In 2025, I was participating in the Service Board (tSB) program, and it was truly one of my best decisions in the year. I learned not only snowboarding, but also how to take care of the local environment, and core program workshops. I couldn’t be so happy being in that program without all the people who made me feel welcomed in a new “environment.” So, I decided to return in 2026 as a Wintern.
Being a Wintern showed me tSB’s behind the scenes. Before, I couldn’t even imagine how many things staff members do to make the program happen. For example, I didn’t know detailed forms of our skills and achievements in the mountains to create groups where we can feel comfortable to learn new snowboarding skills existed. I usually help with making sure everything is done before/during/after program workshop days by going through the checklist staff provides me. I’m helping mostly in administrative positions, but every Wintern and staff members are ready to help with any of the tasks. I can see in myself and other Winterns, that we are all happy to return to the space as someone who can make an impact in the way the program is going.
By participating in the program, I started to find people to whom I can call my community, and by being a Wintern, I started to be more responsible and serious in a good way.
by Tomiris Kablan
