In each issue of the Bulletin, we will turn the spotlight on one of our nine Regional programs. These regional groups were established by people who were inspired to recreate their own SFL experiences in a more local and intimate setting. It is our hope that you will enjoy their stories, and that you will support them in their efforts.
In this issue, we travel eastward to visit the Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Ski for Light.
Have you ever skied for a week with no tracks? Made a snow angel? Played indoor shuffleboard with sighted people in blindfolds? Have you ever gone tandem biking, kayaking, swimming, horseback riding and yoga, all in the same day? If you can answer yes, you may have been one of the lucky ones to attend a program at the Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Ski for Light. NEPA, as it is called, is the second oldest regional affiliate, founded in 1976. It actually began as a summer program, which is still going strong. That program, now known as Sports for Health, draws participants from all around the country. This is a weeklong program, which includes a host of activities, many already mentioned. Each day, participants decide how much they wish to do, and they are then matched with the appropriate people. For instance, over the last couple of years, one person designated himself the captain of the tandem, and anyone who wanted to cycle was paired with him for a few hours at a time. The week concludes with a "fun run" rally, actually held before breakfast; now, that's commitment!
The winter event is much more easygoing, according to Bjorg Dunlop. Skiing here may not produce the huge adrenaline rush brought on by big hills, but it will challenge and improve basic technique. Skiers take off right from the lodge, and ski on wide trails with no tracks. One skier, Jay Kronfeld reports that he became a much better skier after his week there. For those who want a break from skiing, there are plenty of opportunities for playing in the snow, including snowshoeing, toboganning and sledding, and yes, making snow angels. Word is that the snow is usually fairly good and consistent, but the Event is never canceled, no matter the conditions. The event attracts all levels of folks, from those who just enjoy the company but no longer ski, to an experienced guide who was so enthralled that she followed up by going to Norway to guide for a member of the SFL contingent.
Both the summer and winter programs are held at the Land of the Vikings in Sherman, PA. This is a rustic lodge owned by the Sons of Norway. Some of its features include a bar built by an old Norwegian boatbuilder to look like a Viking ship, buffet-style home-cooked meals, a cozy fireplace, and lots of games and evening fun. One of the more popular is the indoor shuffleboard, during which the sighted guides are indeed blindfolded.
NEPA offers people a chance to enjoy a variety of fitness activities in the summer, skiing as many people practice it during the winter, and, according to Bjorg Dunlop, the chance to spend time with some incredibly great people! For more information about NEPA, you may contact Bjorg at bjorgmd@aol.com.
For more specific information about this summer's program, see the Regional Round-Up below, or contact Allison Holder at sports4health@aol.com.
The land of the Vikings is not as far away as you might have thought!