July 19, 2008 – The Lake Superior Ski Division held its 5th annual summer dryland training camp hosted by Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club. This year the organization of the event was by the new Big Thunder and Lakehead University coach, Adam Kates.

Attendance was stellar yet again with 40 plus participants from across Ontario. Clubs in attendance included: Team Hardwood, Big Thunder, Arrowhead, Walden, North Bay, Kenora, Beaton Path and Lappe.

The event not only had local coaching from Adam Kates and Big Thunder volunteer coaches but also Ontario Team Coach- Kateri Mills; Ontario Coaching Development Coordinator – Patti Kitler; NTDC-Thunder Bay Coach – Eric Bailey; CCC Eastern High Performance Coordinator – Lisa Patterson; as well as guest appearances from CCC Paranordic Coach – Robin McKeever and former NST athlete – Milaine Theriault.

The main focus of the camp was on technique development, fitness training and education of the athletes on becoming a 24/7 athlete. Along with the serious side of the camp, the female athletes had the opportunity to try belly dancing and river tubing. The males were jilted by the girls unique opportunities, so they were given an afternoon of paint ball. Apparently, in the first round of speed ball, all were shot by Coach Adam Kates in the first 5 minutes.

NTDC-Thunder Bay offered coaching outreach as well as the athletes being great training role models at this camp.

The training camp was another successful event for development of athletes in Ontario. It is a great way to start the summer of serious and specific training.

As quoted by one anonymous athlete, “(The coaching) presence there this week has helped me to improve my technique, self-esteem, belief in my goals, and my drive to train.