by Marnie Grumbach, Gorham parent and member of the WinterKids Board of Directors
Students at Village Elementary School recently embraced Maine’s winter by participating in the 2026 WinterKids Winter Games Play-Along program, an outdoor learning initiative that encourages children to stay active during the state’s coldest months. WinterKids is dedicated to inspiring and increasing outdoor physical activity for children and families in Maine, turning the state’s longest season into a time of adventure, health and connection.
Village Elementary’s fifth grade students participated in the statewide program, which ran from Jan. 13 through Feb. 6 and brought together more than 10,867 students, teachers and families across Maine. This year’s theme, “HEART,” focused on caring for physical and emotional health while building strong connections with classmates, family and community.
Through the program’s weekly challenges, students explored topics such as physical activity, nutrition, family involvement and winter celebration, all while spending time learning outdoors.
According to Mrs. Brenna Pagliaro, fifth grade classroom teacher, “WinterKids was an amazing experience for the fifth grade at Village Elementary. The entire class had the opportunity to go outside and participate in fun, active challenges that strengthened both our hearts and our friendships. Students learned how important it is to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, especially here in Maine, where every season offers something special. WinterKids reminded us that getting outside isn’t just fun, it’s essential for our health, teamwork, and overall well-being all year long.”
While some schools participate in a competitive track with the opportunity to earn prizes, Village
Elementary took part in the Play-Along version, which allows teachers and families to engage in the program’s outdoor activities without competition.
Gorham was also represented at another WinterKids event this winter. Local student Jem Grumbach participated in the WinterKids Downhill 24, a 24-hour ski and snowboard challenge held Feb. 26-27 at Sugarloaf. Grumbach raised more than $800 in donations and joined the Central Maine Power “Power On” team on the slopes as part of the annual fundraiser supporting WinterKids’ mission to help Maine children stay active outdoors in winter.
“D24 was awesome! I liked being able to see how many runs our team had done and trying to help the number go up,” said Grumbach, a fifth grader at Village Elementary School. “Sugarloaf is a really big mountain with great trails, so it was awesome getting to ski there for the first time with my team.”
Teams ski and ride day and night during the event while raising funds for programs that help children across the state move, learn and explore through joyful winter play. This year’s Downhill 24 raised more than $600,000.
Together, the Winter Games and Downhill 24 highlight the strong community spirit behind WinterKids’ efforts to help Maine children discover the fun and lifelong benefits of staying active outdoors. The nonprofit offers a variety of initiatives that encourage Maine children to move, learn and explore outside in every season. Families can also take advantage of the WinterKids Passport, a popular program that provides Maine kids with free and discounted access to ski areas, outdoor recreation opportunities and winter activities across the state. Learn more at winterkids.org.