Common Ground Outdoor Adventures wants you to go jump in the lake

The 2016 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is scheduled for January 23 at the Bear Lake State Park Marina and this year the popular event will benefit Common Ground Outdoor Adventures.

“Go Jump In The Lake” is the theme this year and the famous Polar Plunge where everyone is invited to come jump in the lake is scheduled for 12 noon according to Clint Nichols, who says he has enjoyed that experience himself.

Nichols is also Program Manager for Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, a non-profit organization that provides recreational experiences for youth and adults with disabilities.

He said there will be other events at the <a href=”http://www.bearlake.org/events/bear-lake-monster-winterfest” target=”_blank”>Monster Winterfest</a>, including a craft fair, a Chili Cook-off, and the Cisco Disco where people can get on the lake to fish for small Cisco fish.

“That starts at 6 (a.m.),” Nichols explained on <a href=”http://610kvnu.com/assets/podcaster/324/2015_12_22_324_40557_2867.mp3″ target=”_blank”>KVNU’s For the People program.</a> “I know they will have two divisions: 13 and younger, and 14 and older. From 6 (a.m.) to 2 (p.m.) you can net as many Cisco as you want. Of course you’ll need a valid fishing license.

“Then by 2 p.m. if you feel like you have the biggest Cisco fish you can bring it in and I know they’ll have awards, not only for the Cisco fishing but also for the costumes during the plunge. I believe the awards will be at 3 p.m.”

Nichols said the mission of the non-profit organization is to provide life-enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities.

He said Common Ground depends mainly on volunteers for the services it provides.

“We work a lot with the community; we work a lot with the school districts and schools,” Nichols explained. “We service a lot of day programs for older adults, up into the 60’s and 70’s. We do go to retirement homes.”

Nichols said the organization does what it can to provide outdoor opportunities for those people who would otherwise struggle to have those experiences.

“We just do a lot of fun activities. We’re outside cycling, snow shoeing, skiing, anything outdoor we are doing it,” he added. “Some things may seem daunting but the goal at Common Ground, I feel, is that we always will find a way to adapt the situation or adapt the equipment to make it work for that individual.”

Nichols said he is excited about the fact that Common Ground Outdoor Adventures will be a benefactor for the Bear Lake Monster Winterfest. For more information on Common Ground, and ways to contribute financially to the organization, call 753-0028.

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