Chill Foundation

Chill's mission is to inspire young people through boardsports and build a more equitable outdoor community.

Chill envisions a world where any young person can belong and thrive in the boardsports community and beyond.

Founded in 1995 by Jake and Donna Carpenter, Chill was initially designed as a learn to ride program in Burlington, Vermont, but quickly evolved as Chill recognized how much more youth could gain from the experience.

Today, Chill’s robust youth development programs pair a curriculum-driven program model with the excitement of learning to snowboard, skateboard, surf, and stand-up paddleboard to promote personal growth, connection to the outdoors, and an inclusive outdoor community.

Chill’s programs consist of experiential learning activities, reflection, and discussion, paired with boardsport lessons, all revolving around six program values which provide youth with a foundation and framework for learning and growth that can be directly applied to everyday life. Chill Evolution is focused on supporting alumni as they continue to progress on and off the board, and includes leadership and professional development opportunities, advanced coaching and career exploration and job opportunities within Chill, Burton and other outdoor industry partners.

More than 30,000 youth have gone through Chill's program to date, in 11 cities across the US and Canada, as well as in 7 other countries. Working with approximately 3,000 youth annually, Chill partners with local community organizations who have longstanding relationships with young people. All gear and services necessary to enjoy boardsports are provided to the youth at no cost.