BlackJack Ski Club is looking for volunteer coaches to help out with its cross country skier development programs.
Nearly 100 kids, ages four and up, participate in the programs, which are mostly taught by volunteers.
“We’re always in need of new coaches because we always have some turnover every year,” says Ann Quarterman, coordinator. “So anyone who likes to cross country ski, and likes kids would be perfect for a candidate.”
BlackJack pays for volunteer coaches to receive training, which takes place over two weekends. The first training session is next weekend, and the second is from Nov. 27 to 29.
The expected time commitment is approximately four hours a week to teach two courses — one on Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m., and one on Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. — and to plan lessons.
If the programs attract enough volunteers, it may be possible for coaches share classes and only teach one day a week.
Students are taught a variety of skills, depending on their age. The youngest are taught basics like how to stand on skies, fall down, and get back up again. Students start out on classic skies, but once they reach level three they also learn to skate ski.
“So then they’re on two different kinds of techniques and they switch back and forth between the different days of lessons, and then they get proficient on that as well,” says Quarterman. “The kids usually love skate skiing.”
The kids also love hot chocolate and snacks, which parents take turns providing after Sunday lessons.
Older students also race and some have hopes of joining the national cross country skiing team.
Those interested in volunteering, to help with coaching or anything else, can contact Quarterman at coordinator@blackjackskiteam.com or 250-262-5956.