Meadowbrook and Greenbriar 5^th-graders spent a morning this week on the ice at Chicago Curling Club in Northbrook learning the techniques and rules of curling. The field trip’s goal is to expose students to new recreational opportunities to help develop healthful, active lifestyles.

“Some kids were a little apprehensive about it. Within 5 to 10 minutes they were on the ice having fun, which is what we love,” said P.E. teacher Tom Rosenbaum.

Three-generation Chicago Curling Club member Karrie Gottschild helped coordinate volunteers from the club to help the students learn the game. “The greatest thing about curling is that it’s a super-equalizing sport… you can be competitive against somebody of a completely different size, gender and age. It’s about balance, thinking through and problem-solving as a team.  A curling team is one big athlete – four people working as one. The club has leagues for all ages and competes regionally and nationally,” she said.

“I never stood on ice and it was a little hard to control, but I got used to it eventually. It is very fun,” said 5^th grader Stella Kuperman.

 “It was different than what I expected…The (rocks) are heavy and it’s harder to push off with them,” said Riley Gencik, also a 5^th-grader.

Three-generation Chicago Curling Club member and volunteer Karrie Gottschild works with a group of 5^th-graders from Meadowbrook School in Northbrook, on technique moving the ‘stone’ down the ice during a field trip Dec. 6.