Plunge participants take a dip in Hampton Ponds to raise funds for the Amelia Park Children’s Museum.
Plunge participants take a dip in Hampton Ponds to raise funds for the Amelia Park Children’s Museum. Enjoy the thrill of the big chill while knowing you are contributing to the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year! “Penguins” solicit donations from family, friends and local businesses in order to take the plunge.
Incentive prizes for money raised and awards are given in a number of categories.
-OR- Download your registration form and pledge sheet using the button above. Fill out the registration form and either email it to plunge@ameliaparkmuseum.org or print it out and mail it back! Pledge form is included in download, Plungers will need this form to collect their pledges.
IMPORTANT: Download the form and fill it out using Adobe Reader to submit via email. Trying to fill out the form using a different PDF viewer and submitting the form through your web browser may cause errors during transmission.
Get all the info you need to know here and review this entire page for answers to all your questions. Still have some? Call the Amelia Park Children's Museum at (413) 572-4014
Kids under 18 can plunge with a signed waiver from a parent/guardian and the parent needs to be present at the event.
Pre-Registration Required For All Plungers.
A: Individual Plungers need to raise at least $75. Participants raising higher amounts are eligible for greater incentives.
A: Any money you have on-hand should be turned in at the Registration area on Plunge Day. This includes cash, checks, and money orders.
A: We have a variety of prizes and awards!
A: We do not have any depth requirements for the Plunge. Instead, we leave it up to the comfort level of the individual participant. Some choose to go all the way under, while others go ankle-deep and then go home. They are all Plungers in our book!
A: While we do not have any age restrictions, participants under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Over the years, many young children have participated quite safely and we defer to the parents on what makes the most sense for their family. Remember, Plunging can mean dipping a hand or a big toe, which is plenty of cold water for a little one!
A: For the comfort of our Plungers, we provide large heated changing tents for Men and Women. These are located on the beach, just outside of the Plunge Zone, providing easy access to them immediately post-Plunge. Please note that neither the event committee nor Amelia Park Children’s Museum are responsible for personal belongings left inside the tent that are lost or stolen during the course of the event. Leave items at your own risk.
A: Pretty much whatever you want, within the following guidelines: Wearing shoes is strongly encouraged – the sand is very cold and this will go a long way towards increasing your comfort Costumes are encouraged for the contest, but discouraged for the actual Plunge as bulky materials can be dangerous (just ask Sponge Bob!) to the wearer. The costume contest is held before the Plunge in order to allow participants to look their best! Lewd or indecent bathing suits or outfits are not permitted. Please remember that this is a family event. Participants who disregard this policy will be asked to cover up, or will be escorted from the park.
A: The most fun you’ll ever have at the beach in January! You should expect a very large crowd and lots of energy. If you haven’t already picked up your Plunge packet, you will generally want to head directly to the Registration tent to get your t-shirt. Then, depending on what time you are. You should listen for announcements about when to change and get ready, which occur an estimated 15-20 before each of the scheduled Plunge times.
A: Checks should be made out to Amelia Park Children’s Museum, which can also be abbreviated as “APCM”. Please include in the memo area of the check the Plunger’s name or the name of the team that is to be credited.
A: Donations to the Plunge are accepted at any time of the year, and simply need to be mailed or delivered to: Amelia Park Children’s Museum 29 South Broad Street, P.O. Box 931, Westfield, MA 01085. Please be sure that the name of the individual or team that the donations should be credited to is clearly indicated.
A: In every case that we have ever been asked this, Plunge participants find that their donors still want their contribution to go to APCM so we encourage you to send the money in. Donations to the Plunge are accepted at any time of the year, and simply need to be mailed or delivered to: Amelia Park Children’s Museum, 29 South Broad Street, P.O. Box 931, Westfield, MA 01085. Please be sure that the name of the individual or team that the donations should be credited to is clearly indicated.
A: All donations should be turned in at Registration, even if you already went through Packet Pick-Up. A registration volunteer will collect the additional funds and that amount will be added to your event total post-Plunge. Should there be a line at Registration, please look for one of the Volunteers, as they will be happy to assist in collecting your donations.
A: Charitable contributions are non-refundable, and the minimum Plunge registration fee is considered a charitable contribution and is therefore also non-refundable.
A: Yes! See link at the top and bottom of this page.
A: Teams are not required to raise any specific amount; however, every team member still must raise a minimum of $75.
A: All Plungers must fund-raise individually. However, we are aware that in some cases a family member or a company will issue one check that is intended to cover multiple team members, but will just use the team name. You can help us to avoid this by asking donors to indicate in advance exactly who they are sponsoring and in what amounts.
A: Parking is free at Hampton Ponds. In the event that we need more space parking is available at Hampton Ponds shopping center, towards the back (away from businesses).
APCM provides an enriching environment where children and their families can learn about themselves, their communities, and the world around them. Integrated throughout the museum is a broad range of creative exhibits and imaginative hands-on activities, which foster a climate of learning and exploration. Central to the museum's philosophy is that children can learn through the arts, history, science, and the region's rich environmental and cultural diversity.
