Rosy-cheeked students return from the first outing of the Polar Bear Club on Monday (submitted photo/Jennie Green)

By Alison Sandstrom

Frosty physical activity

Polar Bear Club lets students play outside despite cold weather

Jan 8, 2020 | 1:43 PM

For schoolchildren, frigid temperatures mean indoor recess.

But for kids in Saskatchewan, that can mean weeks without going outside for breaks during the day.

At Ecole Vickers School in Prince Albert, students are kept inside for recess if temperatures dip below -30 Celsius.

“It’s kind of that feeling of going a little bit stir crazy,” Principal Jennie Green told paNOW. “I think people’s tempers get short, and you get frustrated easier. You’re not leaving your classroom, and that artificial light.”

Enter the Polar Bear Club.

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The new initiative at Ecole Vickers School offers students from Grades 3 to 6 the chance to get some fresh air and sunshine despite icy conditions.

Members of the Polar Bear Club wear buttons so staff can identify them. (submitted photo/Jennie Green)

“Studies show that regular opportunities for play and physical activity outside improves mood, attention span and overall fitness,” Green said. “We know it’s a challenge in Saskatchewan, but we wanted to be able to offer something for our students.”

Beginning this year, students who are dressed in warm clothes and have written permission from their parents can join the Polar Bear Club to play outside in sub -30 C conditions when outdoor recess is cancelled.

On Tuesday, the club had its inaugural outing, as its 126 members, plus staff volunteers, enjoyed a frigid, but sunny January afternoon.

Green said participants returned from the experience with rosy cheeks and rave reviews, and four additional students asked for permission forms to sign up.

If there are wind gusts of over 30 km/h or a weather advisory in effect, even the Polar Bear Club will shelter inside. Members of the club always have the option to participate in indoor recess instead of braving the elements if they choose.

Depending on how the pilot goes, the program may be expanded to Grade 7 and 8 next year.

Students play outside during the inaugural outing of the Polar Bear Club on Tuesday at Ecole Vickers School. (submitted photo/Jennie Green)

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom