To the coaches, volunteers, and parents of the St Paul Figure Skating Club as well as anyone considering enrolling their kids in skating:
For the past two years, I have enrolled my sons in the St Paul Figure Skating Club and it has been fantastic. Both boys started before the age of four and with little to no skating experience.
From the very first time out on the ice, I have been impressed with the level of organization, the quality of coaching, and just the amount of fun my kids have had learning to skate.
This organization runs so well. I give full props to all the volunteers who do so much work. Thank-you! The kids are on and off the ice on time. Every time. Picture night is efficient and orderly. The year-end carnival runs like clockwork.
I was just continually impressed.
The coaches are wonderful. How they manage to keep 30 some four to eight-year -olds continually engaged and organized on the ice is beyond me – and with a smile that even I can see from the stands. Those kids are skating up a storm out there. And if you paid for an hour of skating a week as we did, that’s what you’re getting because no one is waiting or sitting around in line. Every one is skating, skating, skating, perhaps with the exception of my 3.5 year old who, after 56 consecutive falls, finally gave up and lay right down on the ice for a little breather. Even then, his coach skated right up with a smile, some encouragement, and a helping hand and he was off again.
The improvement in my kids’ skating has been tremendous. They are only on the ice one hour per week and suddenly they are skating, hopping, twirling and going backwards. They know the skating routine and are excited to get on the “fast track” every week. They want to draw out circuits on the ice of the dugout at home – so I’m out buying Bingo dabbers (so brilliant). Of course, they think they are about ready for pro-hockey.
I’m quick to recommend this program to everyone and anyone. It’s pretty neat to see your kids lace up their skates and get out there. Perhaps it makes me feel a bit more Canadian. Though I must confess, I sure love sipping my French Vanilla under those wonderful heaters while I’m enjoying said Canadian heritage. I guess being the mom of rink rats isn’t so rough after all. J
Most sincerely and thankfully,
Nicole Sheppard
St. Paul
P.S. Oh and did I mention that I didn’t have to work a Bingo? J J J
