Our Story
WinterKids began in 1997 as part of the Ski Maine Association with a Learn to Ski program for fifth graders. With the increasing rates of childhood obesity and the downward trend in physical fitness in Maine and across the country, there was an opportunity to help children and families enjoy healthy and fun outdoor winter lifestyles while nurturing a connection to the natural environment, at home, at school, and in the communities in which they live.
In 2000, WinterKids became an independent non-profit and continues to develop and expand innovative health education programs for kids in the winter and year-round.
Belonging and Inclusion:
At WinterKids, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, health, and confidence that comes from exploring the outdoors. We are committed to creating fun, engaging programs that combine physical activity with learning, helping kids of all backgrounds build resilience and foster a lifelong love for winter recreation.
We work to ensure that children from diverse and under-resourced communities have access to outdoor winter activities, regardless of zip code, income, or previous experience. By partnering with schools, childcare centers, and community organizations across Maine and beyond, we provide meaningful opportunities for kids from preschool to high school to move, learn, and explore in the winter landscape.
In the spirit of fairness, inclusion, and equality, we promise to uphold the values of creativity, integrity, and non-discrimination. Together, we stand in solidarity to ensure that the outdoors is a welcoming space for all, promoting well-being and a better future for our communities.
WinterKids App Family Member Laurie Theberge’s Winning 2021/22 Photo Contest Submission, taken at Black Mountain of Maine
