Our Annual Polar Plunge

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Flying Deer, 122 Daley Rd., East Chatham, NY

Thank you, Flying Deer community, for the best Polar Plunge yet!!!

We had 34 Plungers participating—including 13 youth—and together they raised more than $30,000, which will provide full and partial summer camp scholarships for over 50 children this summer. We look forward to welcoming children from the Fresh Air Fund, Volunteers in Medicine, and the Stockbridge-Munsee community, as well as from our local public school programs.

There’s still time to give!


Our Polar Plunge is an annual event! Here’s how it works:

We’re freezin’ for a reason: to accomplish a fun and exciting challenge within a supportive community, while raising funds to bring nature education to more kids around the region!

Each registered Plunger or team of Plungers will collect sponsors whose donations go toward our Financial Assistance Fund, supporting people of all ages to experience the gifts of nature connection! The donations you collect will help Flying Deer bring nature education to more children, teens, and families, on campus and through our outreach programming.

The Plunge has personal benefits as well: Immersing ourselves in cold water can teach us that we can step beyond our perceived limitations and stay calm amidst challenging conditions. Plus, it’s a fun and exciting community adventure!

How It Works

You must be at least 12 years of age or older to Plunge, and we ask that every plunger raise a minimum of $250 from your sponsors. That breaks down to 10 sponsors at $25 each or 25 people at $10 each. We know you can do it! Ask your family, friends, teachers, neighbors—everyone loves a good fundraiser for an amazing reason!

You can plunge on your own alongside lots of other Plungers, or create your own team! You can also plunge with family and friends at your own pond or creek. We will share amazing video footage of both on-site and “remote” Plunges—including fabulous costumes!—after the event. If you’re not with us on Daley Road, send us photos and a video of your costume and your Plunge!


Watch a Few of Our Brave Plungers Take the Leap!

Flying Deer Nature Center