Nonprofit brings at-risk youth to Killington for free ski lessons
By Lindsay Jones
Click here for updates on this story
KILLINGTON, Vermont (WPTZ) — A nonprofit is bringing its programming to Killington Resort for the first time. Former ski instructor Kenneth Rusko returned to the mountain with a new purpose, giving teens access to both the sport and life skills.
A group of at-risk youth stepped into skis for the first time Tuesday thanks to Rusko, a Killington ski instructor who taught at the resort for around 10 years. He left the resort several years ago and started the Experience, Confidence, Opportunity (E.C.O.) nonprofit.
“We give them experiences that help them build confidence and then we introduce them to opportunity to share that confidence with other people in the community,” said Rusko.
He said his programming keeps them out of trouble and builds character because not all kids have the same access to discover what they are passionate about.
“The reason that I started E.C.O. is because… we’re missing a big piece in this society where the kids without means don’t get any attention, and we expect them to compete,” Rusko said.
The idea behind his organization is to remove barriers to inaccessible activities, exposing children to new hobbies and interests. Then they will pass their knowledge onto the next child.
In the last few years, Rusko has connected with group homes to take dozens of kids rock climbing, scuba diving, bowling, swimming, playing golf and more. Several of the teens he brings have gotten certifications in scuba diving and rock climbing so they may teach others in the future.
Rusko said mentoring will also be a key component of E.C.O. as it continues to grow.
“These guys are going to become counselors in diversion programs that we run for younger kids so that we can really spread out what we’re giving these guys, and they can pay it forward,” Rusko said.
Now, for the first time, they’re hitting the slopes and learning to ski.
“Maybe they fail the first time and maybe they get it the second time or the third time and the fourth time, that builds resiliency, self-confidence. All we need in this world is confidence. If you believe in yourself, nothing can stop you,” he said.
Taking kids to ski trips at Killington for free lessons has been a dream for Rusko since he started ECO. One teen, Joseph Cote-Elias, enjoyed his first lesson but said he needs to practice his balance and knows progress takes time.
“I’m going to keep going. It’s my first day,” said Cote-Elias.
Cote-Elias has participated in E.C.O.’s programs for a couple of years. He said they have transformed his self-confidence.
“It’s because of the opportunities that Ken gave me. It helped me boost my confidence because I’m like, look, if I can go scuba diving, and if I can get scuba certified at 15, I can definitely go to talk to somebody,” he said.
Rusko said he plans to bring more teens to the mountain on multiple weekend trips throughout the rest of the season.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.