The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Burr Pond to host annual ‘No Child Left Inside’
TORRINGTON — The annual Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s “No Child Left Inside” 12th annual free winter festival will be Saturday at Burr Pond State Park, 384 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington. A range of outdoor winter activities for the entire family runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Join us outdoors with family and friends for an unforgettable winter experience at Burr Pond State Park. Weather permitting, you can try your hand at ice fishing and hopefully reel in a fish, perhaps learn how to snowshoe and play winter games at DEEP’s annual winter festival,” said Commissioner Robert Klee, in a written statement.
“Year after year families look forward to this festival where they can spend the day outdoors, bonding with each other, meeting new friends, and participating in good old-fashioned fun.”
Activities planned for the day include ice fishing, a fish fry, snowshoeing, ice sculpting and snow play, wildlife tracks, winter hikes, ice safety rescue demonstrations by the Torrington Fire Department, LL Bean and BASS Pro demonstrations, visits from Resources in Search and Rescue and the Wolfpack mascot, winter games, a marshmallow roast, bonfire and stories.
Weather and ice permitting, ice fishing equipment and instruction will be provided by DEEP’s Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education instructors. Participants should dress for the cold weather and bring their own spikes.
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 in-lake 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.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ www.healthychildren.org is offering tips on how to keep 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 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 go 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 a child’s exposed skin with sunscreen.
Visit No Child Left Inside at www.NoChildLeftInside.org to learn more and visit Burr Pond State Park at www.ct.gov/deep/BurrPond for directions.