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We are thrilled to launch the I CAN Ski pilot program with CAN (Canucks Autism Network), in the winter of 20142015. VASS will provide one Ski Instructor for each participant and CAN will provide one Support Worker, making the participant to staff ratio 1:2. Learn more about this exciting new program here:http://www.canucksautism.ca/Programs/Sports_Programs/I_CAN_Ski.htm

Each program organizer is asked to choose a volunteer from among the many wonderful volunteers that make their programs a success.
CONGRATULATIONS to our 2014 Volunteers of the Year
Emma Duggan –Sunday Ski
Dave Prendeville Stuart Woods — Sunday Snowboard
Koji Nishie — Monday Snowboard
Corinne Risler Cameron Coata — Tuesday Ski
Jim Milne –Wednesday Ski
Stephen Westmacott –Wednesday Sit ski
Jade Hume Thursday– Sit ski
Anne Gilmour Remy Roxborough– Saturday Ski
Suzanne Shepard Lida Vavrova –Saturday Seymour ski
Paul Reynolds –Saturday Sit ski

Ken Ross, long-time BC Adaptive Snowsports volunteer, receives prestigious Sport BC President’s Award

A dedicated career of volunteer service in the development of adaptive snowsports was honoured on March 5^th as Ken Ross of Vancouver received BC Adaptive Snowsports’ Sport BC President’s Award at the annual ceremony.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL PRESS RELEASE.

Pre-registration is now open for the CADS Level 2 Ski/Snowboard Instructors course/exam. Please read on to learn more about getting your Level 2 certification: the prerequisites, the certification requirements and the date for the on hill exam and preparation sessions.

CADS 2 Prerequisites:

• CADS Level 1 Instructor certification and at least 1 season of teaching adaptive skiing or boarding.
• 18 additional hours of CSIA/CASI teaching methodology clinics before taking the CADS Level 2 on-hill exam or CSIA/CASI Level 1 Instructor certification.
• At least 6 hours of adaptive skiing methodology clinics (CADS Level 2 prep sessions or adaptive method SKIMP sessions).
• Current BC Adaptive Membership.

If you want to take your CADS Level 2, but are unsure if you can complete all of the prerequisites this year, please pre-register as described below.

What to Expect:

Where the CADS I was an on-hill ‘course’ with a written exam, the CADS II is an on-hill practical examination – no written exam for your CADS 2. 

There is both a VASS pre-registration and a CADS application process. 

To pre-register, click the link below once you have read this information. 

After pre-registration, a CADS Level 2 Instructor Exam Application will be emailed to you.  This application must be completed and submitted to VASS by March 15^th.

 What does the CADS 2 exam consist of?

There are 4 skiing / boarding runs to demonstrate basic skills and a practical teaching session to demonstrate your ability to deliver lessons. To review the skills and knowledge requirements that you must be able to demonstrate during the on-hill exam, please click here.  

Candidates must be prepared to teach any stand-up disability and are given a teaching scenario to cover the following:

• student evaluation
• beginner progression
• adaptive equipment
• safety precautions
• progression of student

To help you prepare, VASS is offering a series of 4 Preparation Clinics at Grouse Mountain covering the following topics (there is no charge for these sessions):

Session 1:   Wednesday, March 5th  (6-9:15 pm)

• Discuss overview and expectations
• Discuss demonstrating your teaching skills
• Basic parallel and skills for free ski

Session 2:  Monday, March 10th  (6-9:15 pm)

• 3-tracking and 4 tracking
• Practice your teaching skills

 Session 3:  Friday, March 14th  (6-9:15 pm)

• 3-tracking and 4-tracking continued
• Practice your teaching skills

Session 4:  Sunday March 16th  (8:45 am- noon)

• Practice your teaching skills
• Candidate directed training (what do you need to work on?)
• Final review

Please pick up your lift ticket at Guest Services and be at the VASS yurt at the noted start time for your session.

On Hill Exam: March 30

We strongly urge you to take advantage of all preparation sessions to prepare yourself to confidently take this exam.

If you are planning to take the exam this year, please re-register for the CADS 2 exam (Date TBA) and register for as many of the prep sessions as you can.

Click here to pre-register for the exam and to register for the prep sessions.

VASS Skills Improvement Sessions are a HUGE benefit to volunteers!  These sessions are taught by highly-qualified ski and snowboard instructors.

You get two hours of amazing instruction and a free lift ticket for the day!

The sessions are offered on the following dates:

If you would like to register for SKIMP sessions, click here.

Hey returning volunteers, get back in the groove with a refresher session!

Amy and her team will help you tune up your skills with a 3-hour on-mountain session.

If you are interested in signing up for one of the sessions, please click here.

Interested in finding out more about volunteering with VASS? Have a friend or family member that wants to know more?

Join us on Tuesday, November 19th from 5-7 pm at The Mexican Cantina at 1049 Granville Street.

Meet VASS volunteers, enjoy some delicious Mexican appetizers and find out how you can change lives for the better while having a lot of fun!

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