What's New?

It's the time of year for our annual Paddle-a-thon presented by McDonald's Mainland Halifax/Tantallon. This year due to COVID-19 there will be no pledge sheets or cash. Instead we've set up a GoFundMe page. Our goal is to raise $15,000 which we will use to renovate and install new washroom facilities. Please share on your social platforms. There will chances to win as well. #weareCheema #blackandgoldforever #LetsDoThis

https://gf.me/u/ymaxrn

Hello Cheema Family,

We thought it timely to provide an update on how we are planning for our summer programming at Cheema.  Public Health has not yet given us the full overview of how we can operate this summer.  This is the reason why we have closed our summer registration for the time being. We may very well see a reduced number of participants at Cheema this summer due to Public Health 'rules of engagement'. Our focus at the moment is to put a viable plan in place to work with the youth we already have registered for this summer's programs. We will let the Cheema community know when/if the registration is re-opened based on directives we hope will come in the next week.

In the meantime, here are some general plans we currently have in the works:

1). Cheema has struck a COVID-19 Task Force that has been working diligently since the middle of May with the sole purpose of planning for summer.  The task force is sourcing industrial/hospital grade cleaning supplies, PPE, signage, hand washing stations and extra washroom facilities. 

2). Our coaching staff has been working on programming based on potential group ratios  (ie. 14 paddlers to one coach vs 9 paddlers to one coach etc). Those ratios greatly impact how many coaches we need, how participants move about the property and utilize equipment. We will be fully compliant no matter the decision made by the Chief Medical Officer.

3). We are also anticipating there will be no crossover between groups permitted including sharing of coaches. To this end, shelters for each group will be designated on site where paddlers will gather and eat. There will be designated washroom and hand washing facilities.  

4). We will be hiring staff for the summer who's sole responsibility will be to sanitize docks, boats, paddles and other equipment after each use. Shelters will be cleaned at the end of each day, washroom facilities multiple times per day. 

5). Cleaning protocols and logistics for each block of the day are in development based on anticipated movement of groups.

6). There will be signage EVERYWHERE reminding paddlers of the rules on social distancing and sanitation protocols.

7). Drop off and pick up will be highly coordinated process. More details to come on that front.

8). Safety boats will be fully stocked with PPE in the event kids need to be pulled in to a safety boat. This will protect both our coaches and the paddlers.

This list is not exhaustive but is meant to give you an idea of the thought and planning that is going in to summer 2020 at Cheema.  It is summer prep like we've never experienced before.

You should also note:

1). We will not be offering a canteen service this summer. This will ensure we avoid cross over between groups and reduce potential contact between our participants throughout the day. We will ensure there is a place for paddlers to store their lunch in their individual shelter out of the sun.  We suggest using frozen gel packs to keep lunches cold.

2). We highly recommend that paddlers have their own life jacket.  Paddles and boats will be much easier to sanitize than a life jacket made of fabric that sits closer to a person's body. 

3). Any items left behind will be discarded at the end of each day. This is a public health directive that we are currently required to follow for our year round programs. It will be part of our summer protocols as well.

4). This will be a FUN summer at Cheema, we promise! Our coaches will be rearing to go to give participants an awesome paddling experience.

As we get closer to July 6, we will be holding a Zoom call to give parents an update on how protocols will be implemented and answer any questions. Stay tuned for details!

We hope this information is helpful. Our promise is that as soon we have information to share, the Cheema community will know. We are working really hard to minimize impacts to programming and ultimately to the Cheema family. The safety and security of our members is our #1 priority this summer. 

As always, please reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Nadine

Our 50th anniversary store is now open online. Order your commemorative clothing today with a couple clicks of your mouse. Visit https://cheema-50th-anniversary.myshopify.com to see what we have to offer.

All net proceeds from clothing sales go to the Cheema Aquatic Club 50th Anniversary Legacy Fund.

We're looking to fill these two positions:

• Summer Supervisor
• Boat Maintenance/Custodian.

See the attachmented PDFs for more details.

• Lead Position
• Support Position

• Support the vision of the head coach in implementing theprogram
• Provide a safe and fun environment for participants
• Promote a climate of respect for participants, coaches, summer supervisor and parents
• Support and develop the social, physical and safety needs of program participants
• Be a positive role model for participants and represent Cheema Aquatic Club in a positive manner
• Lead will provide weekly communications/updates (email) to participant families, board chair and supervisor

• Child Abuse Registry Check,
• Vulnerable Sector Check/ Criminal Background Check,
• Canoe Kids course (to be offered in spring 2019 by ADCKC)
• Small Craft License to operate safety boats
• First Aid training (to be offered in spring of 2019)

Masters Coach - Cheema Aquatic Club

Position Type: Part-time

Start Date: April 1, 2019

End Date: April 30, 2020

Salary: Commensurate with skills and experience

Cheema is inviting applications for our Masters Coach position. Reporting to the Head Coach, the successful candidate will be responsible for the annual training program for our Masters program. The Masters program consists of an off-water winter program that runs from November 1 to April 30 every year, and two on-water programs that run from May 1 to October 31 every year. If you are passionate about Canoe/Kayak, and enjoy motivating individuals with a passion for life long sport, this is the job for you!

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement the training programs for the on-water and off-water sessions, in consultation with the Head Coach and Masters Representative
• Work towards growing the program and attracting new members
• Communication with members
• Annual regatta planning, leading into CanMas each year

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven leadership and organizational skills with a desire for lifelong activity in the sport of canoe/kayak
• Experience coaching canoe/kayak with adults
• Positive and enthusiastic
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Solid written and oral communication skills

Technical Qualifications:

• ELCC Level 1
• Current CPR, First Aid
• Pleasure Craft Operator Licence
• Minimum 3 years coaching experience
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Valid Driver's Licence in good standing

Send your application to: Ed Wark, Masters Representative: masters@cheema.ca

Deadline for applications: Monday, February 25, 2019 at 9:00 am AST