Community Programs & Resources

WinterKids serves communities across Maine through our fun & engaging community programs and strategic grant initiatives. We aim to ensure that all children have access to the joy and benefits of outdoor activities, fostering a lifelong love for nature and healthy lifestyles.

WinterKids Welcome to Winter

Our annual Welcome to Winter festival at Lost Valley is a free event that offers kids a chance to get outside and try new activities like: Snowshoeing, Nordic and downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow sculpting, and more while enjoying hot chocolate and s’mores.

StoryWalk & Snowshoe Loan Program

Would your organization benefit from setting up a story walk and/or making snowshoes available to get more kids outside having fun this winter?

Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund

WinterKids established the Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund in 2022 to facilitate Maine schools, non profits, and parks & rec programs that get kids outside and active. This fund is intended to address common barriers to healthy outdoor activity, including but not limited to equipment, clothing, and transportation.

Peisner Nordic Fund

Established in 2013, The Michael & Barbara Peisner Nordic Fund helps children in greater Portland learn to cross-country ski. Through collaborations with Portland Nordic, Portland Parks & Rec, Oxford Community Services, and Chisholm Ski Club, the fund supports over 100 kids each year through training, equipment, and transportation costs.

Community Challenges & Fundraisers to Support WinterKids

WinterKids Mountain Mayhem is a community challenge that includes adrenaline-fueled activities, such as mountain biking, trail running, and more, all while supporting WinterKids’ mission to get kids outside and active in the winter.

WinterKids License to Chill is one of our favorite traditions! This annual soiree brings WinterKids supporters together to celebrate the start of the winter season and support our mission of getting children outdoors and active during the winter months.

The annual WinterKids Downhill 24 is a unique community challenge where participants ski or snowboard for 24 consecutive hours to raise funds for WinterKids. The challenge fosters community engagement and physical fitness, all while raising critical funds for WinterKids programming.