What is the Development Academy?
The BIFSC Development Academy follows the official skating curriculum that is provided by Learn to Skate USA, a division of the United States Figure Skating Association. It provides a bridge between the Bend Parks and Rec (BPRD) skating program and your path to joining the Bend Ice Figure Skating Club and participating in our club events and performances. To be eligible for the Development Academy skaters should have participated in the BPRD Learn to Skate classes and have had passed at least Level 3. If you are wondering if your skater qualifies to participate please reach out to us at info@bendfigureskatingclub.org and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
What are the benefits of joining the BIFSC Development Academy?
You’ll be learning from certified instructors that are trained in the official Learn to Skate curriculum that is designed to build on existing skills and advance through solid and FUNdamental skill progression . This curriculum is a successful system where many World and Olympic Team members have started.
Other Benefits include:
- A welcome packet that includes Learn to Skate USA® The Magazine, a Parent Handbook and Record Book to keep track of your progress in class
- Access to online educational material for skaters and parents
- Secondary sports accident insurance
- Email communications with upcoming events and educational information
- The opportunity to participate in classes, performances, competitions for all Learn to Skate activities through the Bend Ice Figure Skating Club
Members of the Development Academy are eligible
to participate in all BIFSC performances
The 2023-24 Development Academy Times and Fees
The inaugural fall class of the BIFSC Development Academy will commence on Thursday November 2nd, 2023* and run for 7 consecutive weeks (with the exception of Thanksgiving week) ending Dec 21st, 2023. There will be (2) 30 minute sessions each week on Saturday morning at 7:30 – 8:00am and Thursday afternoon 3:15 -3:45pm. All sessions will take place at the Pavilion in Bend. Moreover, DA skaters have open ice on Saturdays after their group lesson from 8:00 – 8:30 am.
*TBD, Weather dependent on ice opening day; we will email an update when the opening schedule has been finalized.
The cost is $345.00 per skater and includes an initial skating assessment, all the benefits of being a member of the BIFSC Development Academy (as listed above) and official testing on the the last day of the session to assess each skaters progress.
Program Details:
Fall 7-week Session Dates:
– Thursdays 3:15 – 3:45pm on Nov 2nd, 9th, 16th, 30th and Dec 7th, 14th, 21st (*excluding Thanksgiving week holiday)
– Saturdays 7:30 – 8:00 am on Oct 28th and Nov 4th, 11th, 18th and Dec 2nd, 9th, 16th
Spring 7-week Session Dates:
– Thursdays 3:15 – 3:45pm on Jan 11th, 18th, 25th (open skate only, no instruction) and Feb 1st, 8th, 15th, 17th, 22nd and 29th
– Saturdays 7:30 – 8:00 am on Jan 13th, 20th, (no ice on the 27th) and Feb 3rd, 10th, 24th and March 2nd*
* Optional Learn To Skate Test Day
Cost: $345
To Register:
Step 1: Purchase Annual BIFSC Membership (Development Academy)
To register, there is a 2-step process. First, you much register with an annual membership, which covered USFS Learn To Skate and BIFSC registration. There is a $25 fee for this membership. **Please provide your skaters full name and current BPRD skating level in the additional information/notes field (at checkout) prior to finalizing your registration.**
23-24 BIFSC Development Academy Membership
Step 2: Purchase Development Fall or Spring Academy Programming/Ice Time
Choose the ‘Fall’ or ‘Spring’ sessions of the development academy to enroll your child in the program. **All skaters need to have passed Level 3 programming through BPRD, a previous development
