Topics can be adjusted for the youngest skaters. Use the bridge program manual or Basic
Skills instructor manual for lesson planning ideas. Off the ice, explore warm-up, jumps, flexibility, yoga, dance, strength and conditioning, agility and balancing games, or arts and crafts. Set aside time for classroom-style discussions such as nu- trition basics, goal-setting and caring for your equipment. Kids can learn about well-known skaters, have a skate-tying relay race, or team up for a skating trivia contest. Build in inspiration by observing a high-level freestyle session or inviting guest skaters to perform and chat with campers. Be sure to pace the camp schedule with adequate snack and down time and be mindful that young- er kids will need help tying their skates. Try tak- ing a group photo on the first day of camp and passing out framed copies for the kids to decorate as a personalized memento of their experience. Consider handing out journals and reserving a few quiet moments at the end of each day for campers to recount what they’ve learned. Your staff team is the backbone of your
camp. Counselors have the most direct impact on the campers’ experience, and their enthusiasm, skill and reliability are crucial to the camp’s suc- cess. Hire instructors who communicate well and who love working with kids. Support your staff by staying organized and listening to their feedback. Equip staff members with resources such as camp schedules, instructor manuals, a list of games and the Skate Coach app. Have plenty of assistants available to help tie skates and support instruc-
Rising Stars Camp staff members Brittany Tague, Nick Krongard, director Carey Tinkelenberg, Elizabeth Penny, Emma Sayner and Rebecca Johnson enjoy the camaraderie after a successful week of camp.
tors. Remember, all campers must be supervised at all times — create a policy for restroom visits and review emergency procedures. Parent Communication A few weeks before camp, send a welcome packet to all parents with the camp schedule, list of supplies, expectations for skaters and any other policies or important information about the facility. Not only is this a good customer service practice, but it builds trust, demonstrates your care and com- mitment to each skater’s positive experience and opens communication channels for parents. During camp, take the opportunity to run a parent educa- tion session to introduce parents to skating basics and to learn about their options for continuing to skate after camp. If attendance is low, try passing out a class discount coupon or drawing a small prize for attending the meeting.
Conclude camp with a final performance
for parents; a culminating event the skaters can look forward to all week. Dedicate time each day to learning a camp group number or have skat- ers design their own compulsory programs with guidance from instructors. Invite skaters to wear their favorite outfits and discuss how to prepare for a performance both on and off the ice. Award all skaters with camp medals or certificates in a closing ceremony. After camp, gather follow-up feedback from parents and staff to evaluate and
help you plan for next season. Carey Tinkelenberg is the founding owner and director
of the Northfield Skating School and NSS Consulting in Min- neapolis, Minn. She is a master-rated program director and group instructor and directs the annual Rising Stars Basic Skills Camp at the St. Paul Figure Skating Club. Tinkelenberg is a member of U.S. Figure Skating’s Basic Skills subcommittee and presents at U.S. Figure Skating and PSA educational events.
SKATING 53
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