Northwestel Bunny & Jackrabbit (4-8)
Registration for this program will open
- September 6th, 2024 at 12pm for volunteering parents
- September 8th, 2023 at 12 pm for non volunteer parents
Bunny Program
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.
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!
Jackrabbit Program
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 WNC network of trails, Jackrabbits will learn or improve their skiing abilities in a fun group setting.
Goals of the Bunny & Jackrabbit Programs:
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Encourage FUN and participation
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Develop ABCs: Agility, Balance, Coordination
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Frequent cross-country skiing during the season
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Good technique habits developed through repeated practice
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Utilize games and ski playgrounds to develop technique, speed skills, and fitness
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Develop a team/social atmosphere
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Introduce competition in a team environment
If you would like to rent equipment for your child for the Bunny/Jackrabbit season, please visit us at the Nordic Centre 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.
Age : Your child should have the required minimum age to enter the program by January 1st, 2025.
Bunny and Jackrabbit Schedule:
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 2, 2024 to March 3, 2025 - 4 to 5pm
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Wednesdays from Dec 4, 2024 to March 5, 2025 - 4 to 5 pm
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Sundays from Dec 1st, 2024 to March 2nd, 2025 - 1 to 2 pm
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Sundays from Dec 1st, 2024 to March 2nd, 2025 - 2:30 to 3:30 pm
No practices over the Christmas holidays. (Mondays Dec 23th and 30th, Wednesdays December 25th and January 1st and Sundays December 22th and 29th).
FEES
WNC Season Pass or Day pass (free under 7) are required and not included in these prices
- PROGRAM FEE: $75
- RENTAL FEE: $75 (full season) / $50 (for lessons only)
Equipment rental is available. You must come at the chalet before the first lesson to do your kid's sizing.
Bunny and Jackrabbit programs starts and end from the Stadium Area (at the end of the Canada Games Centre parking lot). Kids using the WNC 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.
If you need more information about the program,
contact the program coordinator Sarah at jackrabbit@whitehorsenordic.ca
Call for Group Leader & Group Helper Volunteers!
We need you to help make 2024/25 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.
Read more about these volunteer descriptions and sign up here!
We are pleased to offer Group Leaders a free program registration for one of their children. Email info@whitehorsenordic.ca to ask for a Zone4 discount code prior to registering your child.
Cold weather Guidelines:
The temperature cut-off (Env. Canada at the Whitehorse airport without Windchill)
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Normal practice at/or above -20 Celsius.
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Practice reduced to 30 or 40min between -21 and -24.9 Celsius.
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Practice canceled at -25 or colder.
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Parents are free to determine their own limits also.
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The Program Coordinator will also use judgment if a session will be canceled if there are other factors such as high winds, humidity, precipitation.
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Cancellations will be communicated by email - by 11AM for Sundays and by 12PM for Mondays and Wednesdays. If you don't receive a message from your coach, the session is maintained!
Need financial support, these programs are here for you
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 manager at info@whitehorsenordic.ca
Recreation Assistance Options
Kids Recreation Fund
867 668-4236 sportyukon.com
Supports sport and recreation for ages 18 or under. Families may qualify for up to $600 yearly per child.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Funding is available to support children ages 4 to 18 participating in sport and recreation.