Ask the Expert: Figure Skating Summer Camp

Two questions via e-mail (from C.F.)

1. I am sending my daughter to a skating camp for one week this summer – without her coaches. She is scheduled to work with several different coaches, as well as participate in group lessons on- and off-ice. I recently heard from a mom at the rink that she had sent her skater to a camp in a similar manner and once the skater returned home, her coach had to spend time working to “undo” all the things she felt the skater had been taught “wrong”. Is this a common issue? Any ways to avoid this?

2. Also – when working with different and new coaches for a very short amount of time, how do we know what that coach should work on with our daughter? Do we come with a plan or just let the camp coach figure out what to do?

Thanks!!

Is there a common age/level when it makes sense to send a skater to skating camp? My daughter (she's 9) has been to an all-around sleep-away camp, but isn't a serious skater (yet). She's “no-test,” still working on her flip and loop jumps, and has not yet competed. I know she'd be excited for the idea of skating camp (she's expressed interest in things like off-ice training, but our rink doesn't really offer much), but worry that she'd be get discouraged if she were way behind the other skaters there. Is camp really for more advanced/serious competitors? (I am thinking maybe next year for her…)

I think Cathy asked a great question about age. Mine is similar.

When I sent Ice Girl to camp two years ago, she just went by herself. I didn't realize until we arrived at the camp that most kids show up in a group and often with their coach.

My question is: Do kids adjust better to the camp environment if they go in a group?

Thought of another question!

As a parent, how much contact from my camper/skater should I expect? Does your summer camp allow kids to call home or e-mail?

What do I do if I get a whispered call in the middle of the night from my homesick kid? Should I dash up to the camp and bring her home? Or are the kids so tired at the end of the day that they fall asleep when their heads hit the pillow?

Also wondering about age/level. My daughter is dying to do any camp at the age of 6. I did camp at her age but if I found a skating camp that might be perfect. However, I worry that it will be too intense for her.

Test

Shattuck-St. Mary's Summer Training Camp does allow skaters to use their cellphones. We do recommend that they do not use them during training sessions or presentations. We have found that most times the skaters get so busy and are making new friends that they need to be reminded to call home. Our campus has wireless internet, so campers will be able to use email services from their computers.

If a parent receives that middle of the night call, I recommend that you call the dorm parent. They can help check on your child and give any comfort or help they may need. Most of the skaters are so tired they fall right asleep, but there could be times when they get overtired and just don't know how to settle down. We select our counselors and dorm parents by their ability to connect with children of all ages and can handle that type of issue if it arises.

Perfect question. Our camp is geared for just that exposure for skaters who do not have training situations at home. We have many skaters come because they would like to learn what a full on and off ice training program would be like. Our hope is that it excites them by their progress and knowledge of what they could do when they do go back home. Many times arenas just need a body of people who support adding off ice training or on ice classes to help their skaters advance more quickly. We have had 9 year olds in our camps and they do quite well. There is a counselor with them at all times to make sure they get where they need to go on time and understand their schedules. Your daughter would be with the group that are experiencing training for the first time, so all she needs to do is engage and enjoy.

Our camp has a counselor with that age and skating level all day long. This is to insure that they get to their sessions on time as well as meals and activities. Their role is to help the younger or less experienced skaters navigate the schedule and if they need help. Their day is full and does include down time as well. Although our younger campers are usually the ones with the most energy, they have on occasion needed to take a nap, which our counselors help them do that. I would not be concerned about the intensity. If your 6 yr old is too young to handle a dorm situation we offer camp as a day student where the parent comes and you stay in a local motel or campground, which we have had happen before. 6 is a wonderful age to get immersed in training to see how she can progress.

Another good question. We have had skaters come both on their own and with friends. So much depends on the type of child who comes, shy or out going. We have organized 'get acquainted' activities on Sunday after the register so that all of the campers get to know one another in hopes that they meet new friends. Skaters who come with friends tend to start out sticking with their friends. Usually by the end they have made new friends and branch out. Skaters coming without knowing anyone else usually get comfortable with their room mate/s and their group the most. Our counselors are always watching for those who may need some help connecting with others.

1) I would suggest that you begin by involving your main coach in the decision of what camp to attend and what coaches to have lessons with. This can give all parties a trust in regards to the quality of input. If a coach would like to send a message outlining what specifically they would like worked on and any background on the skater, that can help the camp coach better work with your skater. Master rated coaches are experienced with skaters who come from different backgrounds and techniques and are professional about assessing what the skater needs at that time to successfully accomplish the element or task. Clear and accurate communication with the skater and coach is key in being able to continue to move forward without having to “undo” what she was taught. The goal for any good professional is to deal with the athlete as they are and to help them successfully accomplish skills. There are many ways of wording instruction or getting at the end result. I would suggest that a coach first contact the camp coach to find out what was taught and why. That will help to move in a positive direction rather that backwards. Sometimes we have to try different methods to accomplish the same task or a method may not continue to work as the skater develops. I feel it is not professional or productive to tell a skater they have been taught wrong.
2) You can request that camp coaches work on something specific. If there is not a plan or message from the home coach, a camp coach will assess what the skater is doing and either help them improve what they are doing or teach them new things. We have had some exciting weeks where skaters have acquired new jumps, axles, doubles,triples etc..

I will be traveling today, Thursday, but will check in again tonight. Glad it got up and running again.

Great answers, Diana! (I have a lot of great memories of summer skating programs at the Colorado Springs World Arena when Diana was Director of Skating there.) I’m a big advocate of summer skating programs as a way for skaters to have an exciting learning experience and the opportunity to see higher level skaters train.

Great answers, Diana! (I have a lot of great memories of summer skating programs at the Colorado Springs World Arena when Diana was Director of Skating there.) I’m a big advocate of summer skating programs as a way for skaters to have an exciting learning experience and the opportunity to see higher level skaters train.

Thanks for the comment, Deb! I know that Ice Coach has fond memories of Diana when she (IC) attended one of Diana’s camps.

What Ice Girl took away from her camp experience was the knowledge that Olympic-level coaches thought she was on the right track with her skills (also a big relief to me, because I don’t know what proper/improper technique looks like).

Actually, that’s not correct. She had Caryn Kadavy for an instructor and a private lesson. Ms. Kadavy also taught a class about designing figure skating dresses. For months, it was: Ms. Kadavy said this. and Ms. Kadavy said that. And the dress sketches. She still sketches figure skating dresses.

Caryn Kadavy was a terrific influence on Ice Girl. That was so worth it!

Thanks for the comment, Deb! I know that Ice Coach has fond memories of Diana when she (IC) attended one of Diana's camps.

What Ice Girl took away from her camp experience was the knowledge that Olympic-level coaches thought she was on the right track with her skills (also a big relief to me, because I don't know what proper/improper technique looks like).

Actually, that's not correct. She had Caryn Kadavy for an instructor and a private lesson. Ms. Kadavy also taught a class about designing figure skating dresses. For months, it was: Ms. Kadavy said this. and Ms. Kadavy said that. And the dress sketches. She still sketches figure skating dresses.

Caryn Kadavy was a terrific influence on Ice Girl. That was so worth it!

Hey, how old is too old? I’m 15, which I know is ancient in the skating world, and I’m just starting out now, but I’d like to go further, and this sounds really cool, and helpful.