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CENTRAL LAKE - A group of individuals and businesses are trying to help people kick their cabin fever this weekend.

The Frozen Torch Snowshoe Race is hosting its inaugural event this Saturday, Feb. 23, which will include a 5K race, a 10K race and an opportunity for anybody to snowshoe around the property of YMCA Camp-Hayo-Went-Ha.

The event is both about being active and supporting a local cause, organizers say.

"It's about getting outside in winter and doing stuff," said Steve Kershner, director of outdoor sports at Shanty Creek. "I'm all about people enjoying winters up here because everyone thinks it's a summer only place."

All age groups and skill levels are welcome at the event and organizers are encouraging even nonsnowshoers to come out and support the people competing and enjoy the wooded property along Torch Lake in the winter.

"There's not a lot up in this area to do right now and we've got this awesome property," said Jodi Hamilton who works year-round at the YMCA camp. "It's pretty quiet out here and we wanted to do something for the Antrim County people, the locals."

And apart from having a good time and some good competition, the money raised at the event will go toward supporting youth from right here in Antrim County. All the money from this volunteer-run event will be directed into a fund for deserving children in Antrim County to go to day camp at Hayo-Went-Ha in the summer.

"Camperships" are like scholarships for camp that allow children to attend who normally wouldn't have the chance to go to camp.

"A lot of local families get the opportunity to use day camp but a lot of people don't," Hamilton said. "We would love for everybody in Antrim County to have the opportunities that are offered at camp. Kids who come to camp have an opportunity to challenge themselves, create friendships, try new things and enjoy the outdoors."

Kershner, who helps organize the Alden Run every summer and felt this was something in the winter time that would appeal to the same people, said the cause also made him want to get involved.

"We're raising money for kids to go to camp who can't afford it," he said. "I think it's a great thing to do."

Jeremy Dicks, who helped initiate the idea for the race, organizes a weekly running club, the Bellaire Hilltoppers and wanted to find more ways for people to get active in the winter.

"We came up with this concept of supporting local causes through active outdoor nature-oriented activities," Dicks said. "We wanted more events going on supporting this area and thought there wasn't enough."

Dicks added that people need healthy outlets in the winter when it's easy to get stuck inside, and the running club and this race are his way of providing that.

Nick Cassell, from Rooted to Nature in Elk Rapids, is also helping put together the event because of his interest promoting an outdoor active lifestyle.

"I have been wanting to do a snowshoe race up there for awhile," Cassell said. "I've always wanted a race further north, since the majority are in Traverse City. And it supports the camp which is a good cause."

Of course, as with most outdoor events, organizers and participants will all have their eyes on the weather and hope for a nice day with a lot of people Saturday.

"I'm hopeful competitors will show up," said Dicks, who will also be participating in the race. "I'm also hopeful people will show up for fun just to support the cause."

Pre-registration is $10 to compete in the race and $15 on race day. Prizes will be awarded in all age groups.

For more information visit www.frozentorch.com.

Hadley Robinson can be reached at hrobinson@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523.