Op Snowball continues because teens voluntarily show up looking for something meaningful in their lives; looking for a non-violent, non-harassing place to learn about themselves and each other. They find it at Op Snowball. And because they show up, the program continues. These are two parent kids, single parent kids, foster kids, white kids, black kids, Asian kids, Hispanic kids, funny kids, sad kids, probation kids, straight "A" kids, flunking kids, home schooled kids, crew cut kids, green haired kids, pierced kids, etc. etc.

The Literature of Op Snowball . . .

First Day of High School
by Aly

14 year-old girl. First day of high school. So excited. So serious. Such promise. Such hope. She can't wait to see what the future has in store. Plans. Plans to be an actress. An artist. The drama team. Maybe even landing a part in a play or two. It started out great. She made two wonderful new friends. A senior girl. They got along great. Long talks about everything and nothing. Laughs and she felt that's all she had really wanted. She fit. She belonged with the "Right" people.

There was another group at the same time. Younger. But not just because they were freshman but they acted younger. The things they were interested in and the things they spent their energies on were "younger." Then the dreadful night. She was with one of her younger friends who didn't like her new friends. The idea was brought up to call and leave a mean voice mail pretending to be someone else. That ended the friendship. How childish, how unnecessary. Why did she do it? She still doesn't know.

Well, that girl was me. I am here to give you some advice that as you go through high school I think might help.

1. Focus on your school work not the drama. I spent the rest of that school year and the entire summer fixated on that one mistake. I became so involved with trying to fix the friendship that I became obsessed. All other friendships, all my school work, my entire life went down the drain. Everything took second place to getting back the friendship I greatly missed. But even more I was trying to do something about the guild over all the lies. The drama is always there somewhere but you can choose not to get into it.

2. Don't change for anyone. Everything and every person you come into contact with will influence you. One way or another you have to know yourself and what you stand for. Then you can't be swayed to go in any direction you don't choose. That kind of finding yourself doesn't come from friends. It comes from the influence of family.

3. Don't sweat the petty things. Little things get in the way of what's really important. I spend so much time and energy on that one friendship that I missed out on plenty of opportunities. Like making lasting friendships, getting better grades and I also skipped out on drama club. I fought and my reputation got hacked. I'm still trying to help the hurts I left in my path. So remember, don't let the small things get you down.

4. Never forget: the things you do in high school will shape your future. Be careful who you trust!

When I look back at my freshman year I ask myself, "Who is that girl?" I remember the trials I've gone through have made me stronger, more able to be who I am today. I realize the trials have made me stronger because when I look at that girl I see how important it was to her to have those people approve of her. Now it only matters if I like who I am.

Snowball Changed My Life
by Morgan

Snowball has changed my life in so many ways.
It has taught me how important my life is to me.
My first meeting I went to I was probably the shyest one there.
My first Retreat was pretty wacko.
I remember when we were doing the zip line.
Rob acted like he fell off it it and it scared me.
It was April Fools day and looking at the other teen's faces was really funny.
I still have Sarah's song about Caleb in my head.
It was really funny. Caleb's face turned burnt red when he heard the song.
At Snowball you do lots of fun activities.
You get to be you and nobody else.
That is what Snowball has done for me.

I Sit Here and Think About How
by Ashley

I sit here and think about how
my life has changed.
How I owe it all to this place.
When I'm here hurtful
words have no meaning.
I feel accepted and loved.
When I'm here I feel
safe and secure, peaceful and calm.
I've never felt so much like
a part of anything until now.
I used to feel worthless
but now I know that
I can make a difference.
I used to feel trapped
but now I am free.
Free to be me. Free to be
who I really am.
No more walls or masks.
No more hiding behind feelings or emotions.
Only openness, happiness and progress.

Current and Past Participants have said . . . .

"We don't like drama. We're just incapable of not having it." Ashly, first year teen.

"Snowball has helped me improve my communication skills in various ways. Verbally, I'm more concise and articulate, while mentally I am better able to listen and understand my surroundings. My interpersonal relationships have improved, due to my communication skills, greater self-awareness, and increased patience. Snowball is a place that not only tries to teach you valuable life lessons and skills, it is also a place where your natural virtues are encouraged and complimented. Every participant is made to feel comfortable with him/herself, and to have a greater tolerance for those that they do not understand. Besides being a great place to meet new, positive friends and learn great values, Snowball provides a safe, ridicule-free atmosphere where participants can be themselves and talk about things important to them. In addition to everything else Snowball offers, the organization has a great adult staff that help provide a relaxing atmosphere where everyone can wind down from the week's stressful moments. " -
-Kimberly, Central 2003

"I found a place where I can be myself and be accepted."

"Snowball has helped me a lot. If it wasn't for Snowball I'm not sure if I would still be here. Thanks a lot."

"For the first time, I'm not afraid to show feelings."

"I have never felt such acceptance, warmth, compassion and love. Bless you all!"

"I've met a lot of people and they're all special. Thanks to Snowball I've learned to deal with my anger better and how to make new friends."

"I have never been able to talk about how I was feeling. I guess I never thought anyone would notice. At Snowball I could say how I felt and there would always be someone right there who would take the time to listen to what I had to say. What I really needed to know was that someone cared."

"I've learned there are a lot of people with problems like mine and that there are such things as caring people."

"This retreat taught me to love people and that it's okay to cry."

"This is the greatest time I've had in a long time. I've really enjoyed it here."

"I've learned a lot about myself. You're like family."

"I had a lot of fun without getting high."

"This retreat is the best thing I've ever had sober."

"In Snowball all pretensions are dropped, and past stereotypes don't matter. All that matters is your warmth and compassion."

As individuals, our influence is likely to be as
light and fragile as a single snowflake.
Collectively, we have the force and power of an avalanche.