Volunteers

I think if the truth were known, volunteers are as much responsible for the general vitality of our communities and state and nation as most anything else is.  Yep..... tourism, industry, governments at all levels all have a role in our society.........but where would we be without the volunteers.

Volunteers do a ton of work for various research fundraisers. They are generally the back bone of most churches.  They clean ditches along the highways of America, they coach kids in a host of sports, volunteers serve on library and landfill committees, they give directions at the state fair and in most hospitals you will find a volunteer delivering flowers and helping you find your way through the maze of hallways.

They even spend time skiing and snowboarding at resorts across this great country to come to the aid of anyone needing any medical assistance.  Regardless of the temperatures outdoors, you will find a National Ski Patrol volunteer available to help you should the need arise with anything from a band aid to a sprain or more.  It is their passion.

Yesterday, our patrol conducted their annual refresher.  Starting at 7 am with a breakfast and short meeting in the lodge they then broke into two groups.  One group performed their CPR refresher while the other group went outdoors to perform their practice chair lift evacuation..........and then the groups switched.  A break was taken for lunch and then it was time for each to pass their annual tests of running the toboggan from the top of the steepest trail to the bottom and from the top of the most gentle trail to the bottom.  Everyone passed their annual tests!  These volunteers put in a lot of hours studying and practicing their skills so they are ready when needed.  Thank you to each of them.  

They congregate as one coming from all walks of life.........mechanics, IT technicians, sales, chiropractors  dentists, para medics, factory workers, nurses, and more........it makes no difference.  They are part of the National Ski Patrol.

These 26 in addition to 4 who were unable to attend yesterday, make up the Seven Oaks ski patrol.


Ken Slaba, Seven Oaks Area Manager and also a volunteer on the Ski Patrol, took this picture as he and several others rode a chairlift to the top to begin their toboggan tests.  I thought it was a really cool picture.

So be sure to thank a Patroller for doing what they do, when you are on the slopes.  If you are interested in joining this elite group......let us know and we will put you in touch with the right people.