Coordinator: Colin Kawaleski
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Updated 30 Aug, 2024 |
Welcome back parents and curlers! Please note that for the 2024-2025 season, we are moving the program back to Saturdays.
As the club’s Youth Curling Coordinator, my goal for the youth program is to do more than teach the basics of this great game. My goal is to create a welcoming environment, to foster the “community” feeling of curling, and to develop life-long passion for the sport. We all need to work together to grow our game, so I highly encourage everyone to get their kids to bring a friend or anyone that may be interested in trying curling and have them reach out to me!
Any parents not assisting on the ice are welcome to remain seated in the upper lounge (or on the main floor if seating is available) during their child's session.
“Parent Support” Policy
Because of the number of youth curlers, I require additional help in the form of parents, grandparents, friends, or junior curlers who are experienced curlers to help on the ice EACH WEEK. We cannot continue to improve our junior curlers without this support. Even if you are new to the game, I'll be happy to introduce you to many of the teaching aspects of curling, it's pretty easy and very fun.
“Door Is Always Open” Policy
Parents and curlers (and the Board) are reminded that this is their program and that suggestions for changes are always welcome and will be implemented when deemed appropriate.
Equipment
- If you're a returning curler, bring your equipment from last year.
- If you're new, the Club will supply you with your own gripper, slider and the use of a broom each week.
- We will be fitting everyone for sliders and checking equipment on the first day of curling!
Clothing:
- Clean flat-soled running shoes that will only be used for curling.
- Warm, stretchy pants and sweatshirt or jacket.
- Gloves or mitts with gripping material on the palms (cottony gloves can slide on the broom).
- Hat or toque if you choose.
- Helmets are welcome but not mandatory.
Little Rocks (~age 6-10, Saturdays 1:00 - 2:00 pm)
The focus of this program will be learning basic skills and having fun. Basic skills will be the main focus all year, and incorporating games to keep it fun.
GOALS
The Program will be skills-based for most of the season, a variety of drills will teach the basics, i.e. sweeping, sliding out from the hack, and how to release a rock. All activity will be kept to the house closest to the hack. Fun games/drills will be used to increase the development of non-delivery skills. Actual curling games or drills will not be introduced until players have developed enough skill to safely and properly deliver a rock. Depending on the curlers, we may “speed up” or “slow down” the rate at which we introduce new skills or move to actual games, and some curlers may be grouped separately to account for varying skill levels.
We will not be including a group warm-up at the beginning of the league.
- Parental Participation
We will be requiring parents to be on the ice to supervise and help the curlers. Junior (14+) curlers are highly encouraged to come volunteers as well! These hours can contribute to your required high school volunteer hours.
There will be a weekly lesson plan package for the parents and volunteers at registration, a general meeting prior to the start of the season to explain and answer any questions and there may be an on-ice “Teach the Teacher” session, if needed.
- Christmas Party and season end wind-up
- “Door Is Always Open” Policy – please free to approach me with any questions or suggestions, or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bantams (~age 11-14, Saturdays 1:00 - 2:15 pm)
The focus of this program will be skill development, combined with organized full sheet FUN games with scored ends.
GOALS
The Bantam program will be skills-based for the first part of the season; a skill will be taught and practiced each week and then reintroduced/reinforced the following week prior to the introduction of a new skill. Various delivery techniques such as body placement in the hack, balance, accuracy/aim, and releasing the rock will be practiced. Drills and short games will be used to increase the development of these skills. Full curling games will be introduced to the league after the Christmas break; game etiquette and the “flow” of a game will be emphasized. We will assess whether an actual league should be created or a more relaxed approach is warranted.
We will not be including a group warm-up at the beginning of the league but curlers will be introduced to warm-up exercises, and encouraged to get themselves physically ready for curling before arriving at the club.
- Parental Participation
We will be requiring parents to be on the ice to supervise and help the curlers. Junior (14+) curlers are highly encouraged to come volunteers as well! These hours can contribute to your required high school volunteer hours.
- Christmas Party and season end wind-up
- “Door Is Always Open” Policy – please free to approach me with any questions or suggestions, or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Depending on the curlers, we may “speed up” or “slow down” the rate at which we introduce new skills or move to actual games. We will discuss with the curlers to get their feedback to ensure that everyone is getting the most out of the league, whatever the skill level.
Juniors (~15 - 20, Saturdays 3:00 - 5:00 pm)
The focus of this program will be creating a welcoming development league, combined with organized full sheet ends.
GOALS
The Junior program will be skills-based for the first part of the season; a skill will be taught and practiced each week and then reintroduced/reinforced the following week prior to the introduction of a new skill. Drills and skill-based games will be introduced based on the progress of the curlers. Full curling games will be introduced during the year; we will assess whether an actual league should be created, or a more relaxed approach is warranted.
Within the game setting, there is still ample opportunity to discuss and develop better skills, including sweeping, communication and, of course, rock delivery. Strategy will also be included in the instruction, bringing one or both teams together to discuss, one skip or both. It is a perfect environment to improve specific and all-around skills. We will practice basic stretching and warm up prior to starting each week.
- Depending on the need and number of junior curlers, parents are still needed to help teach the game; please contact me if you are interested in volunteering.
- Christmas Party and year end wind-up
- “Door Is Always Open” Policy – please free to approach me with any questions or suggestions, or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We will discuss with the curlers and plan appropriate celebrations and activities/events throughout the year., i.e. “bring a friend” day, Curling Day in Canada, etc.
