• JC Newsletter October 2009
• JC Newsletter September 2009

Children - this part of the Centre's activities is just for you

From tots to late teens we do our best to cater for all

Once you have successfully completed the Junior Ski Lessons and the Assessment (see How to Join below), we'll put you into a small group (no more than 10) in one of the three one hour sessions that we run during every Saturday morning

The others in your group will have similar skiing ability to you, and a qualified Ski Instructor will work with you and your friends to help you improve your style and technique

Approximately every 6 weeks, one of the Senior Instructors has a look at how all the JC Members are doing and, as you get better and better (as everybody does), you gradually progress through the groups and Sessions learning the more difficult elements of the sport in a safe and caring environment at your own pace.

The emphasis is very much on fun. Some of the Session time is always allocated to free-ski (the JC Members version of Open Practice) so you can do your own thing - but safely, under the watchful eye of the Instructor who will stay with you on the slope. Some Sessions are totally free-ski (but always with a Supervisor on the slope) ... after all, we don't want lessons all the time - do we?

Other activities

• The more senior sessions are introduced to Race Training;
• There are normally several parties during the year (e.g. Halloween, Christmas, Easter), which often include games, party food, and visitors;
• The season ends in April or May with the Club Race Championships - a fun day for all abilities with a BBQ and prize giving

Note

If you arrive late, for safety reasons (i.e. you will have missed some or all of the warm-up exercises), you may not be allowed to ski.

Yeti club

If you have and older brother or sister in JC, then you can pay on the day - if not then you need to contact the Bookings Secretary to get a car pass and pay in advance

How to Join JC

To ensure that you have the basic skiing skill required, the Centre runs Junior Ski Lessons, (dates and times)

If you can already ski and can use tows, then there is no need to complete the Lessons - but you MUST attend on an Assessment Day to allow Instructors to check that you do meet the minimum standard. Successful completion of the Assessment will allow you to be assigned to the appropriate Session of Junior Club. The times and dates of Assessment days are found in the Junior Ski Lessons section

The need to use the tow tends to exclude very young children because of their size and strength - but there is no rigid lower age limit. HOWEVER, you must demonstrate a mature attitude during the Assessment - no tears or tantrums allowed!!

We ask children who are less than 7 years old to attend a Yeti Club session before enrolling for Junior Ski Lessons. This way we can determine their likelihood of both enjoying the Lessons and passing the Assessment - we do want you to ski, and not be put off by starting something that you find difficult too early.....

The last season which you are eligible to join JC is defined as the season in which you become 17 years old.

Note that JC only covers skiing activities for the year, but NOT snowboarding

The new Junior Club Season starts from the first Saturday in September.

Sunday Supplement

Given this, the Centre offers a Sunday Supplement, which allows Junior Club Members to join in with Members Open Practice on Sundays when the Club is open to Members.

The cost of the Sunday Supplement is £40 (irrespective of joining date).

The Sunday Supplement is an addition to Junior Club Membership - it cannot be taken without a Junior Club Membership. If a child wishes to ski at all Open Practice Sessions, then he/she can take out a Student Membership. The Sunday Supplement can be purchased at any time during the season, once it has been agreed with an Instructor that the minimum standard of controlled snowplough turns has been met. The Instructor will give the child a signed form confirming this

So, what do I actually have to do to Join....?

How do I join for the Sunday Supplement?

Notes

• You cannot join Junior Club until you have passed the Assessment
• Fee INCLUDES use of equipment, Instruction and free-ski session costs, and must be paid before starting in the JC Sessions. Membership Cards must be brought with you each Saturday.
• Junior Club Membership entitles you to ski in your allocated Session on Saturday morning - plus appropriate Race Training sessions (upon payment of the appropriate session fee).

Parental Obligations

1. You or another Adult are present at the Centre for the entire time that your child is skiing (no nipping off to Tesco!),
   • Firstly the Centre is on a Military Base - and the Army can ask us to evacuate at any time (although they never have). It is the parents' sole responsibility to evacuate their children.
   • Secondly, in the unlikely event of a serious tumble..... where would your child expect you to be?
2. That you make yourself available for "duties" periodically. Duties are either handing out boots, setting up skis (training given), or selling stuff in the Tuck Shop. Don't worry if you're new to Junior Club, there will be plenty of old hands to show you the ropes. The time between duty Saturdays is entirely dependant on the number of JC Members...

Children's Obligations

• I will listen and follow directions given by instructors and staff members
• If I have a problem I will find a staff member to help me
• I will wait my turn at all times
• I will not use foul language
• I will look after my ski equipment at all times
• I will behave in a way that my parents or guardians would approve
• I will act in a respectful manner at all times
• I will learn and follow the guidelines of the "Ski way code"
• I will wear appropriate clothing (e.g. no bare skin at wait level in case I fall over, no body piercings (except small stud earrings), waterproof clothing if it is raining)
• Last and not least, .... I will have fun.