Registration for the winter recreation program at Summit County elementary schools is down from years past, which could be due to a new after-school format as opposed to the former program's in-school hours.

There is over 200 kids registered for the SOS version, which has already started up for a few elementary schools. Outreach winter recreation coordinator Rolando Cuadrado isn't sure about exact numbers for past years, but since it took place during class time, he said it included almost every elementary student.  “We didn't really know what to expect going in because this has been the first year it's not during the school day,” Cuadrado said. “There's a lot less than years past, but it's a whole different program.”

Cuadrado said he's heard great feedback from participating parents so far, who are happy SOS was able to pick up the pieces after Summit County School District announced the elimination of its version last September. Many parents expressed interest in the new program, “but maybe the schedule didn't work.”

The district version offered three half-days of snowshoe, cross-country ski, alpine ski and snowboarding, ice skating and swimming activities to elementary school students, with activities differing by grade. The SOS version is similar, but takes place after-school, on weekends, and during winter break.