By CRIS JOHNSTON (The News – Lakes District & Central Otago)
THE next generation of winter athletes in Wanaka has been getting a taste (in some cases literally) for the white stuff, thanks to the efforts of the volunteer crew from Snowdrifta and its ‘‘Snow to the Kids’’ programme. For the past six years Snowdrifta has delivered truckloads of snow to Wanaka’s six early childhood centres and with the help of parents, staff and donated wheelbarrows and shovels, transformed playgrounds into mini ski fields. The Aspiring Beginnings Early Learning Centre was the first to receive this year’s special delivery with the Warren St premises buzzing with excitement and activity last Thursday. ‘‘The children have been so excited,’’ Kaho teacher Adele Stewart said. ‘‘It is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about snow, especially those that never go up to the skifields.’’ ‘‘It is an amazing learning experience for the kids. They get lots of benefit including learning how to help each other,’’ Caroline Scott, of Snowdrifta, said. Fellow crew member Davey Hawken said the project could not operate without the support of the Snow Farm, which had supplied the vital ingredient and Mitre 10 which provided equipment. The project was funded by ticket sales of a raffle supported by more than 40 businesses. Meanwhile, while several children occupied themselves with taste-testing their new ground covering, others tried out their skills on mini toboggans, skis and snowboards. Later in the day, the children were also treated to sled rides powered by Siberian Husky Aiyana, owned by Hannah Faed, of Wanaka.
Team work: Preschoolers Celeste Runmore (4) and Isaak Babbington (3) had the perfect transport around their mini skifield at the Aspiring Beginnings Early Learning Centre last week. PHOTOS: CRIS JOHNSTON
Snow snooze: Snow play can be tiring work and Zaden Thompson (3) found this sled was just the right size for a quick rest.
Taking it easy: Ryan Enoka (5) takes a break from skiing during a snow day at Aspiring Beginnings Early Centre.
Helping hand: Finding his snow feet was made easier for Cody Gemmell (4) thanks to a helping hand from Aspiring Beginnings Early Learning Centre teacher aide Nick Kane.
Taste test: Some slid, some skied and some, like Sam Coupland (2), thought the best thing about last week’s snow ‘‘dump’’ at Aspiring Beginnings Early Centre was its taste.
Ready, steady, go: Eva Van Wait (3) gets a helping hand from Snowdrifta crew member Caroline Scott.
Sled power: Luka Martinovich (4) thought this sled was the easiest way to travel around the mini skifield.
Slippery slope: Cory Enoka (3) gets ready to try his hand at skiing with the help of Aspiring Beginnings Early Learning Centre teacher Adele Stewart. The pair were enjoying a ’’snow day’’ provided by the Snowdrifta crew.