Various Papers
Jump-start Your Quest This Winter
February 2 , 2010
BAR HARBOR — This February, Friends of Acadia, the MDI YMCA, and Acadia National Park are encouraging youth to test their “snow legs” by participating in a series of events to experience Acadia outdoors in the winter. Every Sunday in February, weather permitting, Friends, the YMCA, and the park will hold outdoor events focused around a winter activity. The program will kick off on Sunday, February 7th with ice skating. February 14th will focus on ice fishing; February 21st will feature snowshoeing, and February 28th will be cross-country skiing. Each Sunday’s program will run from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Acadia National Park staff will begin with a 15-minute interpretive presentation on areas of interest to participants.
The cost to participate is $10 per family, per event, or $20 per family for all four events. Light refreshments will be served. Families can sign up by contacting Suzie at the MDI YMCA at 288-3511 x106. Meeting locations will be provided upon registration. Families can also request equipment rental scholarships provided by Friends of Acadia.
“We’re excited about the Winter Quest as a new opportunity for families to see a side of Acadia they may not have experienced before,” remarked Ardrianna McLane, Acadia National Park Ranger. “We encourage participating families to dress warmly in layers with waterproof boots, hats, gloves, and scarves.” Ms. Ms. McLane added that if families have been hesitant to try a winter activity together, the Winter Quest provides an opportunity for learning new skills in a safe group environment.
Winter Quest also marks the start of the 2010 Acadia Quest, a program of Friends of Acadia and Acadia National Park to encourage children and their families and/or mentors to engage in outdoor activities to explore, learn about, and protect the park and other conserved lands. Teams competing in the Acadia Quest have ten months to complete six challenges -- some scheduled events and others self exploration activities. Families completing the competition are entered into a drawing for prizes. In 2009, more than 100 teams from across the country competed with top prizes awarded from L.L.Bean. All registered teams receive a free park pass and park map.
Terry Begley, program coordinator for Friends of Acadia, will be accepting registrations for Acadia Quest during the Winter Quest this February. “We really hope that those who get out to enjoy the park this February will join us in the 2010 Acadia Quest competition. It’s a great way for families to connect with nature, and we believe that in the long run, it will create new stewards for the park.” said Ms. Begley.
Added Ms. Begley, “At the end of each Quest we send out a survey asking participants to rate their experience and what improvements Friends could make to the program. The feedback has been overwhelming positive. Teams enjoy the variety of programs available, the sense of structure and goal-oriented competition, and of course, the fun.”
To sign up for the Winter Quest and this weekend’s ice skating activity, families should contact Suzie at the MDI YMCA at 288-3511 x106. To receive more information, or to register for the year-long Acadia Quest competition, contact Terry Begley at 288-3340 or terry@friendsofacadia.org.
