Programs
Jackrabbit
Hello Cross country ski enthusiasts. The Wostawea Cross Country Ski Club is the home of the Jackrabbit ski program in the Fredericton area. The Jackrabbit program is a nationally developed program designed to enable children to experience the full rewards of cross country skiing. Children are taught the basics of techniques supplemented with related games and activities such as time trials. They also experience all the benefits of a healthy, lifelong outdoors family activity that was so well promoted by the person that introduced Cross Country skiing to Canada - Chief Jackrabbit himself.
Who can join? Any child between the ages of 5 and 12 can become a Jackrabbit. The Jackrabbit Skill Development Program is comprised of three levels or stages- Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit and Track Attack. The overall objective of the program is to assist children in the development of a love of the outdoors, a healthy lifestyle, excellent technical skills and a good level of physical fitness within a sport environment.
The Bunnyrabbit Program is directed at children in the “Active Start” stage of the development (children five years of age and younger). Program materials include an enrolment kit, a kid-friendly, age-appropriate booklet and skill award stickers. The objective of the new program is to introduce cross-country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it through organized activity and active play.
The Jackrabbit Program, which is directed at skiers in the “FUNdamentals” stage of development (children six to nine years of age) is the second level of the new program. Program materials include an enrolment kit, an age appropriate booklet that provides a comprehensive record of the young skier’s ski career and “technique” and “program” award stickers to chart the different levels of achievement. The objective is for children to learn basic cross-country ski skills (both classic and skating) and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health.
Track Attack
The Track Attack Program, which is designed at skiers in the “Learning to Train” stage of development (skiers ten to twelve years of age) is the third level of the new program. Program materials include a program-specific enrolment kit, an age appropriate booklet and coaching materials specific to this stage in the skier development progression. The objective is for the participants to become technically competent cross-country skiers and to utilize those skills to explore a wide range of cross-country ski activities, from backcountry excursions to ski tournaments.
If you are over 13 but still want to learn to ski, no need to feel left out. We have a growing group of jackrabbit graduates who are involved in our Arctic Hares program, loppet ski events, and other club activities volunteers are always needed to help group leaders.
Arctic Hares - Racing Program
Arctic Hares is for skiers who have completed 3 years in Track Attack and are 13 or older. The purpose of Arctic Hares is to provide a skiing group for skiers over 13 who want to ski longer distances and perfect their technique in both skating and classic so they can ski faster and more efficiently. At the end of 2009 season we asked some of the older Track Attack skiers what they wanted for the upcoming year. Their comments were: To ski in a group; to play games; to have SNACKS; To have fun; To ski fast; Go for longer ski outings. Most said they did not want to race. Based on this, and on the fact that there are a few other young people in the club who want to race but do not have a racing team, we can up with the following plan for Arctic Hares. We hope this will help young people continue to have fun skiing experiences.
Arctic Hares will meet 3 times a week: Saturday mornings for a long distance ski, technique and games; Monday evening at 6PM for a ski and technique; Wednesday evenings at 6PM for "fun, unofficial" club sprints. Although it may not be possible for all the Arctic Hare members to attend the three weekly sessions, they will be encouraged to attend whatever sessions fit their schedules. It would be particularly important that those interested in racing to attend as many sessions as possible. Arctic Hares is not officially a racing team, but will provide training opportunities and encouragement to young people within the club who wish to race. A coach or parent from Arctic Hares will accompany skiers interested in racing to the provincial races. Perhaps when others see their skiing friends enjoying going to competitions, more of the Arctic Hare members will become interested in racing. Skiers in Track Attack and Jackrabbits can also attend the provincial races if they wish. A parent would have to accompany younger skiers to races. The first session of Arctic Hares will be held at Odell Park at the same time as Jackrabbits and Track Attack. Future Saturday sessions will most likely be held at the UNB Woodlot.
Adult Program
Adult ski instruction will be available again this year in both classic and freestyle traditions.
Saturday mornings at Odell Park Lodge starting at 9:30 am, right after the start of the Jack Rabbits.
Saturday Morning Canteen
The Wostawea Saturday Morning Canteen Volunteer list is posted below. Thank you all for signing up as this is truly a highlight of Saturday morning for skiers of all ages! If you have any questions or would like to make a change, please contact Mary Luiker at maer@nb.sympatico.ca or 455-5553. Mary will be there first thing on Saturday to look out the supplies and for any questions you may have.
Two people a week volunteer to bake, or purchase, refreshments for 100 odd skiers (e.g., banana bread, cookies, mini muffins, cut-up oranges or apples) and to make the hot chocolate, serve and clean up afterwards.
The Wostawea canteen uses Styrofoam cups and paper napkins but welcomes skiers to bring their own non-disposable receptacles. (There's a sink in the canteen for a quick rinse afterwards.) We also encourage skiers to re-use our cups and napkins when returning for "seconds."
Details
| Where: | Ski sessions are held in front of Odell Park Lodge, Frederiction. As well, there will be one session held at Killarney Lake |
| When: | Saturday mornings, 9:30 to 11:30 am (with a hot chocolate break), January to March |
| Registration | Please use online registration Zone 4 - Wostawea ONline Registration or For those who prefer to mail in their registration, the club address is: Wostawea X-Country Ski Club, PO Box 3162, Sta. B, Fred. NB E3A 5G9 |
| Contact: | Eric Luiker (Jackrabbit Program Co-ordinator) (506) 455-5553 maer@nb.sympatico.ca |
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