Hi Everyone-
A number of questions have come up regarding the June Camp at Mt Itasca [ June 14th-24th] and the Vermont Camp [August 6th-13th].
The June camp at Mt Itasca is appropriate for pretty much anyone 14 or older, or younger with some experience on roller skis and shooting. We will move on from what we did this past weekend at Mt Itasca. Normally the younger athletes will stay through the first weekend and get in the summer running race, while the older athletes should plan on the entire time. We will have an invitation out shortly on that. The first week is weighted towards shooting skills with a lot of other physical activity, and the second week is weighted toward harder physical activity with a lot of shooting.
The Vermont camp is much larger and ends with the North American Rollerski Biathlon Championships on Sat/Sun. Below is a webpage that indicates who participated in those events last year.
http://www.eabiathlon.org/results/2016RollerskiSprint.pdf
Again age 14 and up is appropriate, with skill on roller skis and good shooting ability. The roller loops are dedicated to skiing—no vehicle traffic. They were recently repaved 2 years ago and are really hilly and fun to ski. The range sits in a saddle between two low eastern mountains and the trails all go down from the range [and back up before you shoot].
The classes last year placed 14-16 yr olds in a Boys/Girls category and 17-18 yr olds in a Youth category. For purposes of the Youth and Junior Trials/Championships next winter, an athlete who turns 15-18 [inclusive] during 2017 is eligible for the Worlds events as a Youth. 19-20 are Juniors. Last year a 14 yr old girl from California qualified but was denied due to her age by the IBU. Those trials were held in Vermont on the same trails as the Summer Championships. This year the YJr Trials will be at Mt Itasca between Christmas and New Years. Anyone eligible by age should participate for the experience at least. Classes will be available for seniors, masters and Boys/Girls as well. At Trials and Worlds Youth and Juniors as aged above all need to carry their rifles.
We rarely, very rarely, see a first year participant in the Trials qualify for the Worlds Team. So normally the first year is for the experience!!
Hope this helps!
Bill Meyer, Coach