Winter activities are ‘snow’ joke
Interests raise spirits during COVID-19
Photo illustration by Lilly Strathman
Fifth-grader Judah Lissauer and eighth-grader Ari Lissauer sled down a hill on Cedar Lake Jan. 16. Sledding is one of many winter activities students are using to stay entertained during COVID-19.
February 4, 2021
With a layer of snow covering Minnesota, it can be easy to spend the freezing winters confined inside, however, science teacher and assistant Nordic coach Pat Hartman said he encourages outdoor winter activities because they are rewarding.
“(Winter activities) are for sure beneficial, I’d be going crazy if I was in my house all the time. I’m always encouraging students to get outside even if it’s just for a walk. I love the old saying that goes like ‘there is no bad weather, just bad clothes.’” Hartman said.
According to freshman Nolan Crump, he enjoys Nordic skiing, sledding and playing hockey with friends to get outside and be social during COVID-19.
“It’s a way to see my friends, that’s considered a safer way because it’s outside,” Crump said.
Senior Gabbie Kruse said she has used winter activities during COVID-19 to help her recall her childhood.
“My favorite winter activities to do are sledding and ice skating,” Kruse said. “I love ice skating because I used to play hockey, so it’s fun for me to get back on the ice and reminisce, with the pandemic now I have the time to again.”
In addition to outdoor activities being a good way to stay in touch with friends, they help people stay active, according to Crump.
“I like hanging out with friends; It’s a good workout. It keeps you in a good mood because you’re outside working out and (that) keeps you fit,” Crump said.
According to Kruse, sledding divides her school routine and gives her something to anticipate.
“(Sledding) gives me something to do and look forward to. It also breaks up my day, so I’m not just stuck at home doing schoolwork all the time,” Kruse said.
Hartman said these activities create good opportunities for students to get off of technology.
“Students are stuck in their houses. I’ve noticed with the Nordic skiers how good it is for them just to see other people and socialize in person and not just on FaceTime or on Zoom. It’s a good outlet for something you can safely do outside right now,” Hartman said.
Kruse said doing winter activities changed her mindset about Park and helped her learn life lessons.
“I didn’t really think of Park as the most fun place to be, but by sledding and ice skating I realized you can make anything fun if you look hard enough,” Kruse said.
