BOONE, Iowa—The National Ski Patrol (NSP) has awarded the Seven Oaks Ski Patrol (SOSP) at Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone, Iowa as the 2020 National Outstanding Small Alpine Ski Patrol.  This award was given to the top small ski patrol out of all small ski patrols in the eleven divisions of the NSP, worldwide.  This is the highest honor ever awarded to the 40 volunteer members of the SOSP since their formation 23 years ago.

Not only does this award acknowledge the thousands of on-the-hill volunteer hours given by the Seven Oaks patrollers to the public, it also recognizes the decades of experience and dedication of the SOSP patrollers providing service and safety to the public.  This has been accomplished, in part, by the SOSP members using the NSP’s education and accreditation programs: Outdoor Emergency Care and Outdoor Emergency Transportation.

In addition, Patrol Director Mindy K. Royster ARNP ENP had been awarded a National Yellow Merit Star for outstanding service while leading the SOSP.  This is the first National Merit Star awarded to any SOSP patroller.  Royster was able to accomplish this in only her fifth year as an Alpine Patroller and third year as the Patrol Director.

“Winning the 2020 National Outstanding small alpine patrol award is a huge accomplishment that we are very proud of. This was a team effort and I am very proud of all our patrollers who came together to make this possible. It is very exciting to win such a prestigious award.” said Royster.

This award would not be possible without the support and dedication of the owners and staff at Seven Oaks Recreation.  Seven Oaks provides facilities and training time for the patrollers to educate new patrollers and fine tune the skills of active members.  While Iowa isn’t often thought of for skiing, the Seven Oaks Ski Patrol has proven it’s members have mountain quality training and skills to respond to emergencies and provide outdoor safety education to the public.  The SOSP has already begun planning and training for the upcoming winter season with an anticipated opening day in November at Seven Oak Recreation.

“I am both honored and proud to work with such a great group of professionals. Patrol Director Mindy continues to prove she is willing and able to take our patrol to the next level.” said Joel Bryan, Seven Oaks Vice President.

2020 National Outstanding Small Alpine Ski Patrol, Seven Oaks Recreation

(contributed article and photo, SOSP)