The Polar Plunge is Sunday, February 15, 1:00–3:00 pm! When you donate, you'll get a link to the livestream so you can watch your Plunger take the leap! Watch for the link on Sunday morning.

Flying Deer Nature Center (FDNC) is a nonprofit wilderness school and community dedicated to mentoring children, youth, adults, and families in deep connection to nature, self, and others. Flying Deer serves over 2,000 students every year in programs that help children and adults develop a deep connection to the natural world within a supportive community setting. Our curriculum builds individual’s problem-solving skills, capacity for teamwork, stress resilience, and mental and physical health, while fostering children to become knowledgeable stewards of the earth.

Our Annual Polar Plunge offers participants a change to stretch their comfort zones and embrace winter while raising thousands of financial assistance dollars! 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—on campus and through our outreach programming.

Plungers must be 12 years of age or older to Plunge, and we ask that every plunger raise a minimum of $250 from sponsors. Donor support empowers the brave plungers as they step onto the ice, and also provides hours of uplifting educational programming for children.

The Plunge is a fun and exciting community adventure, and it also has personal benefits for each participant. Immersing ourselves in cold water can teach us that we're able to step beyond our perceived limitations and stay calm even in challenging conditions. Come experience the thrill of the chill!

Polar Plunge 2026

Freezin' for a Reason!

Team Members