Boston, MA (PRWEB) February 10, 2016
As part of a new initiative called Winter Camp 2016, the Highland Street Foundation today announced that it is sponsoring complimentary ice skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond during the public school vacation week, from Monday, February 15 through Friday, February 19.
“We know that many children spend too much time in front of screens watching television and playing video games, particularly during the winter break,” said Blake Jordan, Executive Director of the Highland Street Foundation. “The goal is to get kids outside, moving, and participating in this community event.”
Highland Street is working with some of its key partners to enhance the skating experience. There will be visits throughout the week by Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Curious George and The Man With The Yellow Hat. On Tuesday, the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department will bring in a giant, inflatable snow slide and Appalachian Mountain Club will facilitate outdoor activities on Wednesday.
Many community organizations and camps are planning to take their kids on a field trip to the Frog Pond. Josh Kraft, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, said that several of the clubs will be participating: “Aside from it being great exercise and lots of fun, it offers our youth the opportunity to take part in a community-wide initiative with peers from all over the region.”
In addition to the activities on the Boston Common, Highland Street is partnering with a number of nonprofit organizations to support academic tutoring during the vacation week and provide fun and enriching opportunities including cooking classes at the Boston Public Market; special tours of the Museum of Science; and a performance of Mary Poppins at the Wheelock Family Theatre.
The Highland Street Foundation has a strong focus on education and enrichment for children during out-of-school time. This summer will mark the 8th year of Free Fun Fridays, which provides free admission to more than 70 museums, zoos, and cultural institutions around the Commonwealth. Last year, 150,000 people participated.
Ice skating will be open to the public Monday, February 15 through Friday, February 19, 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. To avoid long lines for ice skating, tickets for available time slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis each day at the Frog Pond starting at 10:00am. Skate rentals will also be free. For more information, please visit http://www.highlandstreet.org.
About Highland Street Foundation
Since 1989, the Highland Street Foundation has been committed to addressing the needs and concerns of children and families in Massachusetts. We direct our efforts to provide access and opportunities in the areas of education, housing, mentorship, health care, environment and the arts.