Operation Snowball

Operation Snowball

Snowball at Peoria Notre Dame

Philosophy and Goals

Operation Snowball provides an opportunity for strengthening and nurturing the spiritual growth of the participants while stimulating their emotional and intellectual development.

Moderators
Moderators	Phone	e-mail
Ms Julie Albright	309-691-8741	e-mail

Snowball's Purpose Is:

To provide a learning experience which will promote positive self image and the development of each participant's potential as a gift of God
To differentiate between attitudes, feelings, and facts on a variety of topics relevant to teens.
To promote greater understanding among teens from various racial, social, and ethnic groups in accordance with the teachings of God and his Church.
To provide a quality learning experience regarding alcohol and other drug abuse and misuse. To learn about the causes and effects of self destructive behavior. To develop a follow-up support system and alternatives to such behavior.
To develop a greater sense of openness and trust among teens and adults which will promote personal growth and responsibility.
To develop different styles of communication skills in order to promote positive relationships with peers, family, and other adults and to encourage their participation in the Snowball experience.
To enable students to make more responsible decisions about alcohol and other drugs in their own lives.
To create an atmosphere that allows the participants to attain these goals.
To help participants become better informed and more influential.

Dear Parents,

Some of you may know of the Operation Snowball program, but many of you might be sitting there thinking "What is it and why should I be interested?" Many people have heard of our program but have no idea what it is and perhaps no one has ever actually explained it to you parents.

Snowball is a weekend based on improving self-esteem, self-image, attitudes and motivations. It encourages personal and interpersonal growth as well as leadership and decision- making skills. To many of the students, it sounds like a big "Don't Drink and Don't Smoke" weekend. Though this is encouraged, it is not the sole motive behind Operation Snowball.

Talking with the executive board members, I've found that we have been asked the question, "What's so great about Snowball?" We have found it difficult to explain to those who are apprehensive about the program what they will experience and gain from Operation Snowball. As we all are different, our personal experiences of the weekend are different. Even though it is not easy to put into words, let me assure you the experience is worthwhile. Some of the executive board members' responses included; meeting new people, getting closer to people you already know, learning new things or seeing old things differently, and having fun.

Snowball, to me, is all of these things. I have become friends with people I may never have met. Some of my friends and I stayed up late, talked openly, and became closer throughout the weekend. The messages that were presented in talks, small group discussions, and skits have stayed with me. It was a fun weekend where I could be comfortable and just have a good time. But there is something more to it that only being part of the experience can explain.

After experiencing Snowball my Freshman year it has become a weekend that I look forward to every year. Not once have I been disappointed with the program. I know from personal experience that what parents say to their teens often appears to go unnoticed, but actually does influence their decisions. I hope you will make a point to suggest or encourage your student to attend Snowball. It is only two days and, hey, you never know, he or she may thank you for it.

Sarah Bienemann

Peoria Notre Dame Class of 2000
Snowball Executive Board

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Revised: 28^th of September 2006

© Peoria Notre Dame High School

Peoria Notre Dame High School
located at 5105 North Sheridan Road;
Peoria, Illinois 61614-4899

Peoria Notre Dame High School
is located in the Catholic Diocese of Peoria