In order to help get kids and families outside having fun in the snow, Midcoast Conservancy is partnering with the Outdoor Sports Institute to provide affordable cross country ski equipment to local kids ages kindergarten through eighth grade. Families can lease high quality skis, boots, and poles through Midcoast Conservancy for the entire winter. Each child will get sized for the gear and then take it home for the season so they can ski on great equipment wherever, whenever they want.

The first fit session is Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; a second will be held Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 4-7:30 p.m. Both will be at the CLC YMCA in Damariscotta

The child who will use the skis must be present. The ski lease package is $65 per participant. Any questions about the ski lease program can be directed to Andy, andyb@midcoastconservany.org; details are online at midcoastconservancy.org/events.

In addition, Midcoast Conservancy will hold the annual Kids XC-Ski Clinic for kids ages 5-12 for six weeks, from Jan. 5 to Feb. 9, 9:30-11 a.m. at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson. The clinic is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain confidence and enjoy HVNC’s trails. Instructors use fun, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having fun each week. For more information or to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/6-week-youth-cross-country-ski-clinic/.Call (207) 389-5150 with any questions, and think snow!