Many of you have heard of the weekly informal “Chix on Stix” series (or similar) that some clubs do. What about a “Newcomers to Canada” event or series? How fun could that be?
Below is a template that we’ve started with some feedback from clubs. Thoughts? Perhaps this could plant a seed on how to attract and engage more newcomers. As we’ve seen with “Chix on Stix” at various clubs, sometimes all it takes is a success at one club for it to catch on at other clubs. Let us know if you have any feedback or additional ideas, including what your club may already do to specifically encourage and support the participation of newcomers to Canada. Looking forward to seeing where this could go!
Newcomers to Canada and Cross Country Skiing
Background: Cross Country Skiing is one of the more accessible and affordable sports, suitable for all ages and abilities. It is outdoors, low barrier, family friendly, full body, and low impact. It can be enjoyed individually on your own time, without the pressures of a team sport environment or limited access (e.g. “ice time”). As a result, numerous formal and informal programs have popped up at various clubs, for example “Chix on Stix”, “Tanks on Planks”, “the Wednesday Women”, “Wednesday Night U35’s”, the “50+ Training Group”, etc.
The Challenge: What can cross country ski clubs do to help attract and engage newcomers to Canada to our sport? For example, the same way that the weekly informal and self-organized “Chix on Stix” night session has rapidly gained popularity at some clubs, could a weekly “Newcomers to Canada” session take off? Could this help build community and possibly also serve as an entry point to established programming, such as the children’s Skill Development Program?
Synergies and Existing Opportunities: Many clubs already have programming oriented towards beginners and have existing special introduction opportunities. Additionally, some clubs have special initiatives to reduce financial barriers. Can these be leveraged and promoted to attract and engage newcomers? For example:
- Black Jack Ski Club has a number of free ski days throughout the season
- Kimberley Nordic Club has free night skiing on the second Wednesday of each month
- Sovereign Lake Nordic Club offers weekly $10 night skiing and $5 rentals
- Kimberley Nordic Club has a “No-One Left Behind” policy, whereby complimentary club memberships are given out to deserving individuals based on greatest need.
- Sovereign Lake Nordic Club provides funding through their Jess4Kids Program for anyone who does not have the capacity to fund their tickets, passes and programs.
Examples: Could a club promote something like the following in their newsletter and/or on social media?
- “Newcomers to Canada Night: At our next Free Night Ski (Wednesday January 11th), we will be hosting a special intro session for newcomers to Canada at 7pm. Cross country skiing is a sport for everyone, including all ages and abilities, and we’d like to welcome more newcomers to our club. Rental equipment will be provided free of charge. Volunteer instructors will be onhand to answer questions, give tips, and provide an easy guided ski under the lights. We will finish with a fire at the lodge and hot chocolate will be served. This will be an opportunity for newcomers to discover cross country skiing, experience our club’s trails and facilities, and hopefully make some like-minded ski friends! Please help get the word out to your newcomer friends. Billet families are also welcome to attend. Please comment below if you’re able to offer a ride or are looking for a ride. For any questions, please contact… ”
- “Newcomers to Canada – Weekly Session: Coinciding with our weekly Chix on Stix series, we are starting a Newcomers to Canada series. Come out on Tuesday nights at 7pm to enjoy cross country skiing in a friendly group environment. Cross country skiing is a sport for everyone, including all ages and abilities, and we’d like to welcome more newcomers to our club. A group leader will be onhand to answer questions, give tips, and provide easy guided ski sessions under the lights. We will finish with a fire at the lodge and hot chocolate will be served. Please come 20 minutes early if you require ski equipment. Please help get the word out to your newcomer friends. Billet families are also welcome to attend. Please comment below if you’re able to offer a ride or are looking for a ride. For any questions, please contact…”
Resources and Promotion:
- Consider getting in touch with your local immigration society to see what info and resources they may have and whether they’d be willing to help promote your club’s newcomer initiative.
- Consider creating a club Facebook group just for newcomers (e.g. for building community, answering questions, carpooling options, etc).
- To engage international students, consider connecting with your local Rotary Club and your local college/university’s office for international students. They often organize activities for students. Perhaps the local high school has international exchange students, with billet families that are willing to help out.
Getting started:
- Who at your club would enjoy organizing something like this and taking the lead? This would be a very rewarding role.
- Worried about enough turnout or want to make it more inclusive? Perhaps open it up to newcomers to the community as well, not just newcomers to Canada.
- Consider having a couple extra jackets and gloves on hand to borrow if needed.
- Start small, keep it fun, and word of mouth will soon get out!