We love a getting out of the house. That’s a given. But couple a good field trip with an educational opportunity and you’ve convinced us to jump in the car immediately. Which is why, we’re so excited to hear about the latest exhibit at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain which aims to introduce elementary students (k-2) to some of Vermont’s best resources: science, art and snowboarding. To share more about this exhibit and upcoming events, we’re teaming up with Jessie Forand from ECHO. Take it away Jessie!
More than 100 children spent their sunny Saturday on the snow – that’s right, snow – Nov. 7 at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Champlain. Kids ages 3-8 took turns gliding through a Riglet obstacle course, learning the proper boarding stance and balance needed to hit the slopes.
This event was presented through a partnership between ECHO and its partners Burton and Smugglers’ Notch. Parents looked happily on as the event’s expert guides laughed and explored with the future snowboarding stars.
ECHO and Burton have also developed a full exhibit, called Experience Snowboarding, running now through Jan. 8. Visit the board gallery to see how styles have changed throughout Burton’s history, put physics to the test in a scaled-down version of the Craig Kelley Prototype Facility, where Burton employees plan, develop, and test out new ideas every day right in Burlington. Color and create your very own board, and just have a blast getting familiar with the sport at ECHO before the real snow flies.
As if that’s not enough, local students can participate in the Stoked about Science educational program too, learning with their class from ECHO’s incredible education team.
These efforts were designed to introduce the science, art, and sport of snowboarding to the kindergarten through second grade audience, to help them start early and develop a love of Vermont and all is has to offer during the cold months.
Check out the fun today, and as always keep an eye on ECHO’s calendar of events for the latest goings-on.