This year I inherited the head coach position of our Jump Demo team. Last year was the first year that our school had a team and we had an amazing coach who had been a jump demo team member when she was a kid. The kids did amazing and loved being part of a travelling team. Unfortunately, she moved away and I didn't want to see this awesome program come to a quick finish so I became the jump coach. Skipping tricks were not part of my physical literacy journey so I had (and still have) a lot to learn.
The jump team is an amazing opportunity for kids to perform in front of an audience and a great fitness activity. We traveled to 7 different schools this year with populations of as little as 50 to as much as 300 (pretty intimidating). But the highlight for me happened last week, a month after our touring was over.
While talking to our Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator I had mentioned that I would love to see another team's show. Being a first year coach I knew I had a lot to learn and wanted to see what other teams around us did. After a few emails and some number crunching on her end, she arranged for the Shamrock Shooting Stars to visit us in Austin for the day.
The Shooting Stars are from Shamrock Colony School near Balder, MB. They have had a jump demo team for 10 years. They came to Austin with 12 jumpers and two coaches. They put on their show for us first and WOW were they amazing. They come up with all their own tricks and it was very original. My kids and I were so impressed with them. We then showed them our routine and after having lunch together we set to the task of combining our shows, with just 45 minutes until the performance.
The show was no where near perfect but the day was amazing. Not only did the kids learn new skipping tricks, but they were able to see that playing brings people of all cultures together. It was great making some new friends and hopefully we will be able to use some of their tricks next year!
The jump team is an amazing opportunity for kids to perform in front of an audience and a great fitness activity. We traveled to 7 different schools this year with populations of as little as 50 to as much as 300 (pretty intimidating). But the highlight for me happened last week, a month after our touring was over.
While talking to our Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator I had mentioned that I would love to see another team's show. Being a first year coach I knew I had a lot to learn and wanted to see what other teams around us did. After a few emails and some number crunching on her end, she arranged for the Shamrock Shooting Stars to visit us in Austin for the day.
The Shooting Stars are from Shamrock Colony School near Balder, MB. They have had a jump demo team for 10 years. They came to Austin with 12 jumpers and two coaches. They put on their show for us first and WOW were they amazing. They come up with all their own tricks and it was very original. My kids and I were so impressed with them. We then showed them our routine and after having lunch together we set to the task of combining our shows, with just 45 minutes until the performance.
The show was no where near perfect but the day was amazing. Not only did the kids learn new skipping tricks, but they were able to see that playing brings people of all cultures together. It was great making some new friends and hopefully we will be able to use some of their tricks next year!