DAYTON — It was cold Tuesday, but few kids from Dayton Consolidated School were complaining. 

Bundled up in snow pants, winter coats, mittens and hats, they were outside ready to go for the gold for the WinterKids Winter Games.

WinterKids is a nonprofit organization that promotes winter activity for children. The organization has selected one school in each of the state’s 16 counties to participate in its new Winter Games Competition. In York County, that school is Dayton Consolidated School.

The school started its month of activities with an opening ceremony on Jan. 2 and ended Tuesday with a winter carnival and closing ceremonies.

Principal Kimberly Sampietro greeted the students who had all assembled in front of the school Tuesday morning.

“Welcome to winter in Maine, it’s a little chilly out, but it’s okay, we’re going to have fun,” said Sampietro. “The more you move, the warmer you’re going to be this morning.”

The students eagerly lined up to embark on a triathlon — snow tubing, a 50-meter dash and a long jump. 

When they were finished, students could choose a healthy snack such as fruit or pretzels. Then there were team building activities in the snow and a bit of hot chocolate to help warm up. 

Firefighters from Goodwin’s Mills Fire and Rescue came by to lead the students in a group exercise activity and “blow out” the school’s version of the Olympic torch by removing the yellow and orange tissue paper.

Schools competing in the Winter Games Competition earned points based on the number of students who participate in a minimum of 300 minutes of outdoor activity, healthy eating activities, incorporate physical activity and nutrition at home and participate in a winter carnival celebrating winter activity, according to information from WinterKids. Schools also had the opportunity to earn bonus points for opening and closing ceremonies, school-wide participation, collaborating with community organizations and school spirit.  

School nurse Cristal Agreste said the school has been steadily in second place, behind Alexander Elementary in Washington County. 

Of course, the school would love to win the first place prize of $5,000, but already, it’s reaped other rewards.

Through the competition, students have participated in many activities, both in and out of school. Students have embraced the competition, said Agreste. Students who wouldn’t ordinarily want their picture taken will enthusiastically agree to a photo if it’s for the competition, she said. 

Many students tried snow shoeing and cross country skiing for the first time, and loved it, said Agreste. They also learned about Harris Farm cross country ski area, which is right in Dayton. 

Many families made connections at events outside school hours, such as a snowman flash mob held on a Saturday morning. 

Students learned about healthy eating, and as a result, they and their families are eating better, said Agreste. 

Agreste said the school has received great support from the community, including donations of healthy food and posts on Facebook cheering the school on. 

Agreste said she and the staff at the school as well as many of the parents of students at the school have been so encouraged by the past month, that they plan to do a similar event next year, even without the state-wide competition, and also hold similar events in the spring and fall. 

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— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.