To register for the Junior Development Program (JDP) go to www.Zone4.ca. To update your existing membership registration to include JDP, please send an email to avalon.nordic@gmail.com with details of the changes.

Time:
- Lessons for Bunny Rabbits will start at 11:15 and run until 12:15
- Jack Rabbit and Track Attack lessons will start at 11:00 and run until 1:00
- Please ensure all students are ready with their skis on at the start of lessons so that we can begin lessons promptly
- Please note: To ensure children do not get cold standing around, Instructors will not wait for those not ready on time

Cancellations or weather delays:

Occasionally we will have to change or cancel classes due to expected bad weather. We will try to provide as much notice as possible. All notices will be provided by direct e-mail to parents and via the News Group found on our website (www.avalonnordic.ca – Ski Conditions – News Groups). If the weather is uncertain please check the News Group before heading out. If Saturday’s classes are cancelled the preference will be to use Sunday morning (same times) as the back-up. We will try to ensure that a minimum of 8 lessons are carried out and if required extra lessons (conditions permitting) will be added at the end of the season.

Schedule:

Please note that this schedule may change. Any changes and weather delays will be issued through the news group.

Date	Theme	NL Races at Butterpot/other relevant races	Comments
9 January	1’st day of lessons		Introduction, sorting of groups and handout of student booklets.
	Parents meeting (11:30 -12:00)		Review :Program details and schedule; proper ski equipment & sizing; volunteering options(hot chocolate, lessons, ski park, jungle trail).
16 January	2’nd day of lessons	Racing Rocks (Saturday 16 January; Butterpot)
23 January	3’rd day of lessons
		Capital Subaru Loppet and Snowy Owl Classic (Butterpot)	All skill development program students are encouraged to take part in the races. There will be distance category suitable for all levels and ages.
30 January	4’th day of lessons
6 February	5’th day of lessons NOTE: Lessons will start 1 hour eariler	Outfitter’s Open (6’th and 7’th; Butterpot)	All skill development program students are encouraged to take part in the races. There will be distance category suitable for all levels and age
13 February	6’th day of lessons
20 February	All lessons cancelled	Provincial Championships (20’th and 21’st; Butterpot)
27 February	7’th day of lessons
6 March	8’th day of lessons	IGA Midget Championships (St. Anthony)
13 March	Skier Evaluations	Canadian Masters (7-13’th; Corner Brook)	Students will be evaluated as per the Bunny Rabbit and Jack Rabbit program levels. Stickers/awards to be handed out at the end of Fun Day (27 March).
20 March	Possible make-up day for lessons	Newfoundland Marathon (Corner Brook)	Lessons may be cancelled depending on participation level of coaches in the NL Marathon
27 March	Fun day!		This day represents the end of the program. The day will involve lots of games, prizes and a BBQ. Parents are encouraged to join in.

Message to Parents:

2009 Skill Development Program (SDP) Description

Welcome to what we hope will be another successful and exciting year. We will focus on having fun while providing opportunities for the children to develop the skills necessary for cross-country skiing. To keep the program both challenging and enjoyable we will, when suitable, make use of challenging terrain and games to enhance opportunities for developing balance; a core aspect of every cross-country skill.

Below is some useful information on all aspects of the Skier Development Program.

Ages:

Bunny Rabbits – ages 5 and under (Please note that for younger children <5 or until the children are independent on their skis parents are requested to assist)

Jack Rabbits – ages 6 to 9

Track Attack – ages 10 to 12

Children 13 and older that would still like to participate in a group format are encouraged to join the Challenge Group (see the website for more detail).

Location

All students will meet outside the lodge by the ski racks for a brief group warm-up before heading out on the trails. A majority of the lesson time will be spent in the Jack Rabbit Training area (Jackrabbit and Taylor’s Trails). Parkway Trails may be used by the more advanced groups.

Time

Lessons for Bunny Rabbits will start at 11:15 and run until 12:15

Jack Rabbit and Track Attack lessons will start at 11:00 and run until 1:00.

Please ensure all students are ready with skis on at the noted times. Very shortly after the noted start times the students will be hitting the trails.

Please note: Instructors will not wait for those not ready on time.

Technique

Bunnies and level 1 Jackrabbit students will be learning classic technique only. Level 2 Jack Rabbit Students will be introduced to skate skiing. Levels 3, 4 and Track Attack will be switching between techniques. Coaches will provide advanced warning for any skate lessons. Please come with skis waxed appropriately or consider renting.

Rentals
The club maintains a modest selection of rental skis (skate & classic) available during lessons. See the website for additional information. Please note that if renting you should plan on picking up your equipment up at least a half hour before lessons start.

Parental Assistance

Parental assistance is invaluable to the success of our teaching program and to encourage parents to help coaches; each parent who coaches for 3 or more lessons will receive a free group lesson from one of the Club’s more advanced skiers.