Nancy Greene Program

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Non-competitive

“A child must learn to walk before learning to run. Skiing skill development must follow the same sequence, with basic skiing technique being mastered, allowing young skiers to master steeper slopes and more difficult snow conditions, before serious ski racing begins. The challenge of speed, the essence of ski racing, must come in a “run for fun,’ not “run to win’ situation. Formal competition too early in the development of skills may stifle a child’s natural delight in racing before they can develop their full potential.”

 

Nancy Greene Raines The Nancy Greene program is our non-competitive stream and the recommended entry point for all new athletes to the club. With this program there is a lesser time commitment and a less intense training environment. Some children find a home in the Nancy Greene program, while for others it is a gateway to our competitive programs. The minimum age for Nancy Greene is 7yrs, vs 8yrs for the U10 program in the competitive stream.

The Nancy Greene Ski League is a national program that exposes young skiers between the ages of 7-14 to ski training and racing programs. Nancy Greene was Canada’s Olympic champion in 1968 and she remains a very active supporter of ski racing, especially entry-level programs for young skiers. The emphasis of the Nancy Greene program is on fostering a love for the sport while developing basic FUNdamental athletic and ski specific skills to become a competent skier. The program aims to build self-confidence both on and off the ski slopes. The development approach emphasizes participation in games and exercises that are fun. Individual competition has been given a low profile in Nancy Greene because a highly competitive program will hinder skills development for younger skiers. Instead, the emphasis is on participation in a team effort where everyone has contributes to the results.

Our program utilizes the Snow Stars Program for skill development, recommended by Alpine Canada Alpin, and the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation. This program helps guide racers, parents, and coaches through a progression the essential skill development aligned with the Long Term Athletic Development Plan set by the Coaching Association of Canada. Read more about it at ltad.alpinecanada.org/athletes/snow-stars. The program emphasizes skill development designed to allow an individual to enjoy the sport of skiing for life and, if they are interested, to have the confidence to move to more competitive racing.

Children will enjoy great variety in our Nancy Greene program. Along with daily skiing and skill building exercises with their assigned ski group, children will be introduced to skiing through gates. Our highly trained coaches will introduce the basics around ski racing, and teach the children how to navigate a race course, and appropriate ski line through the gates. Children get to test out their newly learned skills with our Snow Stars festival, and two in-house ‘fun races’ at Camp Fortune. As part of our skill development, the children will also have an introduction to skiing varied terrain including bumps and tree skiing, where appropriate for the child’s ability.

Not every Nancy Greene Program is the same.
Why choose our Nancy Greene Program over other clubs in the region?
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    More Days on Snow
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    More time skiing per day than other programs
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    Race fees included in cost
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    The most qualified coaches in the region
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    Ski terrain that will challenge your young skiers as they develop
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    Proximity to Ottawa

    Equipment

    Please note that the safety, warmth and wellbeing of your children is of the utmost importance. Here is the equipment that your child will need for the season:

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      Ski boots must be properly fitted for the season (not to be grown into). 3 or 4 buckle (not rear entry). It is important that boots be able to flex in the cold, if they are too stiff the athlete will not be able to be properly balanced on their skis
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      The skis should be tuned (edges sharpened, bases waxed) at the beginning of the season and least once halfway through the season, frequent use of a diamond stone on edges is encouraged (we will run ski tuning clinics during the season)
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      Double lens goggles are required
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      Make sure that skis and poles are the proper length for your child and that the bindings have been professionally adjusted for the individual skier. Race or carving skis with side wall construction are recommended (no soft twin tips)
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      A properly fitted helmet with hard ears is required
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      A neck warmer is recommended
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      Warm mittens for the cold days are preferable to gloves
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      Chemical hand and toe warmers are strongly recommended for colder days

      If you have any questions about the equipment, please don’t hesitate to talk to your child’s coach or the lead coach. We often have club ski exchanges in the fall that allow members to buy and sell used ski equipment. Sign up for our newsletter to receive these notifications. We also work with regional retailers in helping size your kids ski equipment. Look for communications in our newsletters about “Club Buy Nights”. Camp Fortune Coaches will be present to help the retailers size your children’s skis and boots. Some incentives are often given by the retailers during these buy nights.

      Daily schedule

      The program runs from 9:30 am to 3 pm, with a 1-hour lunch break between 11:30 and 12:30. Please ensure that your child is dressed and ready to ski by 9:25 every morning and by 12:25 after lunch in order to help get the lessons started and allow the children to commence their warm up properly. Groups will head towards the chairlift promptly at 9:30 or 12:30, should you be late you will be responsible to have your child catch up with his or her group. Short breaks may be taken inside depending on weather and your child may want a snack with them at that time.

      Note: Your child will not be supervised by his or her coach during the lunch break.

      Events

      The athletes will be competing in 4 events: there will be a Giant Slalom race; a Slalom race; a Snowstars agility event and our season ending Skimeister (Slalom, GS, ski jump and cross country – all on their
      alpine skis). All of these events will be held at Camp Fortune (no travel away from the resort required). Typically we participate in an optional away race at Vorlage that is not included in the fees.

      Volunteering

      Camp Fortune Ski Club is a volunteer-driven not-for-profit organization. We rely on the participation of parents to run the events and races. Volunteering at races is necessary to ensure a safe and successful event for the athletes. No experience is necessary and you don’t even need to ski. We will provide training during the season and mentorship for all those eager to learn. If there are specific areas you would like to get involved in or if you would like to know what may be a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to come and talk to a club representative. For parents who are new to the team, it is a great way to get involved in your child’s development in ski racing and to get to know other parents. Without volunteers we would not be able to have an event.