5th Graders Learn To Cross Country Ski With The Help Of UMD Students

DULUTH, Minn. — 5th grade students got the chance to try out something most of them have never done before, cross country ski!

With not much snow it can be hard to find the perfect outdoor activity. But at Spirit Mountain there is snow and around 50 Myers-Wilkins Elementary School students were there Monday.

Teaching the young students were UMD students. They are taking a class called Teaching Cross Country Skiing where they learn fundamental skills to bring to the kids.

“One of the really important things is to show people the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities we have in Duluth, cause they’re all over the place. But some kids might not have access to that or access to equipment. So, we’re here today to like give people equipment, give them a little bit of a chance to do that. And if they’re interested, they’ll know places to get equipment and try it in the future,” said Matti Erpestad, instructor of environmental and outdoor education.

Organizers say it is also important to help students feel more comfortable getting outside.

“It’s important to be able to feel like the outdoors is your place. A place that you belong and feel comfortable. So, it’s really important to us to be able to give kids those experiences to feel comfortable outside and so that in their own time that they’ll go access those places,” said Caitlin Smith, Community Schools Coordinator at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School.

In 2 weeks UMD students will be teaching another group of kids again at Spirit Mountain. This is part of an annual effort to bring outdoor recreation access to students.