|
|
Older Girl Interest Project Award
To earn the Figure Skating Interest Project Award, girls need to complete seven items - two skill builders, one technology, one service project, one career exploration, and two more of your choice. The first two skill builders are required.  Skill Builder #1 (required)
Go to your local ice skating rink and learn some basic figure skating moves - such as glides, crossovers, swizzles, stops, and turns. Either by taking a class, or by skating with friends, learn at least three new moves that you didn't know before - and spend at least 3 hours practicing those new skills as well as basic skating skills.
Skill Builder #2 (required)
The key with all sports is to dress properly and to stay safe. Make a list of the proper clothing to wear when going figure skating - as well as the proper safety equipment for the beginning skater. Then, with your troop or group, have a fashion show and explain why you should wear these clothes and equipment. Also, with your troop or other group, learn to fall safely on the ice and get back up (with your skates on) in order to stay safe on the ice. Performing is an art. In figure skating, athletes perform at every competition they attend. After learning to skate, get together with your troop or a group of friends and put together a small program to a piece of music and perform it for your family or troop. There are two major organizations that sponsor figure skating competitions in the United States. Research a little bit about these two groups. What are their names? How would your become a member of these organizations? What is the cost to join? Also, find out information about the International group that sponsors world competitions. Technology #1
The Zamboni has been used since the 1940's to smooth ice all over the world. Research the history of the Zamboni - including who invented it, when and where was it invented, and who continues to make it. Also research how it works and develop a list of major ice-resurfacing manufacturers. Technology #2
Figure skates are made in different shapes and sizes. Skaters can have them custom made for their feet or can choose a stock boot. Research the 4 major skating boot makers and find two or three different manufacturers of blades. Find out what they're constructed from - and research the size that you would wear. Finally, research the cost (boots plus blades) for a beginning, an intermediate, and an advanced skater. Service Project #1
Work with a younger Girl Scout troop - Brownies or Juniors - and assist them in learning to skate. Teach them the basics such as stopping safely and marching into glides. Then, spend at least two hours skating with them to help them feel confident enough to be able to skate on their own. Service Project #2
Many people in your community want to skate, but don't know where public skating is available. Make a brochure of places in your community where there is affordable public skating year round. Make sure your brochure includes costs, locations, and the times when public skating is available. Career Exploration #1
Most skating instructors skated while they were young - but others learned to skate just so they could have a career as a professional coach. Interview a figure skating coach and get the details on what their job entails from both an education and skill set. How did this coach get their start? What salary can a coach expect to earn? How many hours a week does a coach work? What professional organizations do coaches belong to? And - is this a career that you might be interested in? Career Exploration #2
There are many people and careers that contribute to the functioning of a skating rink. Interview two people at your rink - including at least one person in the office and one person that works at the rink other than a coach. Whether it's a cashier, a Zamboni driver or a mechanic, find out what these people's responsibilities are, what is their education and skill level, what are their typical working hours, etc. Do you think you'd like this job? Why or why not? |
|