Why I Became a Youth ATV and Snowmobile Instructor

Helping kids ride with confidence, responsibility, and respect for the trail.
Some of my best memories growing up in Minnesota involve the outdoors—ripping through fresh snow on a snowmobile or exploring winding ditches by ATV. The rush, the freedom, the fun… it’s easy to fall in love with the ride. But behind every great ride is something even more important: responsibility.

That’s the real reason I became a certified Youth ATV and Snowmobile Safety Instructor—to teach young riders that being safe isn’t about limiting the fun; it’s about owning the ride in every way.

More Than Just a Course
For many kids, these classes are their first real step into independence. It might be their first motorized vehicle, their first time navigating terrain on their own, or their first experience learning the rules of the trail. With that freedom comes responsibility—to themselves, to others on the trail, to the land, and to their families.

I wanted to be a mentor who makes safety stick—not by scaring kids, but by showing them how to ride smart, respect the power of their machines, and take pride in doing it right.

Responsibility: A Lesson That Lasts
These courses aren’t just about trail signs and throttle control. They’re about:

• Understanding consequences and making good choices
• Taking care of your gear and your machine
• Looking out for others and being a leader on the trail
• Knowing when to say yes—and when to say no
  
  When kids realize that being a responsible rider makes them better, not boring, they start to take ownership. And that’s when the real growth happens.
  
  For Families, Too
  As a parent, I know how important it is to feel confident about what your child is doing when you’re not right there beside them. That’s why I work hard to make each class a meaningful experience—not just for the kids, but for their parents too. We’re not just checking boxes. We’re building lifelong habits of caution, courtesy, and care.
  
  In the End?
  I became an instructor to give back to the sport and community I love—and to help the next generation ride with confidence, skill, and a strong sense of responsibility.
  If you have a young rider eager to hit the trail, I’d love to help guide them on the right path—one where fun and responsibility go hand in hand.