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Updated Info for the season 2023/24

Registration for this program will open

- September 8th, 2023 at 12pm for volunteering parents

- September 10th, 2023 at 12 pm for non volunteer parents

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Because of the amount of programming happening on Tuesdays, we decided to move the Bunny & Jackrabbit program to Wednesdays this year.

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Bunny Program

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The Bunny Program is designed for the “Active Start” stage of development (children 4 to 5 years old) within the Long Term Athlete Development framework for cross-country skiing. That means that we will focus on games, movement, and activities on skis to build physical literacy from an early age.  

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The objective of the program is to introduce cross-country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it through organized activity and active play. In addition, the program is designed to help children develop a positive self-image, have fun, provide opportunities to make ski friends, develop fundamental movement skills, and help children develop an awareness and appreciation of our natural environment. The focus is on fun and starting a lifelong enjoyment of outdoor activity! 

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Jackrabbit Program

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The Jackrabbit Program is designed for the “FUNdamentals” stage of development (children 6 to 8 years old), the second stage within the Long Term Athlete Development framework for cross-country skiing. The objective is for children to learn basic cross-country ski skills (both classic and skating, although classic technique will be the focus) and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health. Through active play, as well as getting out on the WCCSC network of trails, Jackrabbits will learn or improve their skiing abilities in a fun group setting. 

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Goals of the Bunny & Jackrabbit Programs:

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• Encourage FUN and participation

• Develop ABCs: Agility, Balance, Coordination

• Frequent cross-country skiing during the season

• Good technique habits developed through repeated practice

• Utilize games and ski playgrounds to develop technique, speed skills, and fitness

• Develop a team/social atmosphere

• Introduce competition in a team environment 

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If you would like to rent equipment for your child for the Bunny/Jackrabbit season, please visit us at the Ski Club before the start date of your program, so we can measure your child for their proper size of boots, skis, and poles. Seasonal rentals for Bunnies/Jackrabbits are available.

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Bunny and Jackrabbit Schedule:

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If you have a child age 4-8 years old, you may choose to register in one of the following sessions:

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• Mondays From Dec 4, 2023 to March 4, 2024 - 4 to 5pm

• Wednesdays from Dec 6, 2023 to March 6, 2024 - 4 to 5 pm

• Sundays from Dec 3, 2023 to March 3, 2024 - 1 to 2 pm

• Sundays from Dec 3, 2023 to March 3, 2024 - 2:30 to 3:30 pm

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No practices over the Christmas holidays. (Mondays Dec 25th and January 1st, Wednesdays December 27th and January 3rd and Sundays December 24th and 31st)

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​FEE: $75 - MEMBERSHIP WITH WHITEHORSE CROSS COUNTRY SKI CLUB IS ALSO REQUIRED

 

Bunny and Jackrabbit programs starts and end from the Stadium Area (at the end of the Canada Games Centre parking lot). Kids using the WCCSC rental equipment program will also pick up/return their equipment at the sea cans in the Stadium.

 

Sessions will be fully outdoors for the one-hour duration of the program. There are no snacks or water provided, so please ensure your child has had food and drinks (and a bathroom visit!) before each session starts. 

 

Call for Group Leader & Group Helper Volunteers! 

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We need you to help make 2023/24 another successful Bunny & Jackrabbit season.

The Bunny & Jackrabbit Program cannot run without volunteers. We are looking for Group Leaders and Group Helpers.

You do not have to be a professional skier or coach to be a part of this program. If you can put on skis and love cross-country skiing, you can be a Group Leader or Group Helpers.

Jackrabbit and Bunny Leaders and Helpers will take an online coaching course, and Jackrabbit Leaders will take an additional one-day “on-ski” course to give provide training in ski game ideas and skill development.

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Read more about these volunteer job descriptions and sign up here

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Additional skier improvement and games clinics will be offered to all Leaders and Helpers. Please email jackrabbit@xcskiwhitehorse.ca to get involved!

 

We are pleased to offer Group Leaders a free program registration for one of their children. Email info@xcskiwhitehorse.ca to ask for a Zone4 discount code prior to registering your child. 

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Cold weather Guidelines:

The temperature cut-off for the program is -25 celsius.

• Parents are free to determine their own limits also.

• The Program Coordinator will also use judgment if a session will be canceled if there are other factors such as high winds, humidity, precipitation.

• Cancellations will be communicated by email - by 11AM for Sundays and by 12PM for Mondays and Wednesdays. 

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Need financial support, these programs are here for you

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Your child is really interested in Cross Country skiing but your family needs support covering the fees? The Kids Recreation Fund is here to help. After reviewing if you are eligible : https://sportyukon.com/kids-recreation-fund, please select "cash/cheque" for method of payment and contact Ben, the club manager at info@xcskiwhitehorse.ca

 

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

jumpstart.canadiantire.ca

Funding is available to support children ages 4 to 18 participating in sport and recreation.