BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
Last Sunday the bright sun only masked the fact that the low temperature for the day was 14 degrees. But that didn’t keep Jim Meloche from heading out to the ski trails.
Meloche, a resident of Clarkston, is one of the volunteers who make up Oakland County Parks? Nordic Ski Patrol at Independence Oaks. With his staff of highly-trained volunteers, Meloche keeps the trails safe and in order for cross country skiing enthusiasts.
‘I enjoy having something to do outdoors in the winter,? Meloche said.
The Ski Patrol is made entirely of volunteers from all over the Oakland County area. Featuring both National Ski Patrol members and Associate volunteers, visitors to Independence Oaks receive quality assistance out on the trails.
‘Part of the job is to promote safe skiing,? Meloche said. ‘It also involves telling people when they aren’t safe.?
Associate volunteers are the eyes and ears of the park, according to Meloche. They are individuals who enjoy skiing and want to help out on the trails, but don’t receive first aid training.
‘Volunteers are the most valuable part of our patrol,? Meloche said.
National Ski Patrol members are people who have received detailed training and examination. National Ski Patrol members take courses in first aid and an Outdoor Emergency Care Course, which is the equivalent of an EMS training course. Meloche has had to do a search and rescue before at Independence Oaks.
‘I’m compelled to do things according to National Ski Patrol guidelines,? Meloche said. ‘But when it comes down to it, you just use common sense.? There are over 28,000 National Ski Patrol members throughout the country.
Volunteers show up for shifts on Saturday and Sunday when the patrol is on duty. With morning and afternoon coverage, the trails are always monitored in case of emergency.
During a typical shift, volunteers answer technical questions on equipment and make sure skiers stay within proper trail boundaries. National Ski Patrol members provide first aid if necessary.
‘We try to prevent injuries, but should it happen, we’re there to help,? Meloche said.
At the end of the day, patrollers do a final sweep of the park to make sure no one is left behind and that the park can officially close for the evening.
With a basic knowledge of skiing, anyone can become an Associate member of the Ski Patrol. Volunteers receive training to enhance their own skiing. In addition, volunteers are given an annual vehicle permit to Oakland County parks in exchange for 40 hours of service.
‘Sometimes whole families join just because they’re curious,? Meloche said. ‘It’s something for people who don’t want to just sit on the couch. It gets them involved.?
Associate volunteer Dave Boboltz of Waterford is just one of the examples of someone wanting to get involved with an activity they enjoy.
‘The chance to join this so close to my house is great,? Boboltz said.
Originally a National Ski Patrol member for eight years during the 1990s in the Upper Peninsula, an injury caused Boboltz to take a leave of absence and lose his certification. With the patrol at Independence Oaks, he’s getting back into it.
‘Jim’s patrol has been a way for me to locally get back into it,? Boboltz said. ‘The training is fantastic and the skills are great.?
Shortly after Independence Oaks opened 27 years ago, Meloche joined the then-newly formed Nordic Ski Patrol.
Just a beginner in cross country skiing, Meloche has been with the ski patrol ever since.
‘You hear a lot of gratitude out on the trails,? Meloche said.
Volunteering on the patrol gives individuals the chance to not only enhance their own skiing skills, but to meet with others and share their knowledge with one another at a park that has a lot to offer its visitors.
‘This (Independence Oaks) is a great secret,? said Maurice Freed, a National Ski Patrol member and volunteer. ‘For technical and overall skill use, it compares to anywhere in the state.?
The combined knowledge and experience the members of the Nordic Ski Patrol posses create an extensive array of stories and advice for skiers.
‘This is a valuable service to those who utilize our park,? Meloche said.
The Oakland County Parks Nordic Ski Patrol is currently accepting new volunteers. Interested participants should have a general knowledge of skiing with a desire to learn more. Being in good cardio vascular shape is important, as is the ability to work with others.
The diverse group of people that volunteer is just one of the reasons Meloche keeps coming back.
‘At the end of the day in the middle of the woods, you can hear your heart beat,? Meloche said. ‘You look across the lake at the boat house and see the moon rising. That’s a million bucks to me.?
If you’d like to learn more information about volunteering, call Meloche at (248) 641-0044 or (248) 625-8205.
Independence Oaks will host both a fun race and competitive event Saturday, Jan. 24. Call the park for details.