Students and staff gathered at the Schaumburg High School cafeteria Saturday, February 28th, for the annual all-day Operation Snowball leadership retreat.
The event, attracting over 100 participants, was led by student leaders and faculty in which activities and discussions helped in promoting communication skills and healthy decision making. The national leadership program focuses on character building and substance prevention.
Operation Snowball highlights student-led programming with fellow peers facilitating all activities, workshops and discussions throughout the day in order to create a positive environment and experience for all.
Some of the more prominent topics include developing confidence in social situations, building positive relationships, and handling stress.
“Students will feel a sense of community right away, they will have a greater sense of connection.” states Brent Swolsky, the head advisor and mentor of Operation Snowball student leaders.
“Students would describe the things in snowball as helping in the development of their own navigation in college and their career.” Swolsky Continues.
The one-day retreat opened with a small icebreaker activity where student leaders helped perform various energizers for participants, while gathering in a large circle where they would then take part in a quick get-to-know-you activity.
From there, participants would rotate throughout different stations focusing on team exercises, while then transitioning to other ventures such as sitting through a guest speaker, or working through different workshops where they would be taught valuable lessons such as not being afraid to ask those around you for help.
Senior leaders also point out that the retreat serves as preparation for community outreach efforts, getting one more connected with their own community.
“Snowball opens your heart, it allows you to see people for who they really are, and see the good in people, and yourself. It shows you the type of leader you are, and the type of person you are becoming.” says senior Victoria Conde, the Snowball Student Director. “Before you attend Operation Snowball, you walk past people in the hallway and don’t even notice them. But after, because you have that connection with different people, you immediately notice them and could give them a smile.”
All participants are said to go through this transformation, making them more aware of the people they have around them. It opens new opportunities for friendships, and bonds.
“I recall feeling surprised by the fact that I connected so well with my group members, after having only known one of them prior to the OS event. By the end of the day, I trusted my group members as though they were close friends!” emphasizes high school senior and participant Josh Benson after being a 2 year participant.
According to organizers, attendance at snowball events have increased over the past two to three years, with there being a consistent intake of more than 100 students showing up for the event each year. Student leaders hope Saturday’s turnout signals a continued interest in peer based leadership opportunities, leaving room for the program to develop even further.
After 17 years of being established within SHS, the school’s Snowball chapter continues and has already since been planning for the next year.
Advisors and faculty are currently accepting applications from past participants interested in becoming trained peer leaders, hoping to surpass the results shown this past weekend, making Snowball a common staple within student life.