Almost Spring in the County!

The weather outside is currently a balmy 40 degrees, and it's the 12th of March!
As I have recently received my third sunburn in the past week, I am interested to see how the rest of our "winter" plays out here in the County! With JOs going on at Nordic Heritage Center, we all have a good excuse to get out and enjoy the snow in fewer layers of clothing than normal!

A quick update on the Financial Responsibility for Backcountry Evacuations research I am currently involved with...
Check out this link to read the write-up I was blessed to receive in the Bangor Daily News! More to come in the next month as I wrap up the research and create my final memo to the Governor.


The Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course has been getting some hours in outdoors! The photo above shows students in the class doing their mandatory litter carry, with "injured individual" and all, approximately a mile through the snow!

APRIL: For those of you who were unable to sign up for the WFR course, and would like some training and certification in Wilderness medicine...Sign up now for the 16 hour Wilderness First Aid Course, being offered at UMPI by Dr. Anja Whittington. This course is also available to current WFR certified individuals who are looking to re-certify. For more information, or to register for the course, please contact Anja at (207) 768-9537 or at anja.whittington@umpi.edu

Once again, the Outdoor Pursuits class has been attacking the outdoors, this time to get some winter camping experience! The group did an overnight at Aroostook State Park, which involved splitting up various tasks to do while on the trip and quite a bit of planning beforehand. This photo shows the end result of a hard day's work, relaxing around a nice fire.



More to come...
The Junior Olympics wrap up competitions tomorrow, starting at 9AM, so come out to cheer on your favorite skiers! The weather has been beautiful, and there are plenty of trails open at NHC, so feel free to jump on your skis and head out for the morning or afternoon! Coming next week we'll have an update on the vast number of volunteers that UMPI sent to JOs, and on the final results. New England is currently leading the team results, so come tomorrow and cheers us on!

Happy recreating!

UMPI's Frozen Frenzy and USSA Junior Olympics

There are a lot of exciting things happening on campus and in nearby Presque Isle in the next two weeks!

Check out the following schedule for UMPI's very own FROZEN FRENZY! There are a ton of great activities for students, faculty, and staff to get involved with over the next few days. Make sure to get out and enjoy what's left of winter!

February 26 – March 4
OWL SNOW SCULPTURE - Whenever you have some free time, help create the largest UMPI Owl snow sculpture at South Hall front yardTuesday, March 2
3:30 – 5 P. M. Behind Gentile Hall - Snow Shoe Scavenger Hunt, Tubing, Ice Chunk Throw - First 15 students will receive UMPI Neck Gaiter.
7 P. M. 1st Can/Am Challenge - at lighted Tennis Courts Frozen Frenzy Broomball - students can play on either team. First 15 students receive UMPI Neck Gaiter.

Wednesday, March 3
12 – 4 P. M. or Later - North side of Tennis Courts - Dog Sled Rides - Cost $2 sign up and pay for rides at Gentile Hall.
2-3pm near Tennis Courts, Maple Syrup Candy
3:30pm next to Gentile Hall. - Frozen Frenzy Obstacle/Relay Race - First 15 students receive UMPI Neck Gaiter
4:15pm Tennis Courts - 2nd Can/Am Challenge: Frozen Frenzy Soccer – First 15 students receive UMPI Neck Gaiters
4 P. M. Van Departs from Gentile Hall for Skiing and Snowboarding at Big Rock
6:45 and 9 P. M. UMPI HOCKEY Game Take a van to CHEER ON the UMPI hockey team at The Forum - First 15 students who wear blue and gold receive UMPI Neck Gaiter.
7 P. M. MPR - Movie, Cool Running

Thursday, March 4
1 – 3 P. M. Ice Skating van to go to The Forum, rentals $1 - First 10 students receive UMPI Neck Gaiters.
3:30 P. M. Tennis courts - 3rd Can/Am Challenge, Ultimate Frozen Frenzy Frisbee First 15 students will receive UMPI Neck Gaiter
6:30 P. M. at the Library parking lot – Campfire with *Snow Sculpture recognition, *Drawing of prizes, *1st Can/Am Challenge award presentation
*Grand Prize L. L. Bean - $100 gift certificate


Nordic Heritage Sport Club
Coming up next week, the 2010 USSA Cross Country Skiing Junior Olympics will be taking place in Presque Isle at the Nordic Heritage Center! Beginning March 5, and continuing until March 14, JOs will host a large field of competitors, including a few Maine Winter Sports Center skiers! Opening Ceremonies (similar to those in Vancouver) will take place March 7 in Gentile Hall. Volunteers are still needed for this event, and it's not too late to sign up!