For the past six weeks kids ages 4 to 14 (40 skiers to be exact) have been descending on Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson each Saturday morning for a cross-country ski clinic. Despite combinations of biting cold, freezing rain and limited snow the kids showed up eager and enthusiastic each week. The gleeful sounds of skiers could be heard all around HVNC.

The clinic is in its second year, and both years have been sold out. The event is hosted by HVNC, though the idea came from a spark provided by then volunteer, now HVNC board of director member, Kristin Stone. Stone also provided the groundwork to get the kid’s Mountain Bike Club up and running this past fall.

Each week the clinic-goers would arrive, make their way from the parking area to HI-Hut and begin the clinic with group stretching. Four great coaches, Megan Phillips, Lilli Pugh, Annie Nixon and Kolleen Cass, were the backbone to each session along with some help from parents. The skiers would break up into groups based on experience, and off they went.

Some went out into the woods on HVNC’s trails, learning about poling, navigating terrain and how to be an athletic skier. Other skiers stayed closer to HI-Hut navigating obstacle courses, learning the basics and playing lots of games.

All skiers, regardless of experience level enjoyed a fun, non-competitive atmosphere with lots of games, and always ending with a cup of hot chocolate.

Several scholarships were offered thanks to the generosity of Damariscotta Bank and Trust in Damariscotta.

The clinic had its last session on Sunday, Feb. 9 and the kids are now prepared to head out and enjoy the rest of the winter on skis. HVNC’s outdoor recreation clinics, like this one, are designed to give kids and families exposure to all the fun and healthy ways to enjoy the best of Maine. Keep an eye out for future biking, hiking, and skiing adventures offered year round at HVNC.

HVNC is a nonprofit education and recreation center in Jefferson. For more information about HVNC’s events and recreational opportunities, visit www.hvnc.org, info@hvnc.org or call 207-200-8840.