Tamaqua and West Penn elementary students had a chance to learn about snowboarding on Friday.

Instructors from the Blue Mountain Resort made trips to both schools and went through multiple sessions during its “Shreducation” program, which is typically geared toward third- or eighth-grade students.

Three stations were set up in the gym of the Tamaqua elementary school Friday afternoon, which gave third-graders a firsthand feel of what it’s like to be on a snowboard.

“It’s not exactly the same, but it’s simulating it,” said Corey Perich, PSIA/AASI Certified Snowsports Instructor.

“All of these stations are geared more for snowboarding today, but we can modify them to do skiing as well.”

Some stations simulated balance, while some others required teamwork. In addition to Friday’s program, participants from both schools received a free session at the resort.

Timothy Burt has been instructing with Blue Mountain for 32 years. He preached “safety, fun and learning” to the students, in that order.

“It’s trying to develop a passion for whatever it is in life,” Burt said. “To try and do your best and be your best and to have fun. It’s about getting outside, to be part of life instead of doing video games and watching TV.”

Burt, like many of his colleagues on site, agreed the elementary age group is an integral one to get the students involved with winter sports.

“I started then; I didn’t want to do it after the first day,” said Burt.

“But my dad said he rented the gear for two days and that I was doing it for another day. The next day, I figured it out, and I haven’t stopped since. And it became a full-time job for me.

“I’m doing what I love and it’s important to love what you do.”