WinterKids has announced the recipients of its Downhill 24 Outdoor Fund second-year grants, totaling $51,000, to 12 organizations across Maine.

These grants are aimed at promoting outdoor activities and encouraging children to stay active throughout the year.

The fund was established with the mission of getting kids outside and engaged in physical activities. Through a community vote, the top three winning organizations in each category were selected, with one honorable mention winner also being recognized in each category for their dedication and efforts in supporting Maine’s youth, according to a news release from Julie Mulkern, executive director of the nonprofit organization based in Westbrook.

Maine 501 Nonprofits Category
• Pine Tree Camp in Auburn was awarded $10,000. The grant will support Pine Tree Camp’s open-door policy, ensuring that children with disabilities have the opportunity to attend camp, irrespective of their ability to pay tuition.

• Teens to Trails in Brunswick was awarded $5,000. The grant will further support over 68 middle and high school outdoor clubs across Maine, providing funding for transportation, advisor stipends and club activities.

• Aroostook County Action Program in Presque Isle was awared $1,500. The grant will enable the organization to introduce snowshoeing to low-income children countywide, promoting outdoor exploration and physical activity.

• Honorable Mention ($500): Maine Youth Fish & Game Association.

Maine Public Schools Category
• South Portland Middle School in South Portland was awarded $10,000. The grant will be used to purchase necessary equipment such as skate skis, skate boots, and skate poles for any student interested in trying out Nordic skiing on groomed trails. Additionally, a groomer will be acquired to create trails for the students’ use.

• Mariners Soar in Deer Isle was awarded $5,000. The grant will facilitate the establishment of Middle School Outing Clubs at all three of their sites, offering monthly outings, camping trips, transportation to outdoor events, and camping equipment for loan.

• Rangeley Lakes Regional School in Rangeley was awarded $1,500. The grant will enable the purchase of equipment and fund experiences that allow students to continue expanding and strengthening connections with staff and nature.

• Honorable Mention ($500): Molly Ockett School in Fryeburg.

Maine Parks & Recreation Category
• Town of Millinocket Parks & Recreation in Millinocket was awarded $10,000. The grant will be used to purchase a rope tow lift to be placed at the Town’s sliding hills in the Millinocket Recreation Complex and towards the acquisition of grooming equipment for Katahdin Area Trails.

• Saco Parks & Recreation in Saco was awarded $5,000. The grant will help expand recreation hubs at city-owned waterfront parks and provide essential recreation equipment.

• City of Bangor Parks & Recreation in Bangor was awarded $1,500. The grant will go towards purchasing winter mountain biking grooming equipment and snowshoes, as well as funding a new mountain biking pump track.

• Honorable Mention ($500): Quarry Road Trails  in Waterville.

For more information, visit WinterKids.org, or find the winning grantee feature at WinterKids.org.

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