Hello Bowdoin Nordic Alums!
I'm writing from sunny and hot Phoenix, where I've just started training with Teach For America. I'll be teaching on a reservation in South Dakota in the fall - a little different from Portland! I'm excited to stay connected to other alums, and I'll happily host anyone who comes to SD for all those ski races (well, maybe I'll have to create those races first...).
I spent the last nine months working with Healthy Hometowns, a division of the Maine Winter Sports Center (www.mainewsc.org). The goal of Healthy Hometowns is to promote healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles in Maine communities. As the Southern Maine coach, I worked with towns throughout the state to help them organize youth ski programs, facilitated the lease of over 950 sets of cross country ski equipment to children in kindergarten through eighth grade, and assisted at a variety of community events. The organization is doing fantastic things throughout the state, really encouraging people to get outside and have fun exploring Maine.
I'm writing from sunny and hot Phoenix, where I've just started training with Teach For America. I'll be teaching on a reservation in South Dakota in the fall - a little different from Portland! I'm excited to stay connected to other alums, and I'll happily host anyone who comes to SD for all those ski races (well, maybe I'll have to create those races first...).
I spent the last nine months working with Healthy Hometowns, a division of the Maine Winter Sports Center (www.mainewsc.org). The goal of Healthy Hometowns is to promote healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles in Maine communities. As the Southern Maine coach, I worked with towns throughout the state to help them organize youth ski programs, facilitated the lease of over 950 sets of cross country ski equipment to children in kindergarten through eighth grade, and assisted at a variety of community events. The organization is doing fantastic things throughout the state, really encouraging people to get outside and have fun exploring Maine.
In celebration of L.L. Bean's 100th anniversary this year, Healthy Hometowns was the recipient of a $1,000,000 grant, which will be used to purchase canoes, kayaks, additional skis, mountain bikes and camping gear. The new equipment will be a huge asset to programming, and it will travel to different towns as a part of a curriculum designed to make outdoor adventure a standard component of the education of Maine students. With curriculum guides, equipment access, and the support of the Healthy Hometowns staff, this program will truly be accessible to communities throughout the state who are committed to enriching the lives of Mainers. It is a very exciting time for the organization and for the residents of this great state!
It was amazing to work with such passionate individuals throughout the state. The Nordic ski culture is alive and well, but can always use more support (and snow)!
Thanks to Chris for getting this blog up and running, and hope to be in touch with many of you in the future!
Best,
Grace Hyndman (Class of 2011)
