[1] Its primary program is to teach city youth to ski or snowboard using volunteer instructors.
[3][4] In early years it received grants from the City of Boston, but today is run on donations from corporations and individuals.
[6] Year round activities such as backpacking, canoeing, bicycling and environmental education trips to the Cape Cod National Seashore and to Swann Lodge in the Berkshires were added in the 1970s.
[3] In 2007 the YES Academy was founded to include Career Exploration, College Preparation, Girls Outdoor Adventure Leaders and Junior Volunteers programs.
[5] In 2015, 200 youths participated in the YES Academy, which is a 40% gain over the same period three years prior.