PHOTO BY LUCIA EARL-MITCHELL

Puyallup Youth Center takes over mountainside

By Clare Jensen

About 100 tribal members made the trek up to the Summit Snoqualmie Jan. 5 for a day of mountainside fun.

Snowboarding, skiing, inner-tubing and simply playing in the snow for children and their families proved to be a success for the first trip of the year.

“It was really exciting,” said Nancy Melendez, Youth Center coordinator.

The group met at Tribal Administration early that morning, and when the bus was full parents opted to bring their own cars along – making an eight-vehicle caravan through the winter roads that day.

Youth Center coordinator Lucia Earl-Mitchell said for the next trip Jan. 19, they will have two buses available to accommodate all those who want to go.

This is the second year for the Snow Club, but the first time for the Youth Center to host the event.

“It’s really good social interaction for our youth,” Lucia Earl-Mitchell said. “It’s really good family interaction.” She said many families attended as well to watch and also get in on the snow sports.

The Youth Center covers the costs for those 10 and older that need gear, lift tickets and beginning lessons for either snowboarding or skiing. Inner-tubing costs for younger children and parents won’t be covered by the Youth Center at the next session.

A hearty lunch is also provided to all the athletes who work up a hunger during the day.

The Youth Center requests that all those interested in participating RSVP no later than Jan. 16 for the upcoming trip so that they can plan accordingly. A third and final trip will follow.

For more in-formation or to make a reservation, call (253) 896-3691.

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