Bunny Rabbit

 
Who:     4- and 5-year-olds
Where:   Mostly on Viking trails, although some sessions may be held on the Aerobic Corridor or Morin Height’s Les Fondeurs trail.
Time:     Saturday from 10:00 - 11:30am
Dates:    January to March, see “Calendar of Events” for the start and end dates of the program.

Sessions are weather dependant; usually at least one day is cancelled due to extreme cold, lack of snow, ice storms, rain etc.  If the weather cooperates, lessons will be made up at the end of the season.  If a lesson is cancelled, an email will be sent to participants and a message posted on the Viking Forum “Important Messages”.

Registration: See Viking’s Regular membership form.

Parents, please note:

• Arrive half an hour early: Try to arrive between 9:00 and 9:30 to get skis waxed, clothes on, bladders emptied, etc.
• We head to the pond at 9:45: If conditions are very cold or windy, BRs will head for the shelter of the forest at 10 a.m.  Arriving late might mean missing the group.
• Bring snacks and drinks: It’s important (and fun) for kids to have a break during their lesson to warm up, rehydrate, and enjoy a snack on the trail.
• Cold weather cut-off? There really isn’t one. Attendance is at your discretion, especially for younger skiers. If you don't get an email before a lesson, assume it is being held. Lesson cancellations will also be posted on the Viking website message board.
• Should mom or dad stay around? Yes, one parent is required to attend the lesson with their child for a minimum of the first two classes. Then at the end of the 2nd class, discuss with your child’s instructor whether you should remain with the group.  Although it’s often best when a parent is nearby, some kids are “braver” when mom or dad is out of sight.

A typical Viking BR lesson

The Viking BR program aims to get youngsters comfortable on skis while teaching basic skills such as falling, getting up, and negotiating small hills. Skiing is taught without poles and through many interactive games.
Each hour-and-a-half session consists of:

• a 10-minute warm-up with the entire group;
• a 35-minute lesson with children in their skill-specific level;
• a 15-minute snack break;
• a 30-minute "extra activity" aimed at applying skills learned during lessons.

During the season, BRs do some activities with the JRs, such as skiing to a bonfire to roast sausages and marshmallows, a treasure hunt or orienteering session, and a mini-marathon where the BRs ski loops while stopping at snacking stations to re-charge.