Spokane Nordic Kids
WHAT IS IT?
Spokane Nordic Kids is a volunteer organization that offers kids from 5 to15 years old (age 15 or under on Dec. 31, 2009) and their parents the opportunity to learn, develop, and enjoy cross–country skiing skills together. Parents and other adult volunteers lead groups of kids in fun activities designed to teach the fundamentals of technique.
We sort kids into classes by age and ability. Nordic Kids emphasizes all aspects of Nordic skiing, from fun on the snow for the youngest skiers, to technique, backcountry skiing, wilderness first aid, and racing for the older skiers. For all kids the emphasis is on having fun!
Nordic Kids is run by the Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation (SNSEF), a Spokane-based non-profit corporation.
To enroll in the program, visit our Enrollment Page for instructions and a link to the online application.
WHERE?
The Nordic ski area at Mt. Spokane.
WHEN?
Saturdays: January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, and 27. Note that we do NOT have a session on Feb.20 which is the weekend of the Junior Olympic Qualifier race.
Classes start at 1:00. After skiing and a snack, the kids are done at 3:00. Parents or custodians are responsible for furnishing transportation for their children to and from the ski area.
See Class and Volunteer Assignments.
Nordic Kids Games and Potluck
· The Nordic Kids Games and Potluck is the wrap–up to our season. It includes fun cross-country relay races and jumping events. All the kids are encouraged to participate and there is a great family potluck afterwards.
· Starts at noon on February 27.
THE DETAILS
1. Kids need to have their own ski equipment. Waxable skis are encouraged for older, more experienced skiers, and we will provide kick wax and help in waxing before each session.
2. You must have a SnoPark permit to park at the Nordic area. Permits will cost $80 and are available at local ski shops and from the Park rangers. The money from the sale of SnoPark permits supports cross country grooming and snow removal at Mt. Spokane.
3. We have a limit of 150 kids. Kids enrolled last year (and upcoming younger siblings) will have a spot held for them until December 15. If your application is received after we reach 150, your child’s name will be put on our waiting list.
4. When you enroll each of your children, please fill in as much of each of their individual information and skill page as you can. We want to split the kids into groups that are compatible in terms of age and skill, and an honest evaluation will help us do that.
5. When you enroll you children we strongly encourage you to also fill out the volunteer information page for each adult who is volunteering. Nordic Kids is entirely run by our volunteers. On the Snow each group of 5 to 8 kids will need 2 or 3 adult leaders, every week. Coordinators will serve as communication facilitators for each group. Lodge Helpers will do check in, check out, snacks, patrolling the lodge area, and clean up. When you fill in this page, please be as complete as possible.
6. The program costs: $50 for the first child, and $45 for each additional child, plus a $20 SNSEF membership fee. There is a late fee of $20/student for applications payments postmarked after Dec. 15th.
Note 1: A limited number of Nordic Kids “scholarships” are available if your family is having difficulty with the class fees. Call SNSEF for details.
Note 2: Your class registration fee is not tax deductible, but the SNSEF support is deductible to the full extent allowed.
7. Kids must sign in before class and sign out after class. At 3 o’clock, their supervision is the responsibility of parents or custodians. For their safety, young children who return to the lodge early or young children whose parents are still out teaching are encouraged to stay inside the lodge. They can have a snack, play games or read. Older kids are expected to behave responsibly outside and we have strict limits on what is acceptable behavior.
8. Parents or custodians are strongly encouraged to volunteer as instructors, assistant instructors or helpers inside the lodge.
DON’T MISS THE INSTRUCTOR’S CLINIC!!
As a bonus, we will have an all-day Instructor’s Clinic scheduled for our leaders and assistants on Saturday, December 5, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can come for the morning session covering basic class organization and how to teach classic technique to children or the whole day, which includes skate skiing in the afternoon. Instructors accredited by the Professional Ski Instructors Association will lead the sessions.
Each year, we get rave reviews from all who take the course, from beginning to seasoned skiers. The class is still a bargain at $30.00. Bring your lunch and dress warmly. We are planning a free half day clinic for instructors, assistants and parents in January for those who can’t make the December clinic.
Sign up in the “tally- your-total” box.
OPPORTUNITIES IF YOUR CHILD HAS OUTGROWN NORDIC KIDS
The Spokane Nordic Ski Team is recruiting junior skiers (age 8 to 19) for the upcoming ski season, October through March and welcoming those who have decided to train and race this year. The season is starting now, in October with dry land training, and hopefully will soon shift to Mt. Spokane. Throughout the winter, the team will meet three days a week, primarily on Mt. Spokane, but also in town, if weather permits. Competitions are primarily on weekends and traveling is required to race competitively.
Invitation is open to all ability levels from novice to junior experts and all are welcome with one caveat. Team Spokane is looking for committed athletes with the willingness to work as well as ski. For further info or questions, contact Coach Bryant at 838-1615, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
