Jack Rabbits

Who:     6- to 12-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:     Viking JR1-JR5, Saturday from 10:00 - noon
Dates:    January to March, see “Calendar of Events” for the start and end dates of the program.

Registration:  See Viking’s Regular membership form.

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”.

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 particularly cold or windy, we may 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 the lesson to warm up, rehydrate, and enjoy a snack on the trail.
• Bring wax: JRs should carry a temperature-appropriate wax and cork so they can apply more wax if necessary.
• Cold weather cut-off? There really isn’t one. Attendance is at your discretion, especially for younger skiers.  If you don't hear from us by email before a lesson, assume it is being held.  Lesson cancellations will also posted on the Viking website message board.
• Should mom or dad stay around? At this level, it’s usually best if parents are not involved (unless you’re helping out, of course!)  Our instructors are great with the kids – and indeed most kids are braver this way. 
• You can earn VSC volunteer credits by being a Parent Assistant Coach.

About the Viking JRs program

The Viking JR program is based on Cross Country Canada’s Skill Development Program for Children. The overall objective is to help kids develop a love of the outdoors, a healthy lifestyle, excellent technical skills and a good level of physical fitness. The club encourages a sense of “community” among the families who join.

There are five Viking JR classes (Viking JR1-4 and Viking JR5 (Bows)), consult “Viking BR/JR Levels” to determine which class is right for your child.

The Viking JR program encourages young skiers to continue their skills development, gradually focusing on more advanced techniques. The emphasis is to have fun while learning, with many games incorporated into the lessons. Children learn techniques in both classic and skating as they progress through the Viking JR levels.  Skating skills acquired in JR1 - JR4 prepare skiers for advanced instruction in biathlon.  The final JR level, known as the Bows, introduces children to racing and long distance skiing, building stamina and technique.  Those children who are interested may participate in local races. The Viking Bows prepares skiers to continue in the racing program (Arrows) or in long distance skiing on more varied terrain (Challenge). 

Participants receive a booklet to track their progress throughout each season and are given awards for mastering techniques and other achievements.

A typical Viking JR lesson

• a 10-minute warm-up with the entire group;
• a 50-minute lesson with children in their skill-specific level with their coach;
• a 15-minute snack break;
• a 45-minute "extra activity" aimed at applying skills learned during lessons. This may involve a ski on Viking’s groomed trails.

Special activities

Thanks to the nature of its trails and terrain, Viking offers opportunities for some unique outdoor activities. These can include skiing to a bonfire in the forest, orienteering, long-distance ski tours that increase in length and endurance as skills progress, and a mini-marathon held on the club’s Racing Trails (complete with feeding and drink stations). The season typically ends with a friendly club championship, season roundup and picnic on the pond.