CWC Chilly Challenge

• 10am buses leave UMASS Haigis mall (if needed)
• 10:15am – 10:45am Event Check-In at Puffers Pond
• 10:45am Pictures
• 11am Plunge Time!
• 11:15am-12pm Chili, Hot Cider and Games
• 12pm Buses return to campus 

We encourage people to register (with a donation) to attend, even if they just want to dip a toe or stand on the shore to cheer you on.  Friends and family are welcome to sign in at our registration table if they don't do it in advance.  There are games to play, a DJ, and food to eat for all.  

Fundraising beyond your registration fee is optional but makes a real difference!  Every dollar raised goes toward supporting survivors and preventing violence in our community.  Our Fundraising Toolkit makes it easy to set up a page, share, and rally friends and family behind your plunge.  Even a small fundraising goal adds up when our whole community gets involved.     

Beyond your adventurous spirit, pack a towel, water shoes if you want them, warm dry clothes, and a bag for your wet items. 

Yes, heated shared changing tents are available along with large porta potties for individual changing.

Warm chili and warm drinks are provided.  Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

There are designated accessible parking spaces and a specific short wheelchair-accessible path at the south beach area designed for visitors with limited mobility.

 Parking is available along State Street on the right-hand side of the road leading up to the Pond.  There are additional spaces past the pond entrance by the entrance to the Robert Frost Trail.  Overflow parking is available at the Mill River Conservation area, a short walk from the pond.

Emergency personnel and lifeguards will be present for the entirety of the event.

In the event of severe or unsafe weather, the plunge may be postponed or cancelled for participant safety.  This will be noted on our website, and an email will be sent to all registered participants by Friday, November 13 at noon.  All registration fees and donations will be retained by CWC and applied towards free services provided to Hampshire County.

The water is tested by the Town of Amherst, and it has been consistently safe by this time in the fall. Puffers Pond is safe to swim unless there are active warnings.