In a dimly lit room filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt conversations, students from Naperville area high schools discovered more than just new peers—they found themselves. For attendees of October’s Snowball retreat, the weekend was a life-changing journey of connection, vulnerability, and personal growth.
Youth Services 360, a Naperville youth nonprofit, collaborated with local high schools to host the Operation Snowball retreat. The weekend-long retreat is held at Camp Henry Horner in Engleside, IL.
“Snowball is a teen-led retreat,” said Kate Keir, the organizer of Operation Snowball. “We get a Friday off school to head up to camp for three days, where we do activities focused on resilience building, leadership development, and making connections.”
Many students at Metea Valley High School have participated in Snowball, including junior Grace Parli.
“Snowball is created and run by people who genuinely care about you and everyone else there,” Parli said. “It offers a safe place to relax, be yourself, and have a good time. It’s life-changing in a way.”
Students at other schools also had a positive experience with Snowball: Cooper Ballinger, a junior at Naperville Central did too.
“At Snowball, everyone was equally out of their comfort zones, and the usual social barriers—cliques, judgments, roles—weren’t as present,” Ballinger said.
“I’ve seen freshmen who didn’t have many friends find their people at Snowball,” said Keir. “Teens discover their personal values and beliefs through the discussions and connections they make.”
For participants like Ballinger, the retreat offered a transformative experience.
“In many ways, Snowball gave me a glimpse of what it feels like to be unburdened by the weight of expectations,” Ballinger said. “It taught me that connecting with others, even in small ways, is not only natural but incredibly fulfilling.”
“If this is your first time hearing about Snowball, come join us!” said Keir, addressing those who are on the fence about the retreat. “If you’re unsure, give it a try for one weekend. It’s just three days, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to come back. The sooner you join, the sooner you’ll know if it’s for you.”
