HAYWARD, Wis. (Northern News Now) – Every Sunday deep in the Wisconsin woods you’ll find more than 100 kids having the time of their life.
Throughout the winter the American Birkebeiner Foundation holds weekly lessons for kids wanting to learn how to Nordic ski at the Samuel C. Johnson Family Outdoor Center where it meets the Highway OO trailhead for the Birkebeiner trail.
“I like when we get to go up the hills and then down them,” said Bridget Kohler, who started learning to ski at the age of 2. “I like going down them most.”
The Birkie Trail Kids have gone up and down since the early 80s to learn how to Nordic Ski. Now, they get help from instructors with the foundation who took over the program two years ago.
“We have over 150 kids in our program,” said Alison Menk, the Birkie Trail Kids program coordinator. “To see them from the first lesson not being able to even stand on skis to the last lesson where they are climbing hills and they’re going down the hills its that’s why we’re very fortunate to have such an awesome trail for them to learn to ski on.”
Ages 4 through 12 can join. Registration opens up each October, but according to Menk, you have to stay on your toes as it normally fills up by the end of the first week.
Organizers keep the cost at only $35 for the 10-week program as they understand many people have to travel far. They also provide rental equipment for anyone in need of skis, boots, and poles for $45.
Menk is a second-grade Timberwolves instructor and like all the others, they bring the fun with dress-up days, treats on the trail, glow skis, and plenty of games.
“I truly enjoy seeing all the smiles, all the laughter,” Menk said. “The kids have such a fun time and that’s our goal.”
For the kids, it’s not just the skills on the skis as the trail leads them to new relationships.
“I met some new friends, and they helped me learn to ski,” Birkie Trail Kid Lynden Place said. “Also, we get to see all the trails.”
With the program taking them on the Birkie trails, they’re able to train like the pros which leaves some of them with high hopes.
“I like skiing as much as I can and get better and then at some time be able to do this Birkie race,” said Brighton Vincent, who began skiing two years ago.
Luckily for Vincent, he doesn’t have to go far to traverse the largest cross-country ski race trail in North America which helps promote what the foundation is all about.
“You see them frustrated that they’re unable to do something and then all of a sudden it clicks, and they have the biggest smile on their face; I get so excited to see when that happens,” Menk said. “Our whole mission is to get kids outside and teach them how to have a fun time on skis.”
At the end of the season, everyone gets a chance to display what they’ve learned throughout the program with their end-of-season race and celebration.
“They get to show their parents and their families all the skills that they’ve learned at lessons,” Menk said. “It’s really cool to see the kids and how excited they are to ski.”
That end-of-season race will be held on Sunday, March 2.
More information on the Birkie Trail Kids program can be found by clicking here.
Registration will be begin in October and is announced on their website and the American Birkebeiner Foundation social media pages.
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