Hot chocolate, smores, and winter activities are on the menu for the first in a series of Winter Fun Days for the 窪做惇蹋厙 community, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the 窪做惇蹋厙 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.
We are excited to host Winter Fun Days at the 窪做惇蹋厙 Outing Club House for students to try a variety of winter activities, if the weather cooperates, says Katie Colleran, director of the Outdoor Programs Office. Even if the cold is not your favorite, weve got fire pits to ward off the chill and would love for you to join us even for a little while.
The activities are part of a broad-based effort to promote health and wellness throughout the 窪做惇蹋厙 community that also includes access to winter activities and equipment.
窪做惇蹋厙 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. 窪做惇蹋厙 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 窪做惇蹋厙 community and the general public.
The rink, a collaboration between 窪做惇蹋厙 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 窪做惇蹋厙s 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.
With these shorter days, its so good to have something that gets you out during the day and lets you enjoy the sunlight and human interaction, Sacerdote says. You never know what winter sport youre going to love until you try it.
Abida Ahmadi 26, an economics major and member of the Outdoor Engagement Committee, says shes excited about the Saturday events and is encouraging her friends and classmates to join in.
Its 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 is going to be a great opportunity.