The choppy waves of Lake Bomoseen were measured at just under 40 degrees on the morning of March 29. A biting wind swept across the water’s surface, adding an extra chill to the already cold air and doing little to calm the nerves of the spectators gathered along the shore. 

Olivia Day and I exchanged one final, reassuring embrace before following our fellow VTSU Castleton students down the stairs into the dark water. 

Anxious and cautious steps were followed by a count to three, a brave leap, and then a rush of laughter as we sprinted toward the hot tubs to warm up again. Participants fought for a space in the warm water, trying to shake off the cold and reclaim feeling in their toes. 

“I’m honestly feeling refreshed and reset after the shock,” Day said. 

That frigid spring morning, students and local community members alike showed up to the Lake Bomoseen Lodge and Taproom in support of the Cario Shriner’s annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” fundraiser. 

The event, which invites participants to jump into freezing water for charity, supports the Shriners Children’s Hospital. The hospital provides specialized care for children, regardless of their families’ ability to pay. 

Jason Coltey has been a Shrine Mason for the past 25 years. He said charity events hosted by the Vermont Cario Shriners currently benefit 23 local hospitals. The polar plunge in particular raised funds for important procedures and treatments provided at the Shriners Children’s Hospital. 

“We’ve had worse conditions in the past,” Coltey said. “Despite the conditions this morning, we still had a great turnout which is really awesome.” 

Coltey said past plunges have occurred when the lake was still frozen over. Though this year’s event was less extreme, the experience was still a first for many, making it a significant personal challenge. 

“Without a doubt, yes,” said VTSU Castleton Student Government Association President Thomas Kehoe, when asked if it was the coldest water he’d been in. 

“I think it comes close to a cold plunge I did in January. But my body wouldn’t know the difference. Cold is cold,” Day said with a laugh. 

Safety was a priority throughout the event, with members of the Castleton Volunteer Fire Department stationed in the water, fully suited in protective gear.  

“We’ve got gear on, but even we’re still cold,” one Castleton first responder said, emphasizing the severity of the temperature. 

The event was brought to Castleton’s attention through sign-ups sponsored by the Student Government Association, and Kehoe led a group of SGA participants.

“Turnout was good. Honestly, I feel very happy with the crowd we got,” Kehoe said. “We had a lot more sign-ups than turnout, but at the end of the day, the weather was pretty bad, so I don’t blame anyone for not coming. It was electric like everybody’s been saying.” 

Though most participants were strangers at the start of the day, the shared experience of enduring the freezing waters brought everyone together quickly. 

After emerging from the lake, people huddled in the hot tubs; grateful for the warmth and bonding over the challenge they had just faced. 

“I have done cold plunges, but this one felt like it was more meaningful because I wasn’t doing it for myself. It was for a greater cause, and I got to do it with people I care about, which felt really special,” Emma Patrissi said. 

There was an overwhelming amount of gratitude that day. One community member even extended his gratitude in his offering to buy drinks for students after the event. After braving the waters of Bomoseen, participants sat in towels and hats inside the Taproom to chat. 

“Thank you to everyone that showed up today,” Coltey said, “We’re just extremely grateful.”