It's a weekly program for kids that brings parents and kids together on snow. The Great Glen BKL* Club is a partnership that focuses on fun and instruction for kids. (*BKL: Bill Koch League, a nation-wide youth ski program, named for the first US Olympic medalist in cross country skiing: Bill Koch.) WHO: Kids ages 6-13 interested in cross country skiing and their parents. WHAT: An organized ski club run by parents for kids at Great Glen Trails. WHERE:  Great Glen Trails is the home base with trips to other venues possible. Participation in the New England BKL Festival at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine, February 27-28, 2010 is encouraged.

WHEN: Sundays 1-3 pm, late December – MarchWith the goal of providing ski instruction specifically tailored to Club members' varying ski experiences and maturity levels, Sunday afternoon sessions are planned as follows:

1-1:30 pm Technique development for J3 & 4's (birth years 1999 and older)
1:30-2 pm Technique instruction for Lollipop & J5's (birth years 2000 and younger)
(Above groupings are general and flexible, with room for movement between groups based on parent and coach discretion.)
2-3 pm  Whole group gathers; activity/games/trail skiing

WHY:  FUN!! (and improve ski skills)

Click here to view a photo gallery with a sample of some of last season's fun. (Photos courtesy of Maury McKinney.) 

Unlike many other BKL Clubs, children are led and taught by professionals at Great Glen Trails. In fact, Great Glen Trails goes one step further and on most Sundays this instructor is Ski School Director and 1984 Olympian Sue Wemyss.

Each year in November, the Great Glen BKL Club raises money through their bake sale and raffle at the Great Glen Craft Fair. The date of this year’s Craft Fair is Saturday, November 28. Parents may get involved by selling baked goodies and raffle tickets and providing baked items to sell.

Parent volunteers are required for each session. Parent volunteers are needed for: communication and coordination of volunteers; Craft Fair bake sale; membership records; skiing assistants; lodge parents. Club members receive the team discount rate for in stock children’s ski equipment:  skis, boots, poles, and bindings at Great Glen Outfitters.

Costs:
To join GGBKL Club
    Club Dues: $20/first child; $10/each additional child

Trail Pass for Club on-snow session at Great Glen (Sunday afternoon)
    Kids….$4/session
    Parent Volunteer skiing with Club that afternoon . . . FREE

Rentals (if needed)
   Kids . . . $4/session
   Parent Volunteer  $14/afternoon (begins at 12:30 pm; regular rental rate)