Club members get their "ski" and "board" on!

Club members participate in annual Boys & Girls Clubs in NH day at Bretton Woods

Loading up a bus and van at 5:30 a.m. is not usually an exciting event for most kids, but among the big coats, hats, gloves, snowpants, and boots, there was excitement in the air. Members were getting ready to depart their Club and make the journey to Bretton Woods for an exciting day in the snow. Bretton Woods, host of the second annual Boys & Girls Clubs in NH day, provided these youth the oppportunity to receive free of charge lessons, lift tickets and rentals. 55 youth, ages 6 to 17, and 8 chaperones spent the day skiing and boarding their way through lessons, trails and groves all over the mountain. For many of these first-timers, the concept of getting onto skis or snowboards was daunting.

"It was my first time ever going down a mountain and learning how to snowboard. It was a lot of fun, but I am sure sore" lamented first time snowboarder, Edwin Peña.

For others, they were nearly professionals after the first few runs. Ben Bailey, a regular skier, enjoyed his first snowboard lesson and trail run, keeping pace with older brother, Sam. Some of the chaperones were even willing to put themselves and their bodies on the line. First time skier, Haydee Sanchez, had a number of laughs, even when the terrain was a bit bumpy for her.

"It was great getting so many first time skiers and boarders up on the mountain. Watching the kids progress throughout the day was exciting. I can't wait for next year!" recalled Justin Newton, the Club's Education Director, and this year's Ski Day Coordinator.

The Boys & Girls Club is excited about this yearly ski/snowboard trip because it allows us to provide kids who don't normally have the opportunity to try these sports to get out of their comfort zone, try something new, and challenge themselves to be a bit better than they expected.

Club members were able to meet up with other youth from Boys & Girls Clubs in NH, including the Salem Boys & Girls Club and the Boys & Girls Club of the North Country. This event was generously donated by Bretton Woods.

For information about the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, please contact Bridget Cooley, Area Director, at 883-0523 x228 or bcooley@bgcn.com.

Posted January 31, 2008.