07.15.20

Eldora Mountain Ski & Snowboard Club: providing modified summer youth development

Eldora Mountain Ski & Snowboard Club: providing modified summer youth development

“Support for our programming provides a valuable outlet for young riders who love the mountains, and for families returning to work during this time.”

We recently reported on a new Donor-Advised Fund – Play It Forward – established by Eldora Mountain Resort at your Community Foundation. Already, the fund is making a notable difference for Boulder and Nederland nonprofits, including the Eldora Mountain Ski & Snowboard Club (EMSC).

 
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“Thanks to our Play It Forward grant, we’re better able to continue our athlete summer camp and youth development opportunities – from mountain bike camps in Nederland to ski camps at Mt. Hood,” says Executive Director Matt Tomasko. “With our growing reliance on scholarship support, we’re also able to further assist youth in need.”

 
Indeed, EMSC is currently providing modified youth summer mountain bike camps, in accordance with state health guidelines, to promote the health and wellness of young riders. 
 
According to Matt, Play It Forward funding is also helping to stabilize EMSC staffing needs to provide improved communications, consistency, and conditioning opportunities. “At a time when access to community youth recreation camps has greatly diminished due to COVID-19 protocols, our transition from safer indoors to approved outdoor activities has been highly positive and successful,” he says.
 
“Support for our programming provides a valuable outlet for young riders who love the mountains, and for families returning to work during this time.”
 
He adds, “From screen time to activity time on bikes and skis builds character, confidence, and teamwork among mountain community kids – as well as a healthy, lifelong passion for adventure and the outdoors.”
 
Matt further notes a silver lining to COVID-19 modifications: “Restrictions to smaller groups have provided improved coach-to-athlete ratios. We’re seeing skills development and retention rapidly increase over a shorter period of time with the additional, individual-based instruction and coaching.
 
“Our coaches are passionate about working with the athletes, despite modifications and reductions. Parents, members, and athletes all greatly value and appreciate the opportunity to safely come together and work toward common goals in the outdoors.”