Academy, Nordic

BNT’s Summer & LEAP Year Programs

Posted on by Ann Leitheiser

Spend a summer in Bend, improve your skills with a 5 day camp, or check out our LEAP Program and join us for the whole year!

Summer Conditioning, Summer Training and Summer Nordic Camp information is available here.

We have also developed a LEAP year program for individuals who are interested in dedicating time to skiing before following their chosen college or career path.

Dane Johnson joined Ben and Brenna for a LEAP year before embarking on his Middlebury College career. According to Dane,
“Nothing beats training with a group of skiers who are focused and fully dedicated to achieving high goals. My time in Bend allowed me to develop as an athlete–physically as well as mentally–in a supportive atmosphere. Ben and Brenna are top rate coaches and I was able to enjoy lots of individual attention. I filled the gap in my skiing ability and I was able to step in and ski at a top-10 D-1 team.”
dane
The LEAP year program is designed to L-ink E-ducation with A-thletic P-erformance by providing high school graduates with an opportunity to dedicate a season to skiing and college prep classes before embarking on their full college careers or employment paths. This gives OJ skiers an opportunity to improve their Junior National results, attend US Nationals, or reach their individual racing goals. Our LEAP year program honors the transitional time between high school and college and gives athletes an opportunity to focus on their skiing development. LEAP athletes will enjoy the full support of their coaches throughout their ski season at Supertour, US National and Junior National races. Statistically, students who take a LEAP year are able to enter a university setting with added confidence, maturity and independence. LEAP year students have been shown to be more successful at completing a 4 year degree and are more focused on what they want to get out of their educational and athletic pursuits at the collegiate level.
kelly_tuck 

Kelly Crowther from Sisters, Oregon, chose to take a LEAP year for the 2008-09 season. Kelly is a relative new comer to the sport and started competing at the age of 17. According to Kelly,

“I took college courses at COCC in the mornings and trained in the afternoons. I was able to improve my technique, get in better shape, have fun with my teammates and attend my first U.S. Nationals. I’m hoping for a top 15 at JOs this year. Most importantly, it allowed me to work through real life situations- Ben and Brenna were there for me no matter what and I feel completely prepared for collegiate skiing now.”

  • LEAP Year athletes can choose to take college prep classes through Central Oregon Community College or the OSUCascades Campus
  • In Bend, OR, the snow comes early (Nov) and stays late (June). Other recreational opportunities include kayaking on the Deschutes River, rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park or mountain biking on our world class trail systems.
  • Home stays, housing arrangements, internships, employment opportunities and scholarships are available.
  • LEAP year program runs from August to April and costs ~$2,500 Adjustments can be made for individuals who wish to participate for different time periods.
  • Questions? Contact: bhusaby@bendnordic.org
Ann Leitheiser