Youth charity Snow-Camp has just returned from their latest adventure in the French Alps, but this time with 20 young people having been recognised as trained ski instructors. For the first time since the charity was established in 2003, the Snow-Camp Excel programme, launched in 2010 with Sport England funding, gave young people the chance to gain a Snowsport England Level 1 instructor qualification.

During the week held in Les 2 Alpes, the young people also gained first hand experience by shadowing full time instructors from the European Ski School. Jeremy Edwards, Director of the School, gave the group intensive workshops focusing on teaching skiing and snowboarding techniques.

Jeremy said ‘It has been a great pleasure for myself and the team of instructors here at the European Ski & Snowboard School to have been involved in the training of the Snow-Camp students in preparation for their Level 1 qualification. All students progressed well during their week with us, as they shadowed our instructors teaching during a busy ski school week. We are so pleased that all students successfully trained and received certificates rewarding them for their commitment and hard work.’

"Snow-Camp has instilled so much confidence in me! I have come so far with something I first knew nothing about. Snow-Camp inspires me to pursue my dreams and constantly reminds me I am capable of doing anything I want!" (Thea, 16, Brixton) 

Vickie Pullin and Chris Exall from Snowsport England came out to resort to put the young people through the final assessment day, and were happy to be handing out Level 1 certificates to all the young people. Tim Fawke, CEO of Snowsport England said, ‘This is a big step forward for Snow-Camp. They have now taken young people from inner city areas, introduced them to snowsports and got them all the way to being trained as ski instructors. This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved and could be life changing for the young people concerned’

The students, who represented youth projects from across London, had all completed previous Snow-Camp programmes before having the chance to begin the Excel programme. During the course they completed 8 UK based days at Milton Keynes SNO!zone, as well as first aid and child protection training, before heading out to Les 2 Alpes. Emma Martin, Snow-Camp Project Manager said ‘This is a fantastic achievement for Snow-Camp and the young people involved. We’re so excited to be able to support these young people in gaining their Level 1 instructor qualification and can’t wait to get them teaching a new generation of Snow-Camp participants on our forthcoming summer courses’

Snow-Camp will now be employing a number of the newly qualified young people to teach their peers on Snow-Camp London beginner programmes, starting this summer. They will also gain further experience working in the ski industry through work placements provided as part of Snow-Camp’s Peak Potential programme.

Dan Charlish, Snow-Camp’s Director said. ‘This is a very big day for everyone that has been involved with Snow-Camp over the past 8 years. We are all so proud of the effort and commitment these young people have shown to reach this level and gain their qualification. It’s also a major milestone in the charities development and shows beyond doubt the huge potential inner city young people have to excel in snowsports when given the opportunity.’

For more information on all the Snow-Camp programmes, please contact Snow-Camp Project Manager, Emma Martin on 07545 431824. To support Snow-Camp or for more information about the charity, please see www.snow-camp.org.uk