Landon O’Neil, Lynda Feins and Mason Abbott take part in a WinterKids weather activity last month. Rangeley Lakes Regional School was one of 16 schools across the state that competed for cash prizes, including a $5,000 prize for the top-ranking school. (Submitted photo)

MAINE — WinterKids, an industry leader dedicated exclusively to inspiring and increasing outdoor physical activity for children and families in Maine, is thrilled to announce the winners of the 8th Annual WinterKids Winter Games, a four-week outdoor learning competition that engaged over 10,000 students and teachers across Maine.

This year’s Winter Games, themed around Weather, encouraged students to become young scientists by observing and recording temperature, precipitation, wind, and clouds while participating in outdoor physical activities that promoted learning, teamwork, and fun.

The 2025 Gold Medal winner is Rangeley Lakes Regional School (Rangeley, Franklin County), earning a $5,000 cash prize for its outstanding participation and commitment to outdoor learning.

The Silver Medal was awarded to Lamoine Consolidated School (Lamoine, Hancock County), winning $3,000, while Community Regional Charter School (Skowhegan, Somerset County) took home the Bronze Medal and $1,500.

While these schools earned top honors, all participating schools received cash prizes and experienced positive outcomes—making every student, teacher, and community a winner in the spirit of the Winter Games.

Rangeley Lakes Regional School is the 2025 WinterKids Winter Games Gold Medal winner. (Submitted)

In total, WinterKids has awarded $18,250 to participating schools!

“This year’s Winter Games were a celebration of Maine’s winter season, science, and the power of outdoor learning,” said Courtney Holub, Executive Director of WinterKids. “We are so proud of all the schools that embraced the challenge, engaged their students, and brought their communities together in the spirit of movement, learning, and exploration.”

 WinterKids Winter Games 2025 Highlights:

❉ Cross-curricular teaching: Schools integrated math, science, language arts, social studies, physical education, and health into outdoor activities.

❉ Outdoor exploration: Many students gained a newfound appreciation for the natural world through hands-on weather observations and activities like snowshoeing, skiing, tubing, and dog sledding.

❉ Community building: The Winter Games fostered teamwork, school spirit, and family engagement, with school-wide events such as Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Outdoor Family Nights, and Community Lunches.

 Positive Health & Well-being Outcomes:

❉ Encouraging active lifestyles: The Winter Games kept students moving outdoors, promoting physical fitness and healthy habits.

❉ Boosting student confidence: Students gained confidence through teamwork, leadership opportunities, and the challenge of trying new activities.

❉ Strengthening social connections: Schools reported increased school spirit and collaboration among students, teachers, and families.

Since its inception, the WinterKids Winter Games has grown into a highly anticipated annual event, inspiring children to be active and engaged with the outdoors. For more information about WinterKids and the Winter Games, visit www.winterkids.org/winter-games.