Program Assistants

 Program Assistants are members of Burlington Skating Centre who help teach our younger skaters in the Preschool, Pre CanSkate, and CanSkate programs. P.A.'s can be seen in their purple fleece jackets on our recreational sessions working with younger skaters under the direction of our professional coaches. To qualify to assist as a P.A. skaters must be at least 11 years old, passed their Star 2 freeskate (or be invited by the CanSkate or PreSchool director) and attended the orientation / training session. Program Assistants can receive community service hours towards their high school curriculum.

What is the role of a program assistant?

Assist the Skate Canada Coaches in on-ice and off-ice program delivery; Demonstrate skills and teaching progressions; Supervise practice time; Lead warm-ups and cool-downs under the direction of the Skate Canada Coaches; Reinforce learned skills (follow-up on coach instruction); Lead exercises, drills, learning activities, and creative expression; Hand out awards and incentives; Take attendance; Assist with on-ice circuits; Provide individual and group assistance; Act as a role model for young skaters; Be trained on a semi-annual basis;

How are they rewarded?

The club may provide a gift of appreciation to Program Assistants. This gift is at the discretion of the club executive and can only be used for expenses incurred within the club. The gift cannot be exchanged for cash value at any time. The total value of each gift shall not be greater than $5.00 per 1 hour volunteered. Skaters will earn either 1 volunteer hour or a $5 BSC credit per session worked. (Credits will be added to the family account at the end of each term/season).

Our next training seminar will be on Saturday September 27th, 2025 between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. You must be 11 years old by October 1, 2025 and have passed your Star 2 Freeskate (or be invited by the CanSkate or PreSchool director) to qualify for this training. Sign up before September 21th, 2025. Sign up is located on the bulletin board outside of dressing room 20 in pad 4 of Appleby Arena.

Please email the director of Learn to Skate, Julie Glenn, if you have any questions. julieeglenn@gmail.com