Youth

This section of the website provides information for youth, teachers, skiers and, leaders, on a variety of programs that are the starting point for youth and youth leaders into the sport. Please click on the links in the list below to read more about the corresponding section.

Introduction
Youth Programs Committee
CCS Youth Skills Development Programs
Bunnyrabbits
Jackrabbits
Track Attack
Youth Program Leaders Courses
Youth Registration 2004-05
Youth Program Materials
Volunteer Leader Pins
Field Staff Workers
Ski Fit North

Introduction

Cross Country Canada (CCC) is responsible for the development of the national program for youth . CCC began revising the Youth Skill Development Program (YSDP) and programmers manual in 1998. 2002/03 was the first season that the new program was implemented in Saskatchewan. All Saskatchewan programs are administered and coordinated by Cross Country Saskatchewan (CCS).

The YDSP is a program for groups (communities or schools) which have access to, or own cross country skis.

CCS continues to encourage a partnership with Saskatchewan retailers to provide rental skis to groups that do not have equipment.

CCS can assist in the development of skiing clubs by:

• Providing leader and coach training
• including your youth events on the CCS Event calendar
• making recommendations on group/club development
• technical training
• registered CCS ski clubs can apply for a Membership Assistance Program (MAP) grant to help offset expenses associated with running your YSDP. This grant is through SASKI
  

Youth Programs Committee

The Youth Programs Committee is a volunteer committee headed by the Youth Programs Director who is elected by the general membership of CCS to the Board of Directors. The Committee was established to obtain a more clear understanding of the needs expressed by the members of cross country skiing Youth Programs within the province, and therefore allow CCS to better meet those needs.

If you would like to discuss the YSDP currently in place in Saskatchewan, or have any ideas to improve the programs in the province, please contact:

Youth Programs Director:
Cindy Potter
Esterhazy h 745-6235
E-mail: pottercl@hotmail.com

CCS Youth Skills Development Programs

The program is comprised of three levels or stages –Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit and Track Attack. . These three steps provide a progression of opportunities for Canadian youth to move through the continuum of the sport in accordance with their abilities, skills and desires. 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.

Bunnyrabbits
The Bunnyrabbit level of the SDP is aimed at children 5 years of age and younger (U-6). The objective is to introduce them to cross-country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it.
In addition, it is designed to:

• Help the child develop a positive self-image
• Be fun
• Provide the child an opportunity to make ski-friends
• Develop their skills
  
  • Help the child develop an awareness and appreciation of our natural environment

The child will be awarded a bunnyprint sticker for each skill learned and then receive their Bunnyrabbit sticker when all 5 have skills are complete.

Fun-filled games and activities will work to share your enthusiasm for cross country skiing with younger skiers, this section is important to all club youth programs. Technique emphasis is balance on skis.

Jackrabbit
The Jackrabbit level is aimed at children 6 to 9 years of age (U-10). In the sport of cross-country skiing three important aspects need to be developed: technique, fitness and speed. This step in the SDP has an award system to help children keep track of their progress. The awards are:

• Technique Awards (Levels 1-5)
• Program Awards:
  • Beckie Scott ‘Sprint’ Award: speed (5 levels)
  • Richard Weber ‘Snow Goal’ Award: time on snow (5 goals)
  • Pierre Harvey ‘Hat Trick’ Award: technique ,speed and time on snow (5 levels)

The program provides children with a fun-filled introduction to xc skiing through participation, cooperative games, and light competitive experience with an emphasis on technique, fitness, and speed. Whether continuing from the Bunny program or just beginning to ski, the Jackrabbit program accommodates all. Jackrabbit ages range from about 6 to 9 years, and under the guidance of a leader, skiers progress though a series of sticker awards for technique, speed and time on snow. As the skier develops, there is more emphasis on learning skiing skills and through the staging of special events the child is given the opportunity to compete. There are many special activities for skiers to participate at their own level of interest and expertise.

Jackrabbit sessions are typically delivered by xc ski clubs or schools as extra-curricular activities. The program offers family and community involvement and promotes xc skiing as a lifetime activity. The most successful groups are not limited to winter activities but continue throughout summer with camping, canoeing, xc running or other forms of recreation.

Track Attack

The Track Attack Program, which is directed at youth 10 to 13 years of age, is the third and final step in the SDP progression. This program is under development, with piloting of aspects of the program scheduled for the 2004-05 season.

Until this new program is fully implemented we encourage clubs to include youth in this age/ ability group into their Jackrabbit program. They can continue to develop their technical skill, fitness and speed . This is a great age to consider competitive skiing .If you need assistance with that contact our Coaching and Officials director or Competition Director regarding coaching courses and racing opportunities.

Youth Program Leaders Courses

To ensure quality instruction for these new and novice skiers CCS encourages all leaders to become certified. CCS offers Introduction to Community Coach, and Community Coach clinics as part of the CBET coaching system. Once you have taken the CBET course you will receive the Leader’s manual , which is a valuable tool in teaching our youth skiers. Level 1 NCCP coaches and higher will need to update to the new CBET model as the conversion to the new system continues. Those requiring certification should contact our Coaching and Officials Director for more information

Youth Registration

All youth registered in CCS skill development programs receive special SDP enrollment kits. In the past, the kits have contained items such as a CCC toque or a black ball cap with a CCC logo and the embroidered statement “Cross Country Kicks”. Skills development Leaders need to ask participants to sign up by Oct 30th. At that time you should send CCS an order form stating how many Bunnys, Jackrabbits and Track Attack members you expect and what program materials you anticipate needing. We realize that other will join when snow arrives , but for the sake of ordering supplies, we need to have rough numbers.

SDP enrolment kits, for all registered participants are paid for by CCS. Program booklets, award stickers and other program related materials can be ordered from CCS and are paid for by the club.

All youth skiers, leaders, and youth program coordinators must be members of your ski club and listed on your club membership submitted to CCS to receive either the enrollment kit or program materials.

Youth Program Materials

All Youth Program supplies can be obtained from the Cross Country Saskatchewan office in Regina. A Programmers Guidebook can be downloaded free from the CCC website. Go to www.cccski.com. Find it in the programs page under youth and then on the notice board. It has a lot of helpful information on starting and running a Youth Skills Development Program.

• Youth supplies are only available to CCS registered ski clubs and in quantities supported by club memberships.
• All completed forms should be sent to the CCS office.
• Receipts are issued by Cross Country Saskatchewan upon request only, unless paid by cash.
• All supplies will be sent by Canada Post and you will be responsible for the postage. If you need your order to be sent by bus or courier, the order will be sent collect.
• Orders will be processed as soon as they are received. If part of the order is unavailable, the item(s) will be back ordered unless requested otherwise. Please note that CCS does not keep a large stockpile of supplies. If you indicate what you think you will need in late fall we should be able to ship them promptly.
• NO telephone orders please!
• Refunds or credits are given only if there is something wrong with your order as CCS must order and pay for supplies from CCC in advance as well.

There are no taxes added to CLUB orders. Your club will be invoiced for the order, plus postage.

Volunteer Leader Pins

All Ski League Coordinators, Leaders, Coaches, and Volunteers deserve to be recognized for their contribution to their group, club and sport! 1, 3, and 5 year pins Leader pins are also available.

Contact the Cross Country Saskatchewan office to order.

Field Staff Workers
Technically certified, enthusiastic, and experienced field staff (skiers and instructors) work with the Youth Programs Director throughout the province to provide clubs and schools/community groups with technical and developmental support.

Field staff are there to represent CCS in the classroom and on the ski trail.

They:

• provide” Introduction to skiing” clinics to schools and potential ski clubs.
• promote the establishment of Youth programs in existing ski clubs.
• promote the formation of clubs and Youth programs to communities and schools by helping adults, parents, and teachers with clinics and information regarding services available from CCS.

They are not there to run your SDP or train your leaders.
They are there to help” kick start” your efforts in getting a club or club program going.
There will be a limit on how many times a club can access this service.

Field Staff work throughout the province to promote cross country skiing, Cross Country Saskatchewan, and the development of ski clubs and youth programs.
There is no cost for Field Staff working with registered clubs.
There is a fee if the request did not come from a registered club.
Field staff are scheduled on a first come first served basis, but the goal is to help as many interested groups and new or expanding clubs as possible . Please contact CCS ASAP if you are interested in booking field staff workers .

Ski Fit North

The Ski Fit North Program was first developed in 1989 as a means to promote and develop the health, lifestyle, sport and culture of Cross Country Skiing in northern Saskatchewan communities through school and community-based ski clubs. Now past its 15th season, the program continues to work in partnership with Cross Country Saskatchewan and other sponsors to achieve this goal.
The Ski Fit North Program directs its energies towards youth, where cross country skiing is part of the school curriculum in northern Saskatchewan. The Ski Fit North program is actively supported by teachers in northern communities and ignited by the ever-enthusiastic field workers. It is a program of the Northern Recreation Coordinating Committee. Each year, an average of 2500 students participated in Ski Fit North activities.

A staple on the Ski Fit North Calendar is the Great Northern Ski Quest Loppet Series. These loppets are enthusiastically supported by northern communities, and are a focal point of the season for young skiers, with schools making pilgrimages to ski on trails outside their communities, meet new friends and renew old friendships along the way.

The School Championships, which introduced more of a competitive component to the program, is held annually in La Ronge. An event that attracts more than 250 youth skiers and teachers every year, the School Championships grow every season attracting groups from northern communities. Mark your calendar for your school or Jackrabbit Club to come have some fun at this year's event!
Keep having fun, and the kids will Keep On Skiing!

Cross Country Saskatchewan
1860 Lorne Street, Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2L7
Phone: (306) 780-9240 • Fax: (306) 781-6021
Email: ccs@sasktel.net