GRANT REPORT - LONE PINE SKI P.E. PROGRAM
MMCF is committed to making a difference in community lives. That “community” spans 211 miles throughout the corridor of the Eastern Sierra, including Inyo and Mono counties, from Lone Pine, through Lee Vining and all the way to Coleville.
The youth of Lone Pine have access to some great hiking (Alabama Hills and Mobius Arch) and the Museum of Western Film History, however there are limited opportunities for extracurricular activities and not a lot of chances to embrace the world of skiing and snowboarding. Due to location and socio economic backgrounds, for some youth, Ski P.E. is the only way that they will get on the snow.
Fortunately, snow sports are traditional for some of the Lone Pine families and Jennifer Olin’s family is one of them. Jennifer, whose family grew up on the slopes, a gift which she has passed along to her children, is the Project Coordinator of the Lone Pine Ski Program.
Please read an interview with Jennifer and find out how she, made possible with grant funding from MMCF, is making a difference in the lives of youth in Lone Pine.
What did you get from the grant?
Lone Pine Schools received a $10,000 grant this year.
How did this grant improve the lives of the student population benefiting from it? What ages/grades does your program serve?
Our Ski P.E. program serves grades 4-12th grade, ages 9-18 years old.
Was there a noticeable correlation between academic engagement/progress during the time period that your Winter Ski Program (Ski P.E.) was running?
So, in order for students to be able to participate in the ski/snowboard trips they have to attend school the day before and the day after each trip. Along with that, they must complete all missed in-class assignments and homework that was assigned that day. Students also have to maintain their overall grades, so if they become ineligible or grades have declined during the ski/snowboard season they will not be able to attend further trips until grades are improved. I do believe there is a definite correlation between academic engagement/progress during this time as few students miss trips due to absences or decline in grades.
How did this grant improve the lives of the students and their athletic experience?
First, what I have observed is independence that is gained by the younger skiers (we don't allow snowboarding until 6th grade) who are away from their families, being on the slopes and learning something new. They are nervous the first day, but the growth you see in them within a short period of time and seeing their confidence grow on the mountain is incredible to see. Many of these students may not be able to experience this wonderful opportunity because of finances and families who do not ski/snowboard and this opportunity helps them to learn something that they may not have been able to do otherwise.
Did this grant have the effect that you were hoping for?
Absolutely! While Mammoth Mountain provides reasonable rates for Ski P.E., the grant has provided these students to experience the program for free.
In your grant application, you mentioned that Ski P.E. has been a tradition since the 1970's. Are there some significant changes you have seen with the program since you have been involved?
What I have seen is the community support for the program and the volunteer help in all areas of the program. More than anything, I am grateful for this continued tradition of the program as I am a product of my community and was blessed to grow up on the slopes as well as my husband, sisters and sister-in-law thanks to the program. This program has also carried down to my children, 3 who have now taken advantage of the program and are becoming great skiers and snowboarders. We also have volunteer instructors who grew up on the program and their parents who helped instruct as well. It's a tradition I've seen passed from one generation to the next. This opportunity and what it has provided for my community holds a close place in my heart and am passionate about the continuation of this local tradition.
You mentioned that MMCF helped create success in your ski programs in two ways. Would you like to expound on these?
MMCF has helped to make skiing and snowboarding affordable to all socioeconomic backgrounds in our community. We have very limited extracurricular activities in our town and having the opportunity to ski/snowboard is a great addition to what activities are available to our youth. Anything that can promote being outdoors and learning to appreciate where we live, and getting away from electronic devices for a little while is important in this day and age.
Is there anything that you would like to convey to the donors of MMCF that we can include in our article?
I would just like to express my utmost gratitude to the donors of the MMCF. Without the help of the foundation I believe our program would not be what it continues to be today. It brings my heart such joy to see the children of our small community have this great opportunity to afford and learn the great skills that come with this amazing sport. Thank you.
