BLACK CREEK TOWNSHIP -- There were a lot of smiles on the slopes from dozens of special kids on Friday.
Hazleton Area School District took 80 special education students to Eagle Rock Resort for what they call the Winter Olympics.
It's a day out of school for them but we found it's a day of learning for some college students.
It was some frigid fun at Eagle Rock Resort: 80 special education students treated to a special day tubing down the slope. It's the sixth year Hazleton Area School District has brought these boys and girls outside for some winter thrills.
"It's (fun) because I go down the race!" said David.
"We're just as excited. All day waiting for them to get here, it's like a birthday party!" said Leslie McDermott of the Hazleton Area School District.
But there are a lot of logistics that go into making this day on the snow a success and Misericordia University occupational therapy students help with that.
"I'm having just as much fun as the kids are. It's just a great experience for everyone to be out here having fun," said Misericordia student Jess Gardiner.
These students learn in class how to interact with those having special needs. Here they get to do it firsthand.
"And I'm getting a pediatric certification so this is right up my alley!" said Misericordia student Kate Pagnotta.
They even came back from spring break early to help.
"It's definitely worth it, definitely worth it. If you just look around and see their smiles, it's always worth it," Pagnotta added.
"If we didn't have that youth and that energy, and that staff and manpower we would never be able to pull that off," said McDermott.
Not only did Eagle Rock donate all the facilities for the fun, but volunteers made sure all the boys and girls had the hats, gloves, and coats they needed to stay warm.
"Just to see all the smiles melts our hearts. We're glad we're part of it," said Eagle Rock employee Glenna Hart.
This is the fourth time for this slip sliding event at Eagle Rock Resort. It's pretty clear everyone involved looks forward to it.
"My brother is special needs," Hart said. "When he was younger, I kind of wish a resort did this for him."