In a community that is home to Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton, and 2009 U.S. Champion Alissa Czisny, why not provide a program structured to develop even more ice skating extraordinaires?

Recreation and Wellness’ Learn to Skate Program is starting their next session on February 21, 2010. The program is designed to promote physical fitness while enjoying a fun, safe skating experience. From skating basics to advance techniques, ages three to adult, the Learn to Skate program has accomplished instructors providing a lesson accommodating to everyone’s personal skill level.

Learn to Skate focuses intensively on engaging with students. Classes are organized by age, skill level, and the type of skating preferred by the student.  Whether it is hockey, figure skating, or recreational skating the program offers a variety of classes.

“For our younger skaters (ages 3-5) we use buckets. Our goal by the end of the session is to have them skating without the support of a bucket,” said Ice Arena Staff Assistant Laura Dunn.

The buckets are not the only technique the Learn to Skate Program utilizes. Marching in place, balancing activities, and use of bars are just a few of the many skill development tools.

Dunn emphasized the importance of fun and active learning. “The entire first half of the session is dedicated to games that develop skills. The second half focuses on instruction and how to fix the skills students are struggling with,” said Dunn.

Stephanie Wilson, who participated in the program when she was younger, has been a skating coach for three years. She explained how the program has a “family feel” and how keeping the groups small provides more attention, helping the children feel more comfortable.

“We like to use age appropriate activities such as the game Red Light-Green Light, obstacle courses, and stuffed animals for our younger learners,” said Wilson. Learn to Skate receives a lot of positive feedback for its ability to engage students in new, exciting ways.

The program is a six week session, once per week (either Sunday or Wednesday).  Each session is only 30 minutes long, but a small student to instructor ratio ensures each student receives the attention the need to improve.

Total costs consist of an annual $10 United States Figure Skating Basic Skills membership (including a skills packet, Achievement Certificates, and Badges) and a flat rate of $60, which includes skate rentals and a practice pass to public skating. More information about the Learn to Skate Program and other programs being offered through the Department of Recreation and Wellness can be found on the Web Site.

It is strongly recommended to register prior to the first day of class. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis until full, so don’t delay.  You could be the next Hamilton or Czisny!