DEH CHO - As the second year of a snowshoe lending program draws to a close, its organizers are already looking forward to the next winter season.

In 2008 the Mackenzie Recreation Association purchased 20 pairs of commercial snowshoes with metal frames. The idea was to lend the snowshoes to groups that were interested in trying the sport, said Deborah Stipdonk, the association's executive director.

Cousins Maverick Simba-Canadien, 6, left, and Sadee Simba, 7, run hand in hand in Kakisa on snowshoes. The snowshoes are part of the Mackenzie Recreation Association's equipment lending program. - photo courtesy of Deborah Stipdonk

"It became immediately apparent that wasn't going to be anywhere close enough to meet the needs," Stipdonk said.

The demand for the snowshoes was so great that the organization bought another 20 pairs. In the first year, a number of groups - including Deh Gah School in Fort Providence, the Tracks and Trails Club in Fort Liard and Thomas Simpson School in Fort Simpson - took part in the program.

Interest continued to grow this winter as news spread by word of mouth.

"It really has taken off well," said Stipdonk.

This winter, sets of snowshoes went to Fort Liard, Dettah, Ndilo, Hay River, the Hay River Reserve, and Kakisa. Five different groups in Fort Simpson also borrowed pairs. The association now has 51 pairs in three different styles, including traditional and commercial, that can be borrowed.

The lending program is part of the association's mandate to encourage people to be active, said Stipdonk. Snowshoeing also fits in the association's gradual shift from youth activities to more intergenerational activities.

"We felt it was an ideal family activity," she said.

Snowshoeing requires little gear or preparation and can be done by people of all ages, said Stipdonk. By making snowshoes available, the association hopes individuals and groups will find a style that suits them and will then purchase their own. Some have already done so thanks to the program.

"There are many people who have become hooked on the sport," she said.

Some of the young enthusiasts include the students at Kakisa Lake School. Stipdonk visited Kakisa on Feb. 16 to introduce students to the basics of the sport.

Although most of the youths had never been on snowshoes before, they quickly got the hang of it and were soon running and walking in the snow around the community.

"They were just great with big smiles on their faces," said Stipdonk. She left 10 pairs at the school, which the students used every day until they were returned on March 4.

The youths always wanted to go out and walk along the different trails and beside the river, said teacher Sheila Hilliard.

"They had a ball," she said.

The lending program is great, said Hilliard, because it lets school teachers and other organizers see whether youths enjoy the snowshoes first, without having to buy them.