General Description of the S.K.I.S program:

1. 30 pairs of cross-country skis, 55 pairs of boots, and 45 pairs of poles are being purchased by the Friends of Rec Path and will be donated to the Stowe Schools.
2. Starting November 2011 - or as soon as the snow flies, Stowe Schools students grades 3-8 will take their sports outside in the winter months.  They will breathe fresh Vermont air for four (4) weeks and cross country skiing in the course of Physical Education classes.
3. Under the supervision of each school’s physical education teachers, 3 #VTXC professional Nordic coaches will rotate and instruct the students through diverse activities including general technique, team relays, hills, drills, obstacle course and more.
4. Stowe Recreation and Parks will be hired and compensated by Friend of Rec Path to groom trails and paths around the school facilities.  SES has agreed to be responsible for maintaining and storing the equipment on a year long basis.
5. The program is set to run for a minimum of three (3) years which is also the life expectancy of the equipment. Given the success of this program, we will reassess the future of S.K.I.S.
6. In the next three years, ALL Stowe Elementary, Middle and High School School students will have had a chance to participate in the S.K.I.S program, many for more than one year.
7. The equipment will also be used by participants of local after-school programs, vacation camps, the Pediatric Outreach Program, special events such as Stowe Tour de Snow and Stowe Derby, and possibly other non-profit community organizations.

General Goals:

1. Offer an alternative winter sport in the Stowe Physical Education school curriculum.
2. Expose Stowe Schools students to a healthy inexpensive sport well suited to the Vermont life.
3. Reach out to as many local youth and introduce them to a sport they may never have tried.
4. Develop a love for the sport through fun activities and increase ability level of all participants.
5. Refine the technique and skills for existing skiers.
6. Grow weekly participation in the Stowe and Morrisville Bill Koch Nordic Ski Leagues.
7. Increase local representation in New England or higher level Nordic competitions.
8. Team up with other local organizations to maximize use of the equipment and reach of the program to benefit as many children as possible.

Direct Benefactors of the S.K.I.S program 2011/2012: 

1. 160 students grades 3-5 of the Stowe Elementary School.
2. 80 students grades 6-8 of the Stowe Middle School.
3. 25 participants to Stowe Rec After-School and Vacation Camp programs
4. 30 Stowe Tour de Snow participants including 5 POP participants
5. 30 Stowe Derby short course participants including 5 POP participants
6. Everyone who is out there exercising and enjoying a healthy activity on the Stowe Rec Path or any other Vermont ski trails because of this initiative.