Figure Skating Training Camp for New Figure Skaters:
Each year, Honnen Ice Rink at Colorado College, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, holds a week-long figure skating training camp. This program is for skaters in the basic skills levels of skating and uses the curriculum from the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Bridge Program. This article gives some highlights of the training camp that was held at Colorado College during Spring Break of 2007.
Four Day Skating Camp:
The figure skating camp took place for four half days in late March, 2007. The skaters were out of school during Spring Break. The participants arrived each day at 8:00 AM and left the rink at 11:30 AM.
Grouped By Skating Level:
The skaters were divided into four groups according to their skating level. The skaters ranged from USFS Basic 5 to Freestyle 6.
Began With Ballet:
The young athletes began their day with an off-ice ballet class geared especially for figure skaters.
Busy and Intense Schedule:
After an off-ice ballet class, the participants started each day with a twenty minute on-ice stroking class. Then, each group worked with different instructors on jumps and spins for another twenty minutes. An ice dancing class followed the jump and spin class. After a snack and rest break, the skaters returned to the ice for a power class, a choreography and movement class or a synchronized skating class, and a basic skills class.
Part of the U.S. Figure Skating Bridge Program:
The Colorado College Basic Skills training camp is part of the U.S. Figure Skating Bridge Program. The Bridge Program's goal is to keep beginning skaters in the sport of figure skating. The program hopes to keep the interest and the love of skating alive in new and young skaters. Skaters will see that there are opportunities offered to them through figure skating. The Bridge Program is designed to teach skating skills at a fast pace in a group lesson environment.
Coaching:
The coaching staff at the Honnen Ice Rink at Colorado College, coordinated and planned the program. The rink's director, Linda Kola Alexander taught many of the classes. Honnen Ice Rink's Skating School Director, Karen Kight, planned the schedule. Donna Schoon, skating director of Colorado Sports Center, also did much of the coaching and planning. Guest coaches participated. Several advanced skaters assisted and helped the young skaters.
Guidance for Skating Families:
Participants and their families were given resources and suggestions on proper skating equipment and appropriate attire for figure skating. New skating families were also given guidance on how to prepare and take part in figure skating competitions.
More Information About Figure Skating
A Comment From a Skater :
"My family planned a ski vacation during Spring Break. When I found out I was going to have to miss the skating camp at Colorado College, I was so upset! I pleaded with my mother and our ski trip was delayed for a day so I could attend the camp. It was so much fun! I love skating!"
