Winter 2021 Programs
Update!

BYEP winter 2021 Programs Update

Making decisions in the best interest of the kids we serve is a core value here at BYEP, and one that became ever so apparent as we navigated the last year of COVID-19 challenges. We are about to complete a winter season that was different from what we’re used to in many ways, but we were able to do so thanks to the thoughtful decision-making, adherence to safety protocols, open communication, and development of back-up plans and back-up-back-up plans by our staff and volunteers alike. 

Despite a global pandemic, we grew! We welcomed 48 7th and 8th graders into our Traverse program this winter. We offered every new-to-BYEP participant up to 3 full-day ski or snowboarding lessons at Big Sky Resort - culminating in roughly 1800 hours of professional instruction thanks to Madison Base Mountain Sports School. Each of our 130 participants had the opportunity to ski or ride 5 Sundays up at Big Sky Resort. We partnered with local artists and creatives to provide enriching “virtual” adventures for participants when they weren’t skiing or riding. Our 7th graders began their weekly workshops with 30 minutes of mindfulness instruction, thanks to the generosity of the Montana Mindfulness Project. Our 10th graders prepared resumes and practiced mock interviews with several of our board members and community leaders. All of our participants have the opportunity to attend a Montana Wilderness School expedition this summer if they choose.

 After 32 weeks of hybrid in-person and online programming, we are growing tired of Zoom, and so are our participants. We are stoked to announce that we will be moving to 100% in-person programming for Summer of 2021! We are busy planning adventures, like whitewater rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and overnight trips, and fine-tuning our summer curriculum. Our participants and mentors say that showing up to BYEP is the best part of their week. We agree! We are so grateful to this community for allowing us to continue providing connection and support, especially  during a year of isolation and uncertainty. 

Brittany DeKoch
BYEP Program Director
brittany@byep.org