EFFINGHAM COUNTY OPERATION SNOWBALL
EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS 62401
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Operation
Snowball is a teen-to-teen program of facts, fun and feelings where
youth make new friends while learning how to increase their
self-esteem, decision making, and leadership skills. Operation
Snowball believes that every person has the ability to make sound
decisions regarding their own life if they have accurate information,
sufficient motivation, and self awareness.
In 1979 Effingham County became active in Illinois Teenage Institute on Substance Abuse (ITI) when several high school teens attended on scholarships donated by local civic groups, businesses and church organizations. Teens have been sent each year since.
The Effingham Snowball group was formed in 1980 with the guidance of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependance Association (IADDA); the combined efforts of the Drug Alert Council, the Effingham County Guidance and Counseling Center (now Heartland Human Services) and several 1980 teen alumni. The first Snowball Weekend for high school teens was held May 15-17, 1981, at Camp Walter Scott for 75 participants. Support came from 66 organizations, businesses, and many individuals.
Since 1981, the group has held a weekend for county high school teens each fall for 90-115 participants at Camp Walter Scott, Dieterich.
In 1985, the Snowflake program for seventh and eighth grade teens was added. It is a one-day event held at a county school on a rotating basis.
In 1985, Snowball joined the United Way for 1986 funding and still belongs.
Operations Snowball offers many opportunities to the teens who wish to become more involved. Some of the activities are regular meetings, planning Snowball and Snowflake events, county-wide dances and socials, speeches to schools, churches and civic groups, manning exhibits, staffing events, peer leadership training, Red Ribbon Week activities, serving on the state board, and participating in ITI and PALS (advanced training programs).
Funding comes primarily from the United Way, along with registration fees and donations. Many local groups support Snowball.
The local group is part of a statewide network that has over 120 chapters in Illinois. Snowball has recieved state and national awards.
Snowball meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at the First Presbyterian Church in Effingham from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There are no dues and you do not have to attend an event to participate in meetings or other activities.
In 1979 Effingham County became active in Illinois Teenage Institute on Substance Abuse (ITI) when several high school teens attended on scholarships donated by local civic groups, businesses and church organizations. Teens have been sent each year since.
The Effingham Snowball group was formed in 1980 with the guidance of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependance Association (IADDA); the combined efforts of the Drug Alert Council, the Effingham County Guidance and Counseling Center (now Heartland Human Services) and several 1980 teen alumni. The first Snowball Weekend for high school teens was held May 15-17, 1981, at Camp Walter Scott for 75 participants. Support came from 66 organizations, businesses, and many individuals.
Since 1981, the group has held a weekend for county high school teens each fall for 90-115 participants at Camp Walter Scott, Dieterich.
In 1985, the Snowflake program for seventh and eighth grade teens was added. It is a one-day event held at a county school on a rotating basis.
In 1985, Snowball joined the United Way for 1986 funding and still belongs.
Operations Snowball offers many opportunities to the teens who wish to become more involved. Some of the activities are regular meetings, planning Snowball and Snowflake events, county-wide dances and socials, speeches to schools, churches and civic groups, manning exhibits, staffing events, peer leadership training, Red Ribbon Week activities, serving on the state board, and participating in ITI and PALS (advanced training programs).
Funding comes primarily from the United Way, along with registration fees and donations. Many local groups support Snowball.
The local group is part of a statewide network that has over 120 chapters in Illinois. Snowball has recieved state and national awards.
Snowball meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at the First Presbyterian Church in Effingham from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There are no dues and you do not have to attend an event to participate in meetings or other activities.
Created 04-22-2007
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