Challenge Program!!
Two summers ago we started
our Challenge program for kids and it has been a huge success. The goal of this
program is to get kids excited to continue to practice and continue to
achieve greater and greater skills, by giving them something concrete
to reach for as they grow in skill. It works in a similar fashion to
the different colored belts in karate or tae kwon do. There are skill
tests set up that the student can take during the time they are with us
(they are allowed to achieve one new level each session that they
attend). If they pass the first test, then they will receive a
certificate signifying that they have received their "white ball". Once
they have passed this first level, they can continue to improve and
then take the second test. On passing this test, they will receive
their "orange ball" certificate, but also an actual orange tennis ball.
Every level from then on (green, purple, blue, red) they will receive
the certificate as well as the ball. Once they have passed the first 6
levels, they will be able to attempt to pass the test to earn their
bronze pin, then their silver pin, and finally their gold pin (pins
they can wear that are in the shape of a tennis ball). The tests
become progressively harder and more challenging, so we feel there will
be a true sense of accomplishment for the student on achieving each
level.
At this point, we have tons and tons of kids who have achieved various levels, as well as two students who have reached the highest level so far - their red ball!! We are so proud of them and all their hard work!!
We are so excited about this program - one of our coaches brought the
idea all the way from France! We feel it will help kids get even more
excited about tennis, which is what we are all about!!
