Libby Wentworth, a third grader at Harrison Elementary School, discovers the joy of body sledding during this year’s WinterKids Winter Games Competitive Track held Jan. 13 to Feb. 7. Students earned $750 for their school, which will be used to buy multiple sets of kid-size snowshoes. Submitted photo

HARRISON — Harrison Elementary School students earned $750 for the school in the 8th annual WinterKids Winter Games Competitive Track, finishing sixth out of 16 schools.

Harrison Elementary School fourth grader Jace Roberts demonstrates the art of making snow angels during the WinterKids’ 8th Annual Winter Games held Jan. 13 to Feb. 7. Submitted photo

Third grade teacher Samantha Geer said the money will pay for multiple sets of kid-size snowshoes.

In previous years the school used its winnings to acquire other outdoor gear such as sleds and igloo blocks for building a fort.

Schools across Maine apply each year to participate, but only one from each county is accepted for the Competitive Track.

Two years ago Agnes Gray Elementary School in West Paris was chosen for Oxford County’s Competitive Track, earning $500 with an 11th place finish.

This year, students from Oxford Elementary School took part in the Play Along Track.

WinterKids sponsors winter-themed activities designed to promote outdoor activity and community spirit.

This year’s games held Jan. 13 to Feb. 7 were based on weather themes during each of the four weeks: temperature, precipitation, wind and clouds.

In addition to using the themes in classes and activities, students experienced the impacts of weather on winter activities.

Lack of snow was a hindrance the first week, so Geer said her class built snow mounds. Students from some classes brought enough snow inside to make mini-snowmen they could carry outside.

Harrison Elementary School fifth graders Lukis Dyer, left, Badger Keith, center, and Oliver Chaplin take a break during the school’s 2025 Winter Games, a four-week challenge to get kids outside to learn and stay active. Submitted photo

“We had to pivot some days due to the weather,” she said. “And the kids did a really good job of adapting and changing their approach to the challenges on the fly.

“It’s a great program,” she said. “Every day kids came to school excited to find out what we would all be doing. And they still want to do WinterKids’ challenges.”

They’re learning the outdoors is for year-round learning, she said.

“My class always brings a fresh excitement,” she said.

“The Winter Games help the kids connect their science and weather units.

“They’ve heard about it from their siblings and friends. And the older kids help them along.”