Community Regional Charter School in Skowhegan will wrap up its participation in the 2026 WinterKids Winter Games on Feb. 5 with a closing Winter Carnival, concluding the monthlong outdoor learning challenge that promotes wintertime physical activity, wellness and outdoor learning for children and families across Maine. The school is representing Somerset County as one of 16 participating schools and is currently competing on the Winter Games leaderboard after placing third last year.

The school launched the program Jan. 12 with an outdoor opening ceremony that included a winter gear relay race and dance party. This year’s Winter Games theme, “Heart,” focuses on physical and emotional well-being, aligning with the school’s emphasis on outdoor and social-emotional learning.

The WinterKids Winter Games is a four-week outdoor learning challenge that encourages thousands of Maine elementary students to stay active, learn and explore during the heart of winter.

Week 1 of the program centered on physical activity, with students participating in hands-on lessons designed to get them moving and learning about heart health. School officials described the opening week as a strong start, with more activities planned throughout the month.

As part of the WinterKids programming, central Maine students also spent time outdoors Friday at Wesserunsett Lake, taking part in an ice fishing event aimed at encouraging winter recreation and community connection.

Weekly activities have included lessons on physical activity, nutrition and family engagement. During the nutrition week, learners participated in a Healthy Foods, Healthy Bodies relay race and attended a schoolwide presentation led by a Hannaford nutritionist.

Family engagement events included the school’s second annual family ice fishing day at Wesserunsett Lake in Madison, drawing more than 100 participants despite frigid temperatures. Indoor options such as winter crafts, STEAM activities and a sensory room were also offered for families.

The WinterKids Winter Games will conclude with a Winter Carnival and closing ceremony scheduled for Feb. 5, featuring outdoor activities and community partners.

Community Regional Charter School serves learners from prekindergarten through high school in Cornville and Skowhegan, offering hands-on, mastery-based learning.

The statewide program encourages schools to embrace winter as a season for learning, movement and connection rather than something to stay indoors from.