| Last updated on February 5, 2008 |
WinterKids is committed to helping our children develop lifelong habits of health, education, and physical fitness through participation in outdoor winter activity.
Description:
For ten years we have offered exciting outdoor winter programs for children in grades K-12, families, educators, and communities. We know that young people and adults are at risk for health problems when they are inactive. Since winter is Maine's longest season and the one in which people are most sedentary, we saw a need to help change this trend, and created outdoor, winter activity tools and programs that would improve the health of Maine's kids, and could be enjoyed by the whole family.
Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, lower the risk of becoming overweight and developing related diseases such as obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. Our seven programs aimed at developing a healthy lifestyle habits include Welcome to Winter, WinterKids Active Academics Workshops, WinterKids Outdoor Learning Curriculum, WinterKids Passport, WinterKids World Class Athlete Tour, WinterKids Live! and WinterKids Snow School.
History:
WinterKids Welcome to Winter targets schools and communities that have large numbers of immigrant, refugee, and low-income populations. It helps newcomers to Maine and those without access to information and resources embrace and learn to navigate Maine winters and develop healthy living habits. There are Welcome to Winter events held annually in Portland and Lewiston. WinterKids Active Academics Workshops deliver fun and educational outdoor lessons to teachers, students, and para-professionals at their schools, encouraging teachers to incorporate active outdoor lessons into their classroom studies; thereby, supporting improved academic performance and health. These are offered state-wide. WinterKids Outdoor Learning Curriculum was developed for schools to address winter inactivity and academic requirements. The curriculum is aligned with the Maine Learning Results, and National Education Standards, and is utilized by teachers and after school groups throughout Maine. We also offer a national edition. WinterKids Passport provides every Maine 5th, 6th, and 7th grader with an entire season of free or discounted, healthy outdoor winter recreation activity. The Passport includes snowshoeing, dog sledding, tubing, ice-skating, alpine and cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, along with free or discounted tickets, lessons and rentals for parents and siblings. WinterKids World Class Athlete Tour brings adult and college age winter sports champions to schools and community centers to share their passion and enthusiasm for their sport, promote physical fitness, and the joy of outdoor winter activities. WinterKids Live! brings live, interactive original songs and games to students inspiring them to be more active in the winter. WinterKids Snow School takes the classroom to the mountain, providing opportunities for students to learn an academic lesson while having fun and developing a healthy lifestyle at the same time.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (207) 879-9483
Address:
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PO Box 7566
Portland, ME 04112 |
Web Site: http://www.winterkids.org
Directions:
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We are located at the top of Exchange Street just below Congress Street. From 295, take the Franklin exit and head up the hill. Turn right on Congress Street. Exchange Street (one way going down the hill toward the water). . . (more)
Nearest Bus Stop: any City Hall or Elm Street stops, 1 block minute walk |
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