Bowdoin Central School was selected to participate as Sagadahoc County’s representative in the WinterKids Winter Games program. The Winter Games are a month-long contest designed to encourage students to be active and healthy. One elementary school in each of Maine’s 16 counties was selected to participate and compete for cash prizes.
Ryan Keith, principal at Bowdoin Central School, said WinterKids looked at his school’s commitment to learning and getting outside.
“I’ve been involved with schools that have actually reduced time outside; we’ve made a commitment (of) being active and getting outside,” said Keith. “We actually have plans for an outdoor classroom.”
The contest kicked off this week, and students must complete 300 minutes of physical activity during the week. The school is awarded points based on the percentage of students that participate. Keith said the weather altered the original plans of the contest.
“It was all supposed to be outside activity, but with the temperatures so low they decided to change that,” said Keith.
Next week, students will be tasked with completing five healthy eating activities, and are encouraged to practice healthy eating habits and physical activity at home. The following week is a community engagement week.
Keith said the Cathance River Education Alliance will be in the school to talk to students, as well as get them outside.
The contest wraps up with a winter carnival week. The last week in January will be dedicated to celebrating outdoor activities, culminating in a winter carnival on the final Friday. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three schools based on participation at the end of the month.
The first place school will receive $5,000. Second place will be awarded $3,000, while third wins $1,500. Teachers log the activity in their classrooms, and WinterKids has a leaderboard with all 16 schools displayed online.
WinterKids is a nonprofit organization designed to help children develop healthy habits through outdoor, winter activities.
What is it?
• WINTERKIDS IS A nonprofit organization designed to help children develop healthy habits through outdoor, winter activities.
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