TJ’s new Vertical Ventures Club gets off to a good start with an upcoming trip to Loveland Ski Resort.
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
On Saturday December 4th, the Vertical Ventures Club that has emerged at TJ will be traveling to Loveland Ski Resort for a snowboarding trip.
TJ Students Mateo Rocha and Mark May brought the idea of an outdoors club to Social Studies Teacher and Sponsor Kimberly Holtmann last year; however, things didn’t work out the way they had hoped. But this year the students were more productive and have finally arranged their first club trip. “I love snowboarding, and I love that it’s a new experience for many students. There are a lot of students who want to try snowboarding or skiing but don’t have the opportunity, and that’s what Vertical Ventures is all about,” said Holtmann.
In order to plan trips such as the December 4th excursion, a group of members from the club – Alec Propp, Mike Canady, London Thatch, Logan Kimbrel, and Mateo Rocha – get together and come up with ideas for trips, figure out prices, and think of different ways to raise funds.
The approximately 20 members attending the expedition will be filmed having fun snowboarding by Junior Mateo Rocha. “I want to bring a camera and film everyone and hopefully get it on the Spartan Edition where everyone can see how much fun everyone has, and hopefully encourage them to join Vertical Ventures,” said Rocha.
The students aren’t the only ones excited and ready to have fun on this trip. “The coolest thing for me is having all kinds of kids go and try something new. I enjoy seeing the big tough kid in school try something new that’s so out of their element and seeing them enjoy it,” added Holtmann.
Any student whether they’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert snowboarder can come along on the trip and take advantage of the reduced rate: $25 for lift ticket, $25 for snowboard, $25 for lessons, and $5 for a helmet: a savings of $96! For those who may already have the equipment, they can bring it instead of renting. Also, all who are going will be meeting at Loveland Ski Resort or can request a ride there.
“I’m expecting this to be a really fun trip, seeing people laugh, fall, and have fun. Snowboarding, skiing, and being in the mountains brings a different experience. I want Vertical Ventures to experience those things,” said Rocha.
TJ Students who are interested and want to give snowboarding/skiing a try can head to room 229 to get a permission slip and more information on the trip.
