Frequently Asked Questions

How many programs does tSB offer?

We offer three primary programs: Core Program (January-May), Peer Leader Program (October-May), and Summer Leadership Impact Program (July-August)

We also offer other initiatives like Community Ride Nights & Retreats, Summer Snowboarding Camp Scholarships, and “Winternships”, depending on funding availability!

Who can participate?

Anyone 1) aged 14 – 19, while in a high school/GED program during the current school year OR 2) aged 20 – 24 with an active registration at local college or trade school, or currently employed. All participants should live and go to school or work within King County and the greater Puget Sound area. Participants from communities grappling with historical exclusion and limited resource access, especially those with household incomes less than 80% of the median income, are HIGHLY prioritized (typically around 90% of participants year over year).

Adults and tSB alum (over 24 years old) can apply as mentors or snowboard instructors, or sign up as a volunteer to help with Wednesday dinners, snowboard instruction, help with other events, and or lots of other ways.

Prior snowboarding, surfing or skateboarding skills is NOT REQUIRED to participate in programming. We actually provide lessons!

Why do we call first year youth Prophets?

We borrowed the term “prophet” from the teachings of the eminent theologian Howard Thurman. Thurman was a mentor to Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy had an essential influence on the civil rights movement. Thurman believed that we can all be “prophets” in the lives of others through simple acts. As first-year participants, prophets learn more about themselves and learn to speak for themselves and their communities.

Does this count towards my service learning requirement?

Yes. Our Core Program covers the full 40 hours of service learning credit required by Seattle-area schools to graduate.

How much does it cost? Are there scholarships?

Our Core Program will cost $500 for transportation, meals, retreats, and space rental. We have several payment options, and full or partial scholarships are available. 90% of tSB youth participants do receive scholarships. Your application will not be influenced by your ability to pay. All other programming and initiatives feature a sliding scale.

Thanks to our generous retail and industry partners, as well as a talented cohort of volunteer coaches, all gear and lessons are provided to our participants who decide to participate in outdoor activities with us. Participants who meet an attendance requirement are eligible to keep all of their gear, and receive access to discounted season passes, single day lift tickets, and other opportunities.

What do I need to get started?

Choose the program that’s right for you, then fill out the online application. You’ll need some information from your parents, and the names of three references to complete the application.

Where and when do we meet?

Most of our meetings will take place in the community room at our office building in Seattle. tSB as a whole continues to closely monitor WA State public health guidance, extreme weather notifications, and both civil and criminal concerns around our intended sites so that staff can act accordingly. Our Standard Operating Procedures can be updated or changed at any time to reflect these ongoing changes.

Does tSB require staff and volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Yes. On August 31, 2021 Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 21-14, making vaccinations mandatory for certain employment sectors in the state of Washington. the Service Board falls under the Education Setting of this new Proclamation. This means that all current tSB staff, board members, Mentors, Snowboard Instructors, recurring volunteers, and non-program youth participants MUST comply with the mandate. The Governor’s proclamation does allow for exemptions on the basis of religious practice and/or medical conditions. tSB will evaluate these exemptions on a case-by-case basis.

While we understand the intent of this mandate is to ensure the health and safety of our community, we also acknowledge the hundreds of years of history of systemic neglect, abuse, and murder committed by the medical industry against BIPoC bodies. As BIPoC communities continue to be subjected to forced medical procedures globally, the idea of forced vaccinations makes many in our local communities discouraged.

That being said, as an organization, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our youth. tSB both serves and is made up of BIPoC communities, therefore it is imperative that we hold all of these realities in tension and approach them with grace, understanding, and allyship.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us.

Are tSB require youth participants to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

The proclamation mentioned above does not require youth participants to be vaccinated, but we highly encourage that participants and their families carefully consider and evaluate their needs and those of their immediate communities.