Do you remember the first time you ventured out into the forest to explore the quiet wilds of winter?  For some, such memories conjure up a sense of wonder at the fascinating mysteries locked in snow and ice.  For others this experience is forever linked with a sense of freedom and the inherent joy in a snow-cushioned romp with friends.  Snow connects kids to nature like few things can, and for thousands of students across the country our SnowSchool sites are their first introduction to winter wildlands.

And while it’s not winter yet, we can all feel it getting closer.  So in anticipation of the coming cold weather SnowSchool sites nation-wide are ramping up operations to help introduce thousands of students to winter this year.  Every winter Winter Wildlands Alliance brings our SnowSchool program to new communities of kids across the country by working to establish new SnowSchool sites. By partnering with organizations in diverse areas WWA can provide the educational resources and leaderhsip support necessary to quickly launch a winter program to serve new populations of students. As a result of our ongoing efforts WWA is adding 4 new SnowSchool sites in anticipation of the coming winter – Siskiyou Field Institute in Oregon, Northwest Avalanche Center in northern Washington, Salmon Valley Stewardship in Salmon Idaho and Kenai Wildlife Refuge in Alaska!  Please click the provided links to learn about the amazing work each organization is already doing.  While every site is as unique as the communities they serve, all SnowSchool sites share the common goal of getting kids outside in the winter to experience the wilds of winter.  Look for more updates as the season approaches!

-Kerry McClay, Ed.D.

WWA National SnowSchool Director

Learn more at www.snowschool.org