Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are favorite pastimes for many U.P. residents, and in the Ishpeming Schools, those experiences are starting early, with an innovative program that gets kids outside for physical activity in the winter.
Third and fourth graders at
Ishpeming Schools have been enriched by cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as part of their winter gym classes for the last fifteen years, something that each year, the kids look forward to.
Last year, the unusual program even gained the schools a Blue Cross Blue Shield Building Healthy Communities grant, because of its contributions toward making a healthy, active community in what could otherwise be a sedentary time of the year for kids and families.
"It has been a huge success and something students look forward to each year as an eight to ten week unit in gym class," says Anne Asplund of Birchview Elementary in Ishpeming. "Unfortunately, due to increasing class sizes, we do not have enough equipment for all the children."
So, the schools are asking their communities to step up and help replace old snowshoes and add new pairs so all the kids can participate in the program. Toward this goal, there is an "Adopt a Snowshoe" program.
Wilderness Sports in Ishpeming is giving the schools a deal on youth snowshoes, at $50 a pair. To sponsor a pair, that’s the amount the school is seeking from individuals, businesses and organizations in the area. Contributions of any size also are welcomed, of course. The schools ask that donations be made this fall, by Nov. 1, so they can buy the needed snowshoes in time for the winter gym classes to use them. School officials and staff are happy to talk to business owners, individuals or organizations about the program; contact Asplund at Birchview Elementary to find out more.
Donations can also be sent to the school at 663 Poplar Street, Ishpeming, MI, 49849.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Anne Asplund, Ishpeming Schools
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