Brave souls prepare to take the plunge to benefit YMCA

HUNTINGDON — It might be chilly outside, but Victoria Searer is fairly certainly that won’t stop dozens from braving the winter weather to take part in the fundraising event for the Juniata Valley YMCA.
The 14th Annual Juniata Valley YMCA Polar Plunge is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18, at Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon. Each year, the Polar Plunge brings together brave participants who take a chilly dip in the waters of Greenwood Lake to show their support to improving the lines of the youth of the community.
“The event is not only a fun challenge but also an important fundraiser that directly benefits YMCA youth programs and events aimed at promoting healthy living, youth development and social responsibility, said Searer, executive director at the YMCA.
“We want the YMCA to continue to be able to play a crucial role in shaping the development of youth by providing a well-rounded mix of physical, social, emotional and educational opportunities for years to come.” Searer added. “The Polar Plunge proceeds also help the YMCA to continue to provide financial support to youth in need.”
Searer stressed that the participation of plungers ensures that all youth have access to the YMCA’s resources and programs, regardless of financial barriers.
“Sarah Boyd, our program director, is doing a great job of bringing some new youth events to the YMCA.” Searer said. “She organized a Taylor Swift Party, a princess party, a superhero party and, in January, we are having a party in the pool youth night.”
When taking the plunge, participants can come dressed in a costume or simply wear swim trunks, the icy dip brings the community together for a common cause.
“Coming up with a costume each year is one of my favorite parts,” Searer said. “Year one, I was dressed in a pink shark onesie, year two I was a mermaid and last year I was the YMCA general — dressed in an army costume. I can’t wait to unveil my costume for this year.
“I want to remind people a plunge is whatever they want it to be,” Searer added. “Tippy toes to a full body submerge all count the same, so do what’s best for you.”
There are different divisions for donors: Big Dippers (ages 13 and up) and Little Dippers (ages 8 to 12). Entries in the older division are asked to donate at least $50, while the minimum donation is $25 for the younger division.
Regardless of age, plungers must wear shoes and bring a large towel or blanket to dry off. Registration begins at 12 p.m. for polar plunge. Only plungers who pre-register are guaranteed to receive a YMCA Polar Plunge t-shirt.
If $1,000 is collected in the YMCA’s donation jar at the front desk, membership director Stella Kaufman will bravely take the plunge.
“Stella has always said she would never do this, she set her amount at $1,000 because she doesn’t think we can raise it,” Searer joked. “Let’s prove her wrong and make her plunge. All donations towards Stella plunging can be sent to the YMCA with Stella’s plunge in the memo or drop some cash in the donation jar out front.”
Last year’s event had 83 participants who took the plunge. Searer hopes attendance at this year’s event breaks the century mark.
“Doing the YMCA Polar Plunge is not only a way to challenge yourself but also an opportunity to contribute to the community and have fun while making a difference,” Searer explained. The YMCA is also looking for organizations and businesses who would like to be a sponsor for the Polar Plunge.
SnowFest
The Friends of Greenwood Furnace State Park and park officials have built SnowFest around the Polar Plunge event. In the past, Snow Fest has included activities such as a five-mile trail race, beach bonfire, appearance by Smokey the Bear, live music, snowshoeing, ice fishing, broomball, bird watching as well as some indoor events such as educational and interactive exhibits about science, winter birds and bird feeders, animal furs, tracks and skills and Dutch oven cooking.
There are activities for all ages, including painting wood cookies, digging out frozen fossils and making pinecone bird feeders.
SnowFest begins at 11 a.m., with the five-mile trail race at 1 p.m., and the Polar Plunge begins at 2:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.jvymca.org or find them on Facebook.