The answer is hard to give because Snowball is a lot of things. The themes of the weekend are to make healthy choices and take smart risks in life, to build and have a high-self esteem and positive attitude, to set your goals high and persevere to overcome failure.

A lot of things need to take place on the weekend in order to accomplish all of these goals in less than 48 hours. The weekend consists of team building activities to learn how to work together and respect others for who they are and what they bring to the table. There are team discussions and team activities that allow for everyone to get know each other as well as possible as quickly as possible.  We also teach students that stepping out of your comfort zone can be rewarding when it is making a healthy decision to try something new. We encourage participants to sign up for activities that are new to them and to be willing to try something new and different on the weekend. Participants that do this realize there is much to life that they have not tried that is both healthy and enjoyable. Many people end up learning new things about themselves through their willingness to enjoy life and live it to its fullest.

For every participant, the experience of the weekend is unique.  They enjoy different things and take away from the weekend what speaks to them personally. It is hard to know what each individual will think when the weekend is over, but overwhelmingly the thoughts are positive and enthusiastic.

Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, Females, Males, ANYONE!  We encourage all students in the school to attend the weekend because we think everyone can benefit from meeting new people, listening to speakers and learning to respect both others and themselves for who they are.   One common lament from seniors who attend the weekend is their inability to experience Snowball again.  Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors have the opportunity to apply to be staff members after attending one Snowball weekend.  This is a great leadership opportunity and source for community service hours.

The weekend retreat takes place at YMCA Camp McClean in Burlington, WI.  Students travel by school bus leaving directly after school on Friday and returning around 12:30 pm on Sunday.  More details for planning for the weekend are available during a parent meeting that is held before every Snowball for parents of the current retreat participants.

"Operation Snowball (OS) is an alcohol and drug use prevention program focusing on leadership development to empower youth to lead drug-free lives.  The name originates from the idea that "If I have a positive impact on you, you can have a positive impact on someone else and the effect snowballs." Out of this concept emerges "A Community of Caring" - the success of Operation Snowball.