- By Dan Veaner
- Sports
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One of the biggest programs is skiing at Greek Peak. It has grown to the point where it takes five school busses and a pickup truck to get everyone and their equipment to the slopes. "It's nice in that Greek Peak is pretty quiet on Monday nights," says Recreation Director Steve Colt. "There are no lift lines, it's easy for us to operate, the kids get plenty of attention, and consequently our kids are very skilled."
Skiers of all ages and skills participate in the program, from Kindergarteners through adults. Kids in Kindergarten through second grade must come with a parent or guardian, but can come by themselves after that. "The guardians keep coming, because they get hooked on it and they like to come," says Colt.
"Unfortunately we're having a mild winter," he continues, "but Greek Peak does a really good job of hill management and making snow. It's a very popular program for us. Parents join in and enjoy it as much as the kids do."
While Greek Peak supplies the slopes, the snow and instruction, the Rec department supplies transportation and chaperones. "They know the routine, they're very good at what they do, and they all work in the schools," Colt explains. "They know all the kids, they know the parents. It's great for controlling the kids."
"The proof of the quality of the program is that so many kids that hang on from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Our high school students are probably some of the the busiest in the area, between athletics, academics and clubs, but they still make time for this program because they love it."
The program is on the books for six weeks, but the season pass that comes with registration is good for the whole Winter. When the six weeks is over the Recreation department will poll the participants, and those interested in anteing up for continued bus transportation will continue going beyond that time.
Gail Lejoie leads the kids in moves, language and exercise.
"The brand new program we're really excited about is the Karate program," says Colt. "It's a class that I have wanted to see done for years. We've got a couple of really great instructors in Robin McColley and Gail Lejoie. They're both black belt karate instructors."
"We thought we'd be lucky if we got 12 to 15 kids to start," he says. "I think by the time they start on Monday we'll be up to about 30 students, some of them adults, so I think it will go well."
There are three sessions. The 6:00pm session is for children aged 6 to 13. At 6:45 kids and adults 14 and older have a basics class. At 7:45 there is a kata and basics class for those with previous training.
Despite Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan movies, Karate is about a lot more than chopping the bad guys and breaking boards with your hands. Students learn about respect, movement, self defense and discipline. Students can sign up for the class only, or for an additional fee can get a gi, the traditional Karate uniform, plus the patches that track achievement.
McColley has worked for years in the Rec Department's summer instructional swim program. "She knows a lot of the families," says Colt. "The kids are going to recognize her."
In the class the kids are in straight lines. They learn Japanese words as they practice moves that require control and balance. McColley and Lejoie alternate between leading the class and going around checking their stance. In the beginners class the kids were focussed and cooperative. Yet there was a sense of fun and accomplishment.
If interest continues to be strong the Rec Department plans to continue it through the Spring and into the Fall. "This may attract kids who may not go for the traditional Rec programs we have. That's one of the things that this office always keeps in mind, is to try to include as many different adults and kids as possible."
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