8th Grade Builds Community and Sharpens Skills on the Slopes

The Class of 2023 is participating in Winter4Kids, a three-week program at the National Winter Activity Center, that aims to introduce students of all experience levels to winter sports such as skiing, snow-boarding, and cross-country skiing, and reinforce healthy habits at a time of year when many people may spend more time indoors. Last Thursday (and each of the next two Thursdays), 8th graders boarded a bus bound for Vernon, New Jersey to enjoy a day of winter sports, including lessons and skill-development workshops, and time together in community. 

“Everything is provided through the program, included equipment, clothing, helmets, and gloves, and after lessons and safety instructions, our students were up on the slopes learning and running and practicing, before coming back in for lunch and an afternoon of runs,” said Ms. Oswald, PE teacher and chaperone. “It was about five hours on the slopes, and everyone was really happy and worn-out by the end of the day,” she continued. 

“We have a lot of students with a wide range of experience, from people who have never skied before to people who are a little more familiar,” Mr. Pfeifer, Athletics Director, said, “and this program really is designed to help everyone feel more comfortable and try something new—skiing, snow-boarding, or cross-country—especially after not being able to do as many activities during the pandemic.” 

It was a lot of fun to be with friends; we all hung out together, skiing and snowboarding,” said James G. ‘23, “and it was a great opportunity for everyone to be together and enjoy each other’s company outside of school.”

Miya L. ‘23 agreed: “It was really nice because it gave us a chance to get out of the pandemic feeling, where we haven’t been able to do as much, and start getting back to normal again.”