I moved to Wisconsin when I was 12 and at that time, the thought of spending time outside in the cold was never a pleasant one. Just like many of our students, I did not have access to the right gear, nor did I know someone who enjoyed spending time outside during the winter. For me, it took a pair of boots and a couple of hikes through snowy mountains with a nature-enthusiast to get me on board.

This is where the UEC comes in. Not only are we are able to provide the right gear and equipment for our students, we can also give them a positive winter experience. I particularly remember taking a class of fifth graders out for a hike after a fresh coat of snow had just covered the trails in the park. Initially, even getting them to wear snow boots and mittens was a bit of a struggle as they did not see the need for them. After getting our gear on and testing it on the slippery paths, we headed along the Menomonee River. By this point, you could already see how they were enjoying having winter boots and mittens.

During our hike, we spotted some rabbit and mouse tracks, but what really stood out to them were the various burrows and holes we found in the woods. Seeing their expressions as they all tried guessing what animals they belonged to was priceless. I saw myself reflected in them as I remembered the first time I saw clear squirrel tracks and how excited I was to have been able to identify them on my own.

Winter is the time when our educators really get the chance to shine, because we get to introduce kids to the wonders of winter and help them realize that there are plenty of fun activities to partake in, even in the cold. It’s moments like this one with the fifth graders, when they forget the cold and just get intrigued by the world around them, that remind me just how important a great winter day experience can be.