PARRSBORO - This winter has been warmer and not as snowy as others, but that has not kept many local youngsters from enjoying some of the activities the season has had to offer.
Boys and girls have been taking part in Winter Explorers, a weekly after-school program being offered by the town's recreation department aimed at getting young people outside during the winter season.
Recreation director Tissy Bolivar said she was quite happy with the response to the four-week program, which saw 21-26 participants. The success of the similar fall program, Eco Kids, helped carry over into Winter Explorers, she said.
"We had a good response with Eco Kids, and because of that start point, people saw that and were more interested in trying this one when they saw that was successful," she said. "We had a lot of the same kids, but we brought in quite a few new ones as well."
Whether it was snowshoeing, coasting or skating, the youngsters made the most of their time together. This week saw them try on the snowshoes, as well as make their own birdfeeders.
"Kids enjoy it because a lot of them come from single child homes, and they don't get as much play," said Mary McPhee, one of the adult supervisors. "It gives them the opportunity to play and learn things."
The program will finish up officially on Feb. 28, but an extra "party day" that will include parents is being planned for March 1.
