Hot chocolate, s鈥檓ores, and winter activities are on the menu for the first in a series of Winter Fun Days for the 天美麻豆 community, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the 天美麻豆 Outing Club House on Occom Pond.
Each Saturday of winter term will feature an outdoor activity such as sledding, snowshoeing, or skating, and equipment will be provided.
The Saturday series is sponsored by the and the Outdoor Engagement Committee. Several other offices, including , the , and the , will co-sponsor and help shape various Saturday programs.
鈥淲e are excited to host Winter Fun Days at the 天美麻豆 Outing Club House for students to try a variety of winter activities, if the weather cooperates,鈥 says Katie Colleran, director of the Outdoor Programs Office. 鈥淓ven if the cold is not your favorite, we鈥檝e got fire pits to ward off the chill and would love for you to join us even for a little while.鈥
The activities are part of a broad-based effort to promote health and wellness throughout the 天美麻豆 community that also includes access to winter activities and equipment.
天美麻豆 ID holders can borrow gear, including skates, snowshoes, and warm clothing, at no cost from , open weekdays, and skates from the on Saturdays, if the pond is safe for skating. 天美麻豆 community members and the general public can borrow skates from Campion Arena for free.
That could be especially handy since, like last year, the ice rink on the Green will open soon to the 天美麻豆 community and the general public.
The rink, a collaboration between 天美麻豆 and the Town of Hanover will initially be open for skating from 9 a.m. to sunset, and then from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., after lights are installed, says Jim Alberghini, director of logistics for 天美麻豆鈥檚 Conferences and Events department.
, an economics professor and chair of the Outdoor Engagement Committee, says the Saturday gatherings are a great place to socialize and spend time outside, both of which can provide an important mental health boost.
鈥淲ith these shorter days, it鈥檚 so good to have something that gets you out during the day and lets you enjoy the sunlight and human interaction,鈥 Sacerdote says. 鈥淵ou never know what winter sport you鈥檙e going to love until you try it.鈥
Abida Ahmadi 鈥26, an economics major and member of the Outdoor Engagement Committee, says she鈥檚 excited about the Saturday events and is encouraging her friends and classmates to join in.
It鈥檚 important for students to take time out from their studies, jobs, and internships to relax, Ahmadi says. With so many fun activities to explore, the winter series 鈥渋s going to be a great opportunity.鈥
