Sports
Winter Survival Skills Could Save a Life
Here is a closer look at the winter survival program offered by the Grafton Recreation Department.
Old man winter may have his head buried in the sand on a beach in Bermuda, but that isn't preventing the from offering skiing, winter survival and other winter sports.
For three years, Jeff LeClair of the Fin and Feather in Upton has been offering a winter survival four day camp. This is a sold out program each year and snow or not, these skills could one day save a life.
"We started this program in 2010 soon after Betty Wright, Grafton Recreation Director, asked me what I thought about creating such a program," LeClair said. "As an Eagle Scout and the owner of Fin and Feather, I was all over the idea of offering this to kids."
Find out what's happening in Graftonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This outdoor program runs from Feb. 21 to 24 at the located on Brigham Hill Rd., but most activities will be outside so be sure to dress warm.
"We offer fire building, ice fishing, trekking, snowshoeing (weather permitting), shelter building, camping skills and other important winter survival techniques," LeClair said.
Find out what's happening in Graftonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Not every program is run everyday, but everything will be offered in the course of the four days.
LeClair is certified in CPR and First Aid, and is well aware that safety is priority.
"No one is ever in a canoe without a life jacket, " LeClair said.
This program is limited to 50 kids, and is taught by trained staff members as well as LeClair himself.
The program is for kids aged 6 and up and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost of the program is $200.
Sign-ups are ongoing, but it is recommended that the sooner you sign up the better, or you may end up on a waiting list.
The Grafton Recreation Department is also offering a series of F.A.S.T. Athletics programs in everything from Cheerleading to Basketball. Visit the website for more details and to sign up.
The only sad note in the winter program offerings?
"We had to cancel the Lake Ripple skating party due to lack of snow and ice," Lynn Thurlow, secretary of the Grafton Recreation Department said.
For more information or to sign up for a program click here or call 508-839-5335 ext 156.