We enjoyed  the early afternoon skating session at Bear mountain.  It was a bitter cold day with temperatures in the single digits.   

The students were at varying degrees of skating expertise from first time skaters to one student who brought her own skates in lieu of rentals.  The kids were encouraged to dress in layers and hats, and gloves were required.  We were well prepared with  extra layers, extra neck warmers, scarves and socks and hats and gloves.  Some of the students availed themselves of the extra layers we were able to provide. The cold weather kept the crowds away so the rink and rental area was not crowded at all. This was a real plus, as we there were less people on the ice which made the skating more fun. The rink is a good / manageable size and the music they played was upbeat and appealing.  The participants helped and encouraged each other and didn’t seem to mind the arctic cold temperatures. It was so nice to see the Ellois High  ICO trip led by Ray, Michelle and Mike there as well.    

After the skating session we had lunch and hot chocolate in the carousel house and then ventured over to the hill behind the inn for some sledding runs. The sledding was a last minute add-on as we had a big snow storm earlier that week.  A search for sleds in the local stores was futile.   I was able to borrow  3 store-bought sleds from friends and neighbors and then I decided to try some innovation.  I constructed  3 homemade contraptions that served as sleds out of moving boxes covered in contractor bags sealed with duct tape which worked surprisingly well. Everyone took turns and cheered each others trips down the hill.  There was also the inevitable good natured snowball fight that ended the afternoon with lots of giggles. Finally the afternoon chill got the better of us and everyone was happy to have a nice long WARM ride back to the school to laugh about and discuss the day’s events.  There were lots of queries about our next outing which is a sign that everyone truly enjoyed the day.  

As always, the infectious enthusiasm of the Urban Assembly students led to a wonderful day.  It was one of those days when you might have preferred to hide indoors if not for the commitment to take these students outside for the day.  Even though the temperatures were frigid we were all left with warm memories of a lovely and active winter afternoon.