Last week the Ski Cubs program wrapped up its 2015 season, and what a season it was! 2015 was a year of growth for our youth education program, thanks to a bounty of snow and many dedicated volunteers. Looking at the season in retrospect is gratifying, and we are very thankful to all the individuals, sponsors, and funders who made this great program possible. All of the kids who participated in Ski Cubs also deserve a thanks for taking on the challenge of learning a new sport. Here’s the late-winter wrap up from our Ski Cubs programs around the state.
Weekend Ski Cubs at Bolton Valley
Our weekend program at Bolton Valley Nordic Center wrapped up its season in late February. We had a dedicated group of youth skiers who came from the Rock Point School, City of Winooski Youth Program, Integrated Arts Academy, Sustainability Academy, and the Hunt Middle Afterschool Program at the New North End Youth Center. These schools and organizations already do great work with youth, so it was a natural fit. This was the third season that the CTA has been bringing Ski Cubs to Bolton Valley, and we really value our partnership. Together we are bringing up the next generation of skiers. Look for us next winter zipping along the groomed trails at Bolton!
# Youth Participants | 27
Total Youth Hours | 360
Robinson Ski Cubs @ Sleepy Hollow
Robinson Elementary School in Starksboro, Vermont, has been participating in the Ski Cubs program for three years. Because their program stretched into March, the Robinson Ski Cubs were able to experience sunny spring skiing at Sleepy Hollow Inn: Ski & Bike Center. This year we took the 5th and 6th graders out on Thursday afternoons to explore the Sleepy Hollow trails in Huntington, Vermont. Sleepy Hollow has been a great partner in this endeavor, and we are excited to support this family business. Sleepy Hollow also hosts the local Bill Koch league, as well as the nordic team from Champlain Valley Union High School. Sleepy Hollow is a hub for youth skiing programs–we all benefit from their support.
# Youth Participants | 34
Total Youth Hours | 370
Ski Cubs South
The all-volunteer led Ski Cubs program in Bennington, Vermont, had a very successful first year. Volunteers led by Dorothy Wallace-Senft started youth ski programs at the Village School of North Bennington and Molly Stark Elementary School. This was an exciting development for the CTA as it allowed us to test run our Ski Cubs Incubator Program, which supports new and developing community-run youth ski programs. It’s a lot of work to start a new program, and the CTA was fortunate to have such a dedicated crew of volunteers making it happen on the ground. Thanks to volunteers Dorothy, Ron van Orden, Jim Goodine, Tim Marr, Alan Binnick, Lorna Cheriton, and Hamilton Topping!
# Youth Participants | 78
Total Youth Hours | 340
Thanks for a great year! Ski Cubs will be back in January 2016.
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Are you interested in skiing and youth education? Contact outreach@catamounttrail.org to find out how you can help existing Ski Cubs programs.
Are you interested in starting a youth ski program in your community? Contact outreach@catamounttrail.org to learn more.
