Family Testimonials
Can you describe any of the effects that participation with the youth programs at SSA have had on your child?
“Braden’s participation in the youth programs at Sugarbush Soaring Association has remarkably enhanced his level of maturity and sense of responsibility. The focus required to learn aviation skills and to work in the airport’s Line Crew have instilled strong work ethics and study habits, which were essential for obtaining his private glider pilot license at the age of 16. His increased confidence in engaging with both peers and adults at the airport and in various other settings is a testament to the program's positive impact on his personal development. We are extremely grateful to Sugarbush Soaring, Flight Experience for Youth (FEFY) program and its dedicated staff for providing amazing opportunities for youth in our community. ”
What do you think the experience brings to your child?
“The experience with Sugarbush Soaring Association’s youth programs has been transformative for my son, fostering a significant boost in his confidence/self-awareness and resiliency. Through the program’s unique blend of practical aviation skills coupled with on-the-job training, he has honed his leadership and time management skills. The accountability and discipline essential in the aviation field have equipped him with invaluable life skills that extend beyond the program’s scope and enrich his everyday life.”
— Marni & Derrick (Braden’s parents - 2023)
“When Tim first participated in FEFY, he was timid, insecure and most of all he longed to be accepted. Tim never fit into the “athletic cool kid” group at school. He hovered on the edge not knowing who he was or where he fit. Tim has always been very curious- but when he found flying his interest soared (no pun intended). FEFY and Sugarbush Soaring changed Tim’s life. He had found his tribe. You could see his confidence grow with each day at the airport and every flight. After he soloed, his belief in himself transformed him into a self-possessed young man with a world of possibilities unfolding in front of him. This summer Tim earned his private pilots license. Look at the pride in his face when his first passenger was his twin brother and second his dad.”
— Craig & Doug Wilson (Tim Wilson’s parents - 2023)
Can you describe any of the effects that participation with the youth programs at SSA have had on your child?
“When my child first started with the youth program at the age of 13, she was shy and hesitant. She looked up to the line crew leaders, but I could tell she couldn't imagine herself in that role one day. Over the past three years, she has learned a whole set of skills - from tying ropes to repairing equipment to managing flight schedules, and has also grown into a confident leader that the younger line crew members look up to.”
What do you think the experience brings to your child?
“My daughter has found a second home at SSA. She has found friends and mentors who have helped her figure out who she wants to be and who push her to develop her skills, confidence, and independence. She gets something from this community that is unique - she calls it her "line crew family.”
— Karen Vatz (Maia’s mom - 2023)
Can you describe any of the effects that participation with the youth programs at SSA have had on your child?
“We have noticed an improvement in his self-awareness, self-confidence, flexibility, resilience, independence, and in his ability to work with others. In the context of great training, mentoring, support and feedback, he has progressively been given more responsibilities (as a teenager and as a Line Crew member). His overall experience at SSA has provided him with the opportunity to discover more of his abilities (strengths and weaknesses) and his likes and dislikes. The instructor's styles and the fact that his (and everyone's) gliding performance is visible to anyone at the airport, has helped increase his tolerance to "feeling evaluated", to receiving feedback, and to keep trying/learning after things do not go the way that he expected them to go.”
What do you think the experience brings to your child?
“Participation in the Line Crew program, the summer camp, and as a glider pilot student has provided our son with the opportunity to learn about himself outside of our home and outside of the classroom environment. It has also given him the opportunity to interact with very positive and caring adult and teen role models (some have become his mentors). He has had the opportunity to socialize and collaborate with teens of different ages and backgrounds.”
— Claudia Zorrilla-Ramirez (Sebastian’s mom - 2023)
Can you describe any of the effects that participation with the youth programs at SSA have had on your child?
“Becoming a part of the SSA line crew last summer was a transformational experience for our son. As a bright, curious child full of energy and wonder, the traditional school system has been a challenge for a number of reasons; however, what he found at SSA was an environment that fostered his curiosity, energy and wonder and enabled him to learn, grow and become a far more confident version of himself. Thanks to Tom, Jen, and all who interacted with our son last summer - he is truly becoming the very best version of himself.”
What do you think the experience brings to your child?
“Discipline. Hard work. Teamwork. Focus. These are the words that come to mind when we think of the experience our son has had as a member of the SSA line crew. And, while any number of paths in life may ask for these same values, few demand excellence in each one at every turn. It is in that excellence that confidence is born, and there is no question SSA demands that excellence and has helped foster that confidence in our son.”
— Bowen Holden (Coleman’s mom - 2023)
“The line crew program provides an opportunity for hands-on learning and meaningful responsibility, both of which have boosted our son's confidence, maturity, and self-awareness. There is a vibrancy in him that comes from this work and immersive learning as well as from the supportive, intergenerational community that is Sugarbush Soaring Association and the line crew program. Getting to work alongside older youth mentors as well as seasoned instructors with decades of flying experience is priceless. From May to October, there is nowhere that he would rather be than at the airport working in this amazing community of people.”
— Jeremy Gulley (Silas’ dad - 2023)
“These past four summers have been amazing for Ryan. In the process of learning to fly he has learned responsibility and leadership skills that have prepared him for college. You have gone above and beyond with many of these kids to help them find direction and reach new goals, flying is only a part of it.
Your positive attitude and communication skills give the students confidence to believe what you say and trust in you, which leads to trusting in themselves. You have supported us, parents, as we have let our children spread their wings by reassuring us that they have reached the levels required to be independent in the air. And, in that way have prepared us for when the children depart for college.”
— Carrie & Mark Dessureau, parents of Ryan Dessureau, former Line Crew member
“Your enthusiasm, support, knowledge and educational instruction expertise is beyond outstanding! Braden holds everyone at the airport with high regard and his experience as a Line Crew member and a camper shall remain with him forever.
Parents and grandparents could never have imagined such a GIFT you have offered. You are unique!!! Special!!! A treasure!!! With utmost sincerity”
— Tamme Haskell, grandparent of Braden Martens, current Line Crew member