Cross Country Canada’s Skill Development Program (SDP) For Children. CCC has developed a progression of skill development programs for children that provide skier development opportunities, beginning with Bunnyrabbits (Active Start), followed by Jackrabbits (FUNdamentals) and concluding with Track Attack (Learning to Train) stages of athlete development.

Bunnyrabbit Program. The Bunnyrabbit Program, which is directed at children four to five years of age, is the first stage/level of the program.

The objective of the program is to introduce cross-country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it through organized activity and active play. In addition, it is designed to:

• Help children develop a positive self-image.
• Be fun.
• Provide children an opportunity to make ski-friends.
• Develop fundamental movement skills.
• Help children develop an awareness and appreciation of our natural environment.

Jackrabbit Program. The Jackrabbit Program, which is directed at skiers six to nine years of age, is the second stage/level of the new program.

The objective of the program is for participants to learn basic cross-country ski skills (both classic and skating) and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health. In addition, it is designed to:

• Help children develop confidence.
• Be fun.
• Provide children an opportunity to ski and socialize with their ski-friends.
• Build overall motor skills.
• Help children develop outdoor winter safety skills.

Track Attack Program. The Track Attack Program, which is directed at skiers 10 to 12 years of age, is the third stage/level of the program.

The objective of the program is for the participants to become technically competent cross-country skiers, and to utilize those skills to explore a wide range of cross-country ski activities. In addition, it is designed to:

• Develop fitness through active play, games and other activities.
• Be fun.
• Provide children an opportunity to be part of a sport "team".
• Develop overall sport skills.
• Introduce children to competitive "games"
• Expose children to a variety of "adventure-based" cross-country ski activities.

LTAD - Long Term Athlete Development

Sport Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Resource Paper "Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L)" (2005) was a keystone document that set out a framework for sport development in Canada through the provision of a common roadmap for sport and athlete development. LTAD, an eight-stage model based on the physical, mental, emotional and cognitive development of children and adolescents, supports the four goals of the Canadian Sport Policy – Enhanced Participation, Enhanced Excellence, Enhanced Capacity and Enhanced Interaction. To view the english version of "Canadian Sport for Life" http://www.canadiansportforlife.ca/upload/docs/LTAD%20Downloads%20Eng/Canadian%20Sport%20for%20Life%20Resource%20Paper.pdf

Developing Physical Literacy - A Guide for Parents of Children Ages 0 to 12. A guidebook that was developed for the purpose of educating the public on the development of good physical literacy skills in children. This document has been posted on the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) website and can be downloaded at no cost. To view the english version click on: http://www.canadiansportforlife.ca/upload/docs/LTAD%20Downloads%20Eng/A%20Sport%20Parent's%20Guide.pdf. Hard copies are available for $1.00 per booklet. Copies can be ordered from the CCBC Office. (www.crosscountrybc.ca)