When I arrive at the base of the mountain for my annual girls only Spring Camp, I see thirty bright eyed and smiling faces. You can see their excitement bubbling to the surface. Although the weekend is spent skiing moguls, it really isn’t about the skiing.

It’s about creating an atmosphere where the girls are having fun, are encouraged and are learning skills beyond skiing techniques. I hope that it is in the small moments of just being together that they feel energized and motivated and can carry those feelings forward. I also hope that they realize that I was once their age with many of the same challenges they are facing.

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After the first day, we hold a visualization session. Many of the girls have never tried visualization before. They quickly realize that this technique can be used when writing exams or any other pressure filled moment. This is something they can take with them wherever they go.

As we ride up the chairlift at the end of another day of shredding the moguls, one of the skiers turns to me and says, “I didn’t remember how much fun it was to ski with the girls, they’re so supportive.”

Of course I want to encourage them to pursue mogul skiing but at the end of the day I hope that they will simply take the values of sport with them wherever they go. Sport has enriched every part of my life, has presented me with many challenges, and has provided many incredible opportunities. I hope they can be touched in the same way.

I was certainly touched when the girls spontaneously turned to me and yelled at the top of their lungs “good luck for next year and the Olympic Games!” This moment will motivate me, as I get ready for the Games.

Cheers,
Jenn

P.S. Here's a good article about a few Olympians giving back: www.thestar.com/Sports/Olympics/article/619824

 
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