Shooting for a goal
Literacy component helps develop tomorrow's leaders
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
RANKIN INLET
The literacy component of the season opener hockey camp continues to be an integral part of the annual program's complete approach to working with kids in minor hockey.
Instructor Adriana Kusugak helps Kadin Eetuk work on his howto-be-a-hockey-helper project during the literacy component of the season's start hockey camp in Rankin Inlet this past month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
Adriana Kusugak, who has facilitated the literacy component every year, said she focused a lot on personal growth this year.
She said she talked to the players about what it takes to be the best that you can be.
"That's not just in hockey, but in life itself because what happens in hockey translates into their everyday lives," said Kusugak.
"We take a very holistic approach with the literacy section on personal development by looking at their physical and intellectual abilities, and their abilities as a good person and contributor to the community.
"You're never too young to be a volunteer or contributor to your community, so we focused on that aspect of personal development."
Players tend to have their energy, enthusiasm and emotions on overdrive when involved in a hockey exercise.
Kusugak said there's no problem getting the players to gear down when they attend personal development, because the instructors have learned what works over the years.
She said organizer David Clark provides healthy snacks during the personal growth and literacy component.
"I usually start the segment by reading a story while they enjoy their snacks.
"That really sets the tone, calms them down and has them settle in to be active with the literacy component.
"Also, players in the Rankin Inlet Minor Hockey Association know the routine now in so far as all the different components and what's expected of them.
"They look forward to the literacy segment, arrive ready to go and are excited by what they learn in the module."
Kusugak said literacy is a part of everything in life, and the instructors want all youths to feel successful and confident in their abilities.
She said that level of self-confidence doesn't come from just one area, which is why the camp takes a complete approach in its delivery.
"Literacy is part of the camp because we want the youth to realize it will benefit them, both on and off the ice.
"When I look at some of the plays coaches expect them to do with 30 seconds left in a game, or the drills they write on the white board for them to execute 30 seconds after seeing it - they're all forms of literacy.
"Taking the time to work on personal development makes them better players and teammates because they're able to self-reflect and lead.
"Most of the time, people are more accepting of literacy when it's tied into something they all ready enjoy."
Kusugak said she still enjoys doing the camp's literacy component.
She said there are many rewards for helping youth advance in their personal development.
"It's so rewarding to see youth develop into young leaders who lead the community in positive ways.
"Our bantam and midget group took part in coaching development this year, and that's very important because we want them to become camp leaders.
"They'll eventually take over from me, David and Pujjuut (Kusugak), and building capacity is the whole goal.
"We're trying to build a network of support for the sport, and this initiative, and, all ready, you have the youngest players looking up to the youth leaders and wanting to be there some day."
