, with activities that high school students build self-esteem and confidence to make healthy decisions.

“This year’s retreat was one of the best yet. This retreat empowered each student to take what they learned during the weekend and share it with family, friends, and peers,” Kaczmarek said.

Snowball featured inspiring speakers like retired Paralympian Lloyd Bachrach, born with a congenital bone deficiency that left him with short legs. Despite this condition, Bachrach never slowed in his athletic pursuits and shared his “Yes, you can” program with District 218 students.

“The guest speakers were truly inspiring to both the students and adults. It is humbling to be a part of such an amazing experience,” Kaczmarek said.

Heather Murphy, who coordinated Operation Snowball for Shepard High School, agreed with the transformational effect of the weekend.

“Snowball is an amazing way for students to engage with their peers on a deeper level. It provides a supportive, encouraging, and confidential platform for individuals to really be themselves without the fear of rejection,” Murphy said.

She also noticed how many students, strangers when the retreat started, grew close quickly.

“It was really inspiring to see how all of the participants started the retreat as shy and reserved and finished it off as open and outgoing teenagers. They really do form a unique bond on the retreat,” she said.

Snowball features a lot of fun, too. Students participated in yoga, basketball, an improv theater workshop, small group talks, and a dance.

"Our workshops were a lot of fun this year. We had students engaged in debate, yoga, friendship bracelet making, and childhood games. Just to name a few! Students had the opportunity to explore activities they
enjoy and also take a risk to try something new," Pavesic added.