Citing low interest levels and a shortage of volunteer adult leaders, Whaleback Nordic Ski Club announced today they have decided to cancel their formal Cross Country Canada Skills Development Program.
Known locally as the "Jackrabbit" program, it includes the Bunny Rabbit level for younger children and the Track Attack program for youth and teens.
"We are really sorry that it has reached a point where the interest levels are so low in ski development programs for young people," said Doug Fowlow, club president.
"Whaleback has had a Jackrabbit program for over 25 years, but those of us who provided leadership then have had our turn, and it is time for today's parents to take that responsibility."
The club had earlier called for a pre-registration to gauge interest, however the numbers responding were low. In addition, the club has not found any adult leaders who have offered themselves to take over co-ordination of the program. In order to operate an official Jackrabbit program, leaders must be trained and fulfill certain requirements set out by Cross Country Canada.
Mr. Fowlow said this takes time to do and time has run out for this season. He hopes interested adults may consider coming forward now in order to prepare themselves to lead programs during next year's season.
"In the meantime I will be taking my grandchildren out at every opportunity", said Mr. Fowlow, "and trying to keep them interested in the sport. Cross-country skiing is an activity you can enjoy at any level and age and something that can be pursued for a lifetime of fitness, fresh air and exercise. I stared when I got my first skis at the age of four. Maybe the time has come to revert back to the early days of skiing when families took skis, poles, waxes, fanny packs, toboggan, and kids and headed off to the trails for a day of skiing. Children are so scheduled and programmed today with so many activities that I fear they wear out before being imbued with the sheer joy of just doing something for the sake of doing it, rather than because some adult says it is time for your this or that."
Whaleback encourages families to bring their children to the trails and to ski together. While the club will have no formal program this year, club members are always willing to share their time to assist parents in teaching and coaching their children.
The Cross Country Canada Skill Development Program (SDP) 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.
