A children’s Nordic program that saw significant growth in participation numbers returns for the 2014/15 season. The Sun Peaks Nordic Club’s Jackrabbit program began with just nine participants, growing to 25 in its second year, and the club is hoping some new equipment will inflate those numbers further.
“We’re very fortunate to have obtained a Blazer’s Foundation grant that allowed us to purchase ski equipment — 50 sets of classic skis and 50 sets of skis for skating, along with poles and boots,” explains Phil Youwe, head coach of the Jackrabbits program and director with the Nordic club. “That means, for kids that want to try the program we now have the opportunity to work up a rental agreement with them, as part of their fee for the program.”
The Nordic club members and coaches are excited about the advances within the Nordic realm in Sun Peaks and are looking to get younger generations involved from an early age.
“Parents (who enroll their children in the program) can expect their kids to have fun on snow, and gain skills and confidence on skis,” says Anise Barton, Jackrabbits coach. “The main philosophy of our program is that cross-country skiing is a sport for life, meaning, we hope to give kids the skills and enthusiasm to continue skiing throughout their lives.”
It’s not just the children who are encouraged to get involved in the program. Youwe says “it’s critical” that parents are involved in the program, to help promote the physical activity and keep children engaged.
“There’s a great sense of community in our program. Every week, families take turns bringing snacks for the kids for the end of lessons. The kids all congregate and socialize in the Nordic hut for about half an hour after lessons,” adds Barton.
The additional equipment is not all the Nordic club is grateful for either.
“Right now the club doesn’t have a facility so we’re very appreciative to Sun Peaks Resort Corporation for allowing us to use the Nordic Centre facility to run the program out of,” says Youwe.
The Jackrabbits program will offered on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon during the winter season. Lessons for Bunnies (ages four and five) are 45 minutes, Rabbits (ages six to nine) are 90 minutes and Track Attack (ages 10 to 12) are two hours.
“The eight week program starts in early December, we’ll have some information available in the fall for registration through the Sun Peaks Nordic Club’s website,” says Youwe. “We do require people that enter the program to be members of the club as well.”
The Nordic club is seeking a parent volunteer to act as coordinator of the Jackrabbits program.
Visit the Sun Peaks Nordic Club webpage for more information.
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