The Program

THE NEW NATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM(SDP) FOR CHILDREN

Cross Country BC has made the transition from the Ski League Program (old system) to the new Cross County Canada (CCC) "Skill Development Program"(SDP). Below is an outline of the new program. For further information, please visit the CCBC website at: http://www.crosscountrybc.ca/

CCC'S Skill Development Program(SDP)For Children. CCC has developed a modern, state-of-the-art progression of skill development programs for children that provide a vertically integrated continuum of skier development opportunities, beginning with Bunnyrabbits (Active Start), followed by Jackrabbits (FUNdamentals) and concluding with Track Attack (Learning to Train) stages of athlete development.

Bunnyrabbit Program. The Bunnyrabbit Program, which is directed at children in the "Active Start" stage of athlete development (children five years of age and younger), is the first stage/level of the new program. It has been developed in parallel with the first stage (Introduction to Community Coaching) of the new competency-based National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). The completed program includes an enrolment kit, a kid-friendly age-appropriate booklet and Skill Award sticker, a special program-specific badge, and coaching materials specific to the needs of this age group.

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, it is designed to:

  • Help children develop a positive self-image.
  • Be fun.
  • Provide children an opportunity to make ski-friends.
  • Develop fundamental movement skills.
  • Help children develop an awareness and appreciation of our natural environment.

Jackrabbit Program. The Jackrabbit Program, which is directed at skiers in the "FUNdamentals" stage of athlete development (children six to seven [Atoms] and eight to nine [Pee Wees] years of age), is the second stage/level of the new program. It has been developed in parallel with the second stage (Community Coaching) of the new competency-based NCCP. The completed program includes a program-specific enrolment kit, a Jackrabbit Booklet to provide a comprehensive record of the young skier's ski career, "technique" and "program" award stickers to chart the different levels of achievement, a special program badge, and coaching materials specific to the needs of skiers this age.

The objective of the program is for participants 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. In addition, it is designed to:

  • Help children develop confidence.
  • Be fun.
  • Provide children an opportunity to ski and socialize with their ski-friends.
  • Build overall motor skills.
  • Help children develop outdoor winter safety skills.

Jackalopes Program.JACKALOPES is a new program available only at Otway. Jackalopes is directed at new and experienced skiers aged 10 to 12 who are interested in recreational skiing or skiers looking to improve their skills in preparation for entering the racing program. Jackalopes ski for fun, exercise, skill improvement and friendship. We may try out snowshoeing, orienteering and other stuff. Some of us will be new skiers and some will have been involved in the SDP for 4 or more years already! Skiers will be grouped by ability. This program is separate from the Track Attack Program and runs during the same time slots as Bunnies and Jackrabbits. See below. Jackalope Coordinator: Carolyn Thorp jackalopes@caledonianordic.com

Track Attack Program. TheTrack Attack Program, which is directed at skiers in the "Learning to Train" stage of athlete development (skiers 10 to 12 [Mini Midgets] years of age), is the third stage/level of the new program. It is being developed in parallel with the third stage (Competitive Coaching: Introduction) of the new competency-based NCCP. The completed program includes a program-specific enrolment kit, an Attack Log (an age-appropriate sequel to the Jackrabbit booklet), and coaching materials specific to this stage in the athlete development progression.

The objective of the program 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 back country excursions to Ski Tournaments. In addition, it is designed to:

  • Develop fitness through active play, games and other activities.
  • Be fun.
  • Provide children an opportunity to be part of a sport "team".
  • Develop overall sport skills.
  • Introduce children to competitive "games"
  • Expose children to a variety of "adventure-based" cross-country ski activities.