2025 WinterKids Winter Games, running from January 13 to February 7, 2025, will see schools from across the state competing in outdoor challenges with the chance to win cash prizes, including a $5,000 prize for the top-ranking school. 

The WinterKids Winter Games provides an opportunity for students and faculty to engage in outdoor learning while exploring weather science in Maine’s winter landscape. Each week, participating schools will focus on a different aspect of weather — Temperature, Precipitation, Wind, and Clouds — conducting hands-on activities that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and outdoor physical activity. 

The schools selected for the 2025 WinterKids Winter Games include: 

1.        Academy Hill School, Wilton, ME (Franklin County)

2.        Community Regional Charter School, Cornville, ME (Somerset County)

3.        Cranberry Isles School, Cranberry Isles ME (Hancock County)

4.        Dirigo Elementary School, Peru, ME (Oxford County)

5.        Ella P. Burr, Lincoln, ME (Penobscot County)

6.        Harrison Elementary School, Harrison, ME (Cumberland County)

7.        Lamoine Consolidated School, Lamoine, ME (Hancock County)

8.        Marcia Buker Elementary School, Richmond, ME (Sagadahoc County)

9.        Miller School, Waldoboro, ME (Lincoln County)

10.  Minot Consolidated School, Minot, ME (Androscoggin County)

11.  North Haven Community School, North Haven, ME (Knox County)

12.  Rangeley Lakes Regional School, Rangeley, ME (Franklin County)

13.  Rose M Gaffney, Machias, ME (Washington County)

14.  Shapleigh School, Kittery, ME (York County)

15.  Sylvio J. Gilbert School, Augusta, ME (Kennebec County)

16.  Woodland Consolidated School, Woodland, ME (Aroostook County)

Each participating school will receive a comprehensive toolkit, including Winter Games PLAYBooks for every student, packed with four weeks of outdoor activities and weather-related challenges, incentives corresponding to the weekly themes, and the WinterKids Learn Outside Guide to help elementary school teachers incorporate outdoor education all winter long. Throughout the games, schools will earn points by completing activities, engaging their communities, and demonstrating school-wide enthusiasm for outdoor learning. Families, community members, and local businesses are encouraged to support their schools through organized events like family nights and themed outdoor activities. 

“The WinterKids Winter Games gives students, teachers, and entire communities a chance to embrace the best of Maine’s winter season,” said Marion Doyle, WinterKids' Education Director. “We’re excited to watch this year’s schools gain an understanding of our weather and climate through fun outdoor activities and daily weather observations." The WinterKids Winter Games furthers the organization’s mission of helping children develop healthy lifelong habits through outdoor winter education and activity. 

The 2025 WinterKids Winter Games are made possible, thanks to generous support from Hannaford Snack Pals, Aroma Joe’s, MMG Insurance, and Stockhouse Restaurant & Sports Pub.

About WinterKids

WinterKids is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring children to stay active and explore the outdoors during Maine’s winter months. Through creative educational programs, WinterKids encourages kids to make outdoor learning and physical activity part of their everyday lives, regardless of the season. 

For more information about WinterKids and the Winter Games, please visit WinterKids.org.

 WinterKids’ Major Community Sponsor is L.L. Bean. Supporting Sponsors include Agren, Central Maine Power, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Kittery Trading Post, WEX, Zachau Construction, WMTW Channel 8, and The CW.