Operation Snowball Impact

The incredibly positive comments we receive from participants about the impact Snowball has had on their lives is one of the most rewarding parts of a Snowball weekend. We are also proud that Snowball has been proven to be effective not just at increasing the likelihood that teens will continue to make healthy choices about alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, but increasing their leadership skills and self-esteem, making them less susceptible to peer pressure, and increasing other healthy behaviors – even regarding decisions like wearing seatbelts!

Here are highlights of some survey results from Operation Snowball, Inc., who has partnered with NCO Youth & Family Services and Purdue University Research to document the effectiveness of Naperville Operation Snowball. These three highlight are statistically significant changes in attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that occurred among students attending Snowball in 2002-2003.  Results are being calculated from the FY04, FY05, and FY06 surveys.

We’re excited to see decreases in use, as well as increases in resistance factors amongst the students we work with!  This provides empiric justification and proof of success for Snowball.  Among the multitude of positive impact documented, these results stand out:

• A 22% decrease in students intending to use alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
• A 23% decrease in those who drank during the prior calendar year
• A 19% reduction in binge drinking

Also here are a few key statistics from earlier surveying we’ve done (pre and 6 month posttest) that document our program’s effectiveness. 

From the FY00 National Association of Teen Institutes Survey as compiled by Plattsburg State University of New York:

• 15.5% decrease in alcohol use
• 13.1% decrease in alcohol intoxication
• 16.9% decrease in cigarette use
• 11.1% decrease in cannabis use
• 6.7% decrease in stimulant use
• 13.35% increase in seatbelt use (we don’t talk about seatbelt use at Snowball – we talk about healthy decision making – this is one way teens have applied it!)

From the FY01 Personal Style Inventory – compiled / administered by the University of Illinois Center for Prevention Research & Development – Statistically Significant Increases in:

• Self Perceived Leadership (mean score increase from 3.9 to 4.1)
• Goal Setting / Problem Solving Abilities (mean score increase from 3.9 to 4.1)
• Sense of Self-Efficacy (mean score increase from 3.6 to 3.7)

Through our longstanding partnership with the Naperville Police Department, we are beginning to examine whether there is a correlation between attendance at Snowflurry with success in the Too Good for Drugs Program, and continue to seek ways to document the impact of Operation Snowflake.

And here are some of our favorite comments from youth and parents about the Impact of our programs:

Snowball participants:

• “Snowball is a weekend where I can go in only knowing 10 people and end up leaving with over a 100 friends. It's a place where I can be myself and not worry about the pressures of life. It’s a place where being drug free is celebrated. Snowball is my safe haven.” 
• “It lets you release all the stresses and burdens that everyday life puts on a teenager.”
• “The Snowball experience does not end after the retreat.  The friendships made during the weekend will last for years to come.”
• “Snowball is a place where you can go and make the best friends.  They don’t judge you and they listen to what you have to say.” 
• "Snowball is more than a weekend. I want everyone to get that. Snowball is a lifestyle. It’s friendship. It’s... a goal to work towards. I want to turn the world into snowball. These friendships that you make on the weekend, the feeling you get? Don't forget it. Don't ever let it go. If you keep it with you, if you spread it to everyone, it will grow bigger than we can handle. And that's what its all about."

Snowball parents of participants:

• I wish Snowball was around when I was growing up this is a very moving program for the parents – even after so many parent programs I’ve been to I always need tissues. The teens and parents are so very fortunate to have this program as reinforcement to all the difficult choices teens face every day
• I didn’t know much about it [before the family day event] and am coming away quite impressed. I will encourage my daughter to attend again & hope her younger siblings do too.
• glad my son joined for his well being & confidence and mine

Snowflake parents of participants:

• “It was nice to know what happened during the day to facilitate conversation at home.”
• “Very informative!  Thanks for all you do.  What a great idea!”
• “Very good message for parents to help kids to appreciate their individuality.”
• “How wonderful to witness the kid's enthusiasm.”
• “The kids all looked happy and enjoyed themselves.”
• “Excellent how each student participated.”
• “The kids looked as if they had a great time and learned a lot.”
• “Very well structured.  Good job to all!”
• “Great job as usual!”

Snowflurry participants

• “I like how the speaker taught us that being different is okay.  I need her to say things like that to me.”
• “I think the speaker encouraged all of us and did a great job.  We all cooperated and listened to each other.”
• “When I get teased at school and no ones there to stick up for me I’m usually upset, but next time I will be brave and not let them.”
• “The speaker was fun and entertained us a lot. The instructors were awesome.”
• “I liked how everyone was nice to everyone.  I liked how we did not feel awkward." 
• “You can be friends with people who are different no matter what your other friends say." 
• "The best part of the day was being with my old and new friends. The speaker made me believe that I was worth something.”
• “I liked having the Snow Scenes people sign my shirt.”
• “It was great!  It really teaches you while you’re having fun.”
• I really liked all the skits and poems.  They proved to me that the best way to be is drug - free.  Fun, exciting - makes you not want to do drugs.”
• “I liked how the speaker helped make ourselves feel good.”
• “How people get put down and that they should always keep their head up.”
• “I will think about my decisions more carefully and I will never be mean to people on purpose.  I like that it was easier to talk and be heard.”
• “I will be nice to my family more and help a friend say no, if they are offered drugs.”
• “I will respect other people and meet new people.”
• “I plan to choose the right friends.”

Snowflurry parents of participants:

• “Thanks for providing such a wonderful opportunity.”
• “My daughters love these programs.”
• “Good way to get them involved.  It was obvious the kids were comfortable - good job putting them at ease and getting that self-confidence going!”
• “Very informative and helpful.  Helps me approach these subjects more matter of factly.”
• “It’s so great to see so many kids taking a stand to promote drug free living!”
• “It is so nice to see such dedicated people; all ages.”
• “I enjoy the effect this Snow Flurry has on my daughter.  She’s excited, educated and set on firm footing for the future.”
• “I had no idea that this program would involve all the things it does.  I am so impressed, plus thrilled, that this is available for our children.  I am grateful for all of you that work so hard to help our kids.”
• “The program was obviously great fun and an educational opportunity for the kids.”
• “The kids did a great job - obviously they had some wonderful role models during the day.  It's a great experience for the kids.”
• “Helps facilitate conversation with my son.”
• “You can feel the enthusiasm.”
• “My son has enjoyed this day for the second year.  It’s a really positive experience.”
• “Thank you for all the encouragement given to my child to make a positive choice and to be drug free.”
• “Good to hear these themes being brought out and to hear the kids having fun with it.”
• “The kids seemed so proud and happy.”
• “It was nice to see kids from different schools working together.”
• “Thanks for putting this on for the kids (and parents).”
• “Thank you for such a positive part for the kids growing up.”