Jackrabbit Jabber
December 2009
First Day of Jackrabbit is
January 2!!! The program runs until
March 6. No Jackrabbit February 14
(Family Day Long Weekend).
The Program
The
Jackrabbit program was developed by Cross-Country Canada to teach young skiers the
basic techniques to become confident skiers. The participants learn skiing skills
through games and activities on skis with their friends. It is important
to emphasize that skiing as far as possible each Saturday is not the focus of
the Jackrabbit program. Please
encourage your child to save their “distance skiing” for times other than
Jackrabbit. The bunnies (5 years of
age and younger) and rabbits (ages 6 to 12) are placed in classes according to
their ability, speed, endurance and age. The whole idea of the program is to give
kids a chance to have fun outside in the winter. Sometimes, a child might be placed in a level above or below
where they should be skill-wise, in order to be with friends or other kids
their age – we don’t get it right all the time so don’t hesitate to talk to the
leader to consider a switch if you think it would help. Concerns or comments? Call Graham Poole 378-1963.
Gear Fit
Children
learning to ski must be properly dressed and equipped for cross country skiing. Inappropriate
equipment and clothing can make a class miserable for a child. The equipment must fit properly (especially
the boots) so that the child is comfortable while skiing.
Bunnies
and Level 1 skiers can use waxless skis. They are durable, inexpensive, and
are widely available. For many of the children this type of ski will
suffice for the season. The pattern on the base can help on a climb but
this resistance also reduces the speed, and glide on both flat and downhill
terrain. For new Bunnyrabbits (4-5yrs.)
and beginner Jackrabbits (6-7 yrs.) the skis should be as tall as the
child. Once the child has developed some skill and comfort with skis on
his/her feet, you can obtain properly sized skis for him/her. Jackrabbits (ages 7-12 yrs.) should have classic
or combi skis for levels 2 and 3, waxable being better than waxless. Skating technique is introduced at level 3
and developed more thoroughly in level 4.
Skate skis or combi skis would be more appropriate at those levels.
All
of the above are guidelines, but don’t sweat it if your child’s gear fits a
little bit differently. If you are not
sure, call a leader for advice or talk to the local ski shop in Parry
Sound. Until your child becomes really
keen, it is not necessary to have fancy stuff, but it should be comfortable.
Clothing, Snacks &
Water
Young
Bunnies and younger, slower Jackrabbits (4 to 6 years old) should wear a full
snowsuit, as they don’t move fast enough to generate excess body heat. Their
Leaders and parents should dress warmly as well. As children become more
energetic and skilled, they need to be dressed in such a way that allows excess
heat and moisture to dissipate away from the body. Dressing in layers is recommended. Layers can be removed or
replaced at will, even while on an outing.
The layer next to the skin should be made from a material that keeps
moisture and perspiration away from the skin and retains its insulating
qualities when wet. If possible, you should avoid cotton!
Kids should arrive well fed and having had a reasonable
amount of fluids. Send along some small
snacks to enjoy through the morning as well as a water bottle. If you are joining your child’s group, you
may want to use a backpack to carry snacks, drinks, and extra clothes. You may want to think about wax and a
scraper as well.
Jackrabbit Distance Club
This is a great way to motivate your child to ski more than just
on Saturday mornings. Fill out a form
in the Burrow and help your child record every kilometer that they ski,
regardless of where it is done. At the
end of the season, every skier is acknowledged for their accomplishment, and
there are prizes for every participant in the distance club. Last season we skied a total distance of almost 5000 kms. This year, we will try to go even farther!
Come out and help us reach our goal!
“Pre-teen”
Skiers
We will continue the program called “Track Attack” for older and
more experienced Jackrabbit skiers (ages 10 to 13+). We will offer it this year for kids who wish to ski for fun and
improve their technique to become more competent recreational skiers, or for kids who wish to learn to train for
competition and be part of the Georgian
Nordic Racing Rabbits.
Role of
Parent or Guardian
The
primary goal of our Jackrabbit/Bunnyrabbit program is to have a positive skiing
experience for each child at all times, with both parent(s) and leader(s)
working together to achieve this goal. Parental support is
necessary to create a successful program and enthusiastic ‘rabbits’. The
roles of parents include:
-
Provide
(rent/buy) appropriate and properly fitting equipment and clothing for
cross-country skiing. (We have a hand out on ski equipment and clothing
if you need it)
-
ARRIVE
ON TIME!!!!
Arrange to arrive at Georgian Nordic 10 minutes before the class begins.
This will give you enough time to unload your vehicle, get your equipment on
and then be ready for the warm up which is at 10:00 am. If you are late,
check the “Jackrabbit board” to find out where your child’s group is skiing
that day. You must ski with your
child until you find the class.
-
Bunnies
and level 1 children must have a parent with them at all times during the
morning. Expectations for you include:
-Be enthusiastic!
-Be on skis, if you’re comfortable and able (you
don’t have to be competent!) otherwise walking is fine
-Support your child but don’t offer excessive
assistance (kids learn by trying things)
-Keep your child with the group and help them to
engage fully in the activity of the day based on the instructions from the
group leader
-Inform class leader of
how your child is feeling on that day (tired? ill? cranky?)
Finally…
The Jackrabbit program is a completely volunteer-based program
and we owe a lot of thanks to our volunteers.
Come and ski with your children, and if you are interested in helping
out more formally, we would be very grateful.
Links
You can find more information about children cross-country
skiing programs on the following websites:
Cross Country Ontario http://www.xco.org/youth/youthhome.htm
Cross Country Canada http://www.cccski.com (Look under programs and click “children”)
See you on the trails! The Jackrabbit Team