Skate Scoop Summer 2008

It's Camp time!!!  June 9-13th 8:00a to 12:00 get a jump start on your summer skating.  We are offering an intensive camp that includes an off ice rotational class, skate care clinic, nutritional education, on ice presence, interpretive skating, on ice group classes and plenty of freestyle sessions for time with your private coach.  On Saturday we will have a show for skaters to demonstrate their skills.  There will also be a Lake Party for all campers.  Registration is due May 15th and we expect this to fill fast so please get your registrations in ASAP!  Cost is only $160, comparable camps cost well over $400 so please take advantage of this great deal.  For more details please view the registration packet.

Summer ice registration is here!  We are offering Jr/Sr morning ice sessions Monday through Friday.   In addition, there is a Basic Skills class and Bridge class!  Please see the registration page and look at the packet for dates and times.  Sr club skaters.... make sure you are skating enough ice to meet your 2009 show criteria requirements.  A copy of 2009 criteria can be found on the registration page.  If you have any questions regarding criteria you may contact Criteria Chair Toni Renford  toniren@tds.net  

When purchasing ice please confirm with your coach to make sure she is available for lessons on the days that you chose. 

A Bridge class is for basic skills skaters, badge 2 through 8, that want to expand beyond the basic skills group lessons.  The Bridge class must be skated in addition to the basic skills class.  Skaters receive instruction in off-ice and on-ice skills.  Off-ice is extremely important and can help build strength, balance, and control that helps the skater on the ice.  Participants will also receive information about basic skills competitions and what to expect if they chose to compete.  It's a great way to take the next step if your child loves to skate but you're not sure if you want to hire a coach.  Bridge skaters get their own number in the show too!!   The name Bridge is used because it works as a bridge between our basic skills program and the Jr club.

 Volunteer hours and upcoming photo gallery

We are implementing a new procedure this year for volunteering with the club.  Our club has grown and we need help!!  Each skate family will be asked to volunteer a specific number of hours depending on your skaters level.  There are many jobs to do and an initial list is posted on the registration page.  More duties will be listed as they become necessary.  Volunteering helps our club but it is also fun.  It helps you become more aware of what the club is doing and it's a great way to meet other skate families!    Best of all, when you help the club you are helping your own child.  Specific instructions are in the registration packets.

Also new this year in the registration packet is a request for permission to use your skaters photograph on this website and for other publicity about and for our club.  We are going to start a photo gallery but need your permission to use the pictures.  If you don't want your skaters' pictures used that's OK!  Just sign the appropriate line on the photo release form.

Competition and test forms are always available in the Toepick upstairs in the Civic Center.  There are packets ready for you to take.  Please don't take the packet that is tacked to the board.  Competitions are lots of fun and are a fabulous learning experience.  There are several basic skills competitions throughout the year and these are a great way to get started.  They are geared to be low pressure and a fun experience for your child.  There are many formats but there are some competitions that take groups of skaters on the ice so the skaters do not need a program and are not required to be on the ice alone.  Frequently, several skaters from our club go to the same competition so we provide our own cheering section, not to mention a helping hand if you need it!  If you have questions about what is available or how to fill out a registration feel free to contact your coach/instructor or our Competition Chair, Amy Wiegand.    

If you want the latest info on competitions and test sessions the TCFSA (Twin Cities Figure Skating Association) is always a good resource.  They post a calendar that contains most of the competitions in the state.  You can see it at www.tcfsa.org/calendar1.pdf

Please contact the Test Chair, Toni Renford toniren@tds.net for a test session happening near you!

That's right!  Have you tried online shopping at www.igive.com ?  It's easy and doesn't cost you a cent.  Log onto their website, register and designate Vacationland Figure Skating Club as your favorite charity.  If you are registering for the first time use this link www.igive.com/VFSC   Next time you shop, start at igive and the rest is automatic!   Over 650 of the retailers you shop at everyday will give a percentage of your purchase to our club.  The percentage varies from 1% to 26%.  Just think, if you spend $500 per year online how much could VFSC could get?  If every club member did that imagine what we could do for our kids!!  We could offer more programs, workshops, cheaper ice, new equipment, the possibilities are endless.  All you need to do is shop at the same online retailers that you are used to, just do it through www.igive.com.  A few examples are eBay, Eddie Bauer, Lillian Vernon, Carol Wright, HSN, Target, Lands End, Best Buy, Cabela's,  JC Penney.  The funds designated to our club are sent to us automatically and you pay the same price for your online purchase.  When you register AND shop within 45 days the club gets a $5 as a bonus.  Give it a try, it's safe and secure.   You win, the club wins.  It's that simple!

As of March 31st YOU have raised $245.12 for Vacationland!  Way to go online shoppers!!!  

Sometimes figure skating can seem complicated, especially if you are new to basic skills, considering Jr club, hiring a coach, wondering about Sr club criteria, competitions, bridge class, yikes!!!  Don't let it get you down, start asking questions!!  VFSC coaches & board members are happy to help you navigate you and your skater through all these areas and more.  Don't feel silly or bashful.....we were all new once too!  During basic skills lessons you will see board members with name tags around the arena.  If we don't know the answer we'll find someone who does.  If you don't see a board member go upstairs to the ToePick and there will be people there who can help.  Our goal is to make this fun for your child and family so please don't be afraid to ask for assistance!

What's a walk on??  If you are not signed up for a session of ice time or an off ice class you may pay on a per use basis.  This is only allowed if the session isn't full. You must check in with the ice monitor to see if there is space and to pay.  No one will be allowed on the ice without payment.  Those that have contracted (pre-paid) for the session will get priority if the ice has filled.  If you need a make-up session due to illness or other unavoidable circumstance you must obtain a pass from the Ice Coordinator prior to taking the ice.  If you don't have a pass you will need to pay the regular walk on rate.  Walk on ice does not count for Sr club criteria.  Our 2007-2008 season walk on rates are as follows:

The ToePick has everything you need for your skater.  If you don't see it, ask!  There are skate dresses and jackets, skates for lease, laces, guards, tights, snacks, water & juice, tissues, gloves and specialty skating items.  The Toepick is upstairs where its warm.  Proceeds benefit our club so shop till you drop! 

Coming soon........Photo gallery and coaches corner

SEE YOU AT THE RINK!!!