What it means to Volunteer at Youth Enrichment Services

In 1968 the YES ski program was created for urban youth from families with limited economic means. Since then, we have expanded our program to include snow boarding, mountain biking, hiking, and camping and serviced over 100,000 kids.

YES operates its programs with the help of many volunteers. As a non-profit with a small full-time staff, we depend on the dedication of our volunteers in order to make an impact on the community.

Operation Snow Sports (Winter Program)

There are many types of volunteer roles at YES. One is right for you!

  1. Ski and Snowboard Instructors
    Snowsports enthusiasts interested in teaching urban youth how to ski/snowboard. A weekend-long training is required where volunteers of all ability levels learn how to instruct. After training, each volunteer will be qualified to teach a certain level. On day trips, instructors teach two hours of lessons and have free time in the afternoon.
  2. Trip Leaders
    People with a customer service mentality and strong leadership skills. Typically there are 60-70 people on a day trip. Duties include: bus monitoring, group orientation, opening/closing the building, checking in with ski patrol/tickets, delegating classes to volunteers, and overall group management. This individual should think quickly on their feet, enjoy solving problems in a creative and timely manner, and work well under pressure. Training is required. Trip leaders will receive a complimentary lunch and will earn a stipend for each trip they lead.
  3. Van drivers
    A qualified adult who is willing to drive the YES 15 passenger van or suburban to and from the mountain. Drivers have free time in the morning and assist the trip leader during the afternoon.
  4. Chaperone
    Adults or parents who can look after younger YESkids (ages 7-10) on the slopes. They chaperone in the morning class as well as during free time in the afternoon.
  5. Mechanic
    People who can address mechanical ski and snowboard issues on the mountain. Each day trip has a mechanic. Prior knowledge needed or a willingness to learn.
  6. Customer Service Rep at YES
    Any skier/non-skier who is willing to help run the Boston rental shop weekday afternoons or evenings. Duties include: explaining proper clothing, run registration desk, fitting boots and boards/skis, data entry, and repairing equipment.

What are the requirements?

What is Shop Time?

Part of the reason we are able to take urban youth to the slopes at such a discounted price is because we don’t have to purchase rentals. YES has its very own rental shop! The shop is operated three nights a week. Each day is composed of two three-hour shifts, from 3-6pm and 6-9pm. The youth meet at YES during these times to be fit with their rental equipment. Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience, we’ll train you! This also gives the volunteers an opportunity to get to know the youth before they meet them on the mountain.

What is slope time?

Slope time is any day you are a trip leader, instructor, van driver, mechanic, or chaperone with YES. You choose the days in advance!!

Typical Winter Day at YES

5:30AM   Arrive at YES. Check in w/ Trip Leader.
6:15AM   Departure
9:00AM   Arrive at Mtn. Unload bus and help kids with equipment.
9:45AM   1 hour lesson
11:00AM   Lunch
11:45AM   Hit slopes for 1 hour lesson
1:00PM   Free Ski (30 minutes on Bunny Slope with YES)
3:45PM   Load Bus
4:15PM   Depart Mountain
7:00PM   Return to YES. Unload and put away equipment


Volunteer Perks!

  1. Ski free after teaching lessons
  2. Get training by professional instructors, get closer to attaining PSIA status
  3. Free transportation to and from mountain
  4. Unlimited use of YES equipment
  5. Reasonably priced equipment package
  6. Last Run Weekend, discounted volunteer-only trip to celebrate the end of season. Volunteer 6 or more days on the slope and pay half-price!!

Last Run Weekend

Volunteer–only weekend. Celebrate a great season at discounted prices with the friends you met at YES. Ski Friday at Sugarbush, Saturday and Sunday at Killington all for one low price of $140. Price includes lodging, lift tickets, and a banquet dinner. Complete 6 or more slope days in a season and get Last Run for $70!

*Note: If you want to volunteer but feel that you are unable to give the amount of time requested, please discuss this with the Director of Volunteers (volunteer@yeskids.org).

Please consider volunteering at YES. You can Click Here to download a copy of our Volunteer Application form!

Volunteer Appreciation weekend, April 2000
Photo c/o www.mountainimages.com