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 An
ex-season worker has set up a new charity – Snow Camp – to offer
disadvantaged children the chance to experience a holiday of a lifetime
skiing and boarding in France. Dan Charlish did a season in Meribel
for Mark Warner, before working at a community development project
in Stockwell.
Holidays with a difference
It was frustration with the middle-class nature of skiing and boarding
that led Dan and five friends to set up Snow Camp. A registered
charity since October 2003, Snow Camp subsidises trips for youngsters
from families on low incomes, as long as they can raise £99 towards
it.
‘I loved the idea of getting kids out to the Alps, who wouldn't
otherwise have the opportunity to do so’, Dan told Natives.
Help from home and abroad
‘We own two apartments in Les 2 Alpes which help support the project.
. We have also been helped by partners in resort, such as La Datcha
hire shop, who have offered equipment rental free of charge, and
the European Ski School who are giving lessons at cost price and
discounts on lift passes.’
 The
Skiers Trust of Great Britain has also provided some funding for
the charity, which also has backing from National Lottery money
and Stockwell Community Grants Programme.
Last year Snow Camp took 13 children, aged between 10-18 out to
the Alps. Only two had been overseas before and all came from inner
city estates in the South London area.
Confidence and teamwork
‘The Snow Camp trip is a great way to help these kids with developing
life skills, as well as having a good time,’ Dan explained. ‘Each
day before dinner, we look at the lessons everyone has learned about
self-esteem, confidence and teamwork to see how they might be useful
back in their lives at home.’
 Snow
Camp will take two more groups of teenagers out to Les Deux Alpes
at Easter next year.
Anyone wishing to have more information on the Snow Camp, regarding
the forthcoming trip or to help with funding should call Dan on
07930 695384 or visit their website www.snow-camp.co.uk
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