The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
No Child Left Inside goes virtual for 2021
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s 15th Annual No Child Left Inside® “Virtual” Winter Festival begins at 9 a.m. Feb. 6, continuing until 3 p.m.
Events will be shown from the DEEP’s Facebook Live page throughout the day. Participants are able to view the live events from any portable device. No registration is required.
The Winter Festival is a partnership between the No Child Left Inside Program and the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education Program.
“Last year, a record crowd of nearly 1,400 people came out to Burr Pond State Park for what has traditionally been a highlight of the Connecticut winter season,” according to the DEEP. “However, since we are unable to host this event in person this year, we hope to reach even more people than last year through Facebook with a variety of activities and programs to celebrate the winter season.”
Those participating this year will be able to join CARE for a livestreamed. ice-fishing trip with instruction, tips and cooking on the ice. There will be several additional programs, including: live animal interactions with White Memorial Conservation Center; a winter hiking program with Reach Your Summit; an animal track program with Environmental Learning Centers of CT; a letter boxing demonstration and hot chocolate science with the Girl Scouts of CT; and much more.
During the event, staff will also be sharing other fun activities that families can do together to celebrate the Winter Season.
DEEP reminds those wishing to venture onto the ice, that safety comes first. Be aware that ice thickness varies on all water bodies due to a number of environmental factors including inlake water circulatory patterns, snow cover, and the type and amounts of recent precipitation. Please check the ice carefully before venturing out and check repeatedly to make sure the ice thickness is sufficient. For information about ice safety, visit DEEP’s ice safety page: ct.gov/ deep/icesafety.
Keeping warm outdoors The American Academy of Pediatrics has some valuable tips on cold weather safety and how to keep your children safe and warm on a cold winter day.
Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens (to keep hands warmer), and a hat. Layering is a good idea; so are moisture-wicking fabrics and clothing that’s geared to the sport.
The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Have children come inside periodically to warm up.
The sun’s rays can still cause sunburn in the winter, especially when they reflect off snow. Make sure to cover your child’s exposed skin with sunscreen.
Visiting a state park is a great way to stay active during the winter season.
For information on Connecticut State Parks visit: ct.gov/deep/stateparks
For information about this year’s virtual No Child Left Inside Winter Festival, visit NoChildLeftInside.org