The Junior Curling Program is a developmental program designed to introduce necessary skills and provide a positive environment that will encourage and enable kids to enjoy the sport of curling. We provide a venue for organized games between young curlers, introduce kids to curling as a recreational winter sport, and help develop skills for existing curlers that want to compete at the national, or international level.
"Junior" in curling means anyone who is not yet 22 years old. We have programs for children as young as first grade all the way up through college (club sports). Similar to karate where participants advance from white belt to black belt, athletes will move up depending on skill level and ability. Each skill will build upon the others.
Curling is a sport where size, gender, strength, and speed are of no particular advantage. Balance, mental focus, and "touch" are the key skills required to be successful at curling. In general, girls compete on equal footing with boys and teams often are often mixed with girls and boys. Curling is a unique and very civilized sport with a very strong tradition of etiquette, courtesy, and consideration toward opponents. See the "Spirit of Curling" below.
USA Curling and Ontario Curling have competitions for kids 12 and under, 14 and under, 15 and under, 18 and under, and 21 and under. The majority of junior curlers will start with a fun league, and if they choose, can start to compete in tournaments called "bonspiels."
Instruction will be catered to meet each athlete where they are. Whether your junior curler is a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in between, we have a spot for them and are excited they want to curl.
The Spirit of Curling - What we teach.
"Curling is a game of skill and of tradition. A shot well executed is a delight to see and it is also a fine thing to observe the time-honoured traditions of curling being applied in the true spirit of the game. Curlers play to win, but never to humble their opponents. A true curler never attempts to distract opponents, nor to prevent them from playing their best, and would prefer to lose rather than to win unfairly.
Curlers never knowingly break a rule of the game, nor disrespect any of its traditions. Should they become aware that this has been done inadvertently, they will be the first to divulge the breach.
While the main object of the game of curling is to determine the relative skill of the players, the spirit of curling demands good sportsmanship, kindly feeling and honourable conduct.
This spirit should influence both the interpretation and the application of the rules of the game and also the conduct of all participants on and off the ice."
ROCKSTARS (1st - 4th grade) - check out the 2022-23 Schedule and Rates!
The Rockstars program is designed to introduce the fundamentals of curling in a safe and fun environment in hopes to develop an appreciation for the sport of curling. Depending on age and ability, Rockstars will curl to the closest house, 1/2 sheet, or 3/4 sheet. Parental volunteers encouraged and needed.
Sign up for Rockstars here!
For questions about Rockstars, please contact Clayton Converse (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Middle School & High School Curling (5th-12th grade)
2022-23 Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:00pm -5:45pm.
Our Tuesday/Thursday Junior Curling Program consists of instruction and development in a Junior-dedicated twice-a-week league. Youth participants will have the opportunity to play in all of the positions of a curling team, while learning the fundamentals and strategy of the sport.
We will meet your junior curler(s) where they are at - whether they are new to the game, or they have already moved into more competitive curling.
The 2022-23 program will run from November 1st, 2022 through March 16th, 2023. We will take a week-long break for Thanksgiving, a two week break over the holidays in late December-Early January, and a one-week break in mid-February while our club hosts the US Women's Curling Association National Bonspiel. All dates can be found on the BGCC Club Calendar.
Participants in the program are required to become "Junior" Members of the BGCC. A Junior Membership is $150. In addition to allowing your kid(s) to join leagues (at an additional fee) - including the Juniors League. Junior members are also able to participate in member events (like Clubspiels and free "Member Perks" events) and sub in adult leagues (no additional cost) that occur all season long. The twice-weekly Tuesday/Thursday Junior Program (League) carries a $100 fee for the season. The full cost for participation in the Junior Curling Program (League) will be $250. The BGCC requires that half of this cost be paid by November 15, 2022, and that all fees and dues be paid in full by January 15, 2023.
Junior members can register by logging into their account on the BGCC website, going to "Member's Home" and clicking the red link at the top of the page, and going through the indicated steps. If you need assistance, or just want to verify you are in fact signed up for leagues, feel free to send us an email or come out to the club (when we are open) for assistance.
We hope to see you all on Tuesday, November 1st (4:00pm-5:45pm) for our First Session!
For questions about Middle & High School Curling, please contact: Patrick Nelson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; m: 419-494-1606).
FAQ
What should my kids wear?
Dress in layers and comfortable. The on ice temperature will be around 40 degrees. Gloves are encouraged. Also, please bring a separate pair of sneakers, tennis shoes. Dirt is one of the main enemies of curling ice.
Do you provide equipment?
Yes. For new and young curlers, we will have sliders, grippers, brooms, and helmets. We encourage parents who have children who want to grow in the sport to purchase curling shoes as soon as possible. Curling shoes will help develop balance and power for delivery. We will set up an exchange program or a re-sale program this year to help offset the cost of growing feet. :)
Is there broomstacking?
"Broomstacking" is the tradition that players stack their brooms after each game and get to know each other. We will provide weekly snacks and beverage to encourage this, however, it is not required.
Who do I contact with other questions?
For questions about Rockstars, please contact Clayton Converse (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
For questions about Middle & High School Curling, please contact: Patrick Nelson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; m: 419-494-1606).
For general questions, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
As an added bonus. In the 53+ years of the Bowling Green Curling Club, only 1 time has anyone locally made the cover of the Curling News. Three members of our Junior Curling Program made the cover for winning the Hit, Tap, and Draw competition. Hit, Tap, and Draw are the most important shots in curling. We couldn't be more proud of these student athletes. 