FAQ
Does my skater have to have their own skates?
No! Your child can use rental skates from the Rec Center during this week.
Does my skater need to be able to tie their own skates?
No! Our buddies and counselors are great at assisting skaters who may need help.
What should my child wear to camp?
Your child will be both on and off the ice, so please have your child dress in layers and label everything! It’s helpful to have some sort of bag for all of their gear and camp projects.
Why do skaters have to have passed Basic 2 and at least 1st Grade in the fall?
There are so many fun activities that we do on and off the ice that require attention, focus, and fine motor skills. We need our buddies and counselors to be assisting all of the children in the camp, and kids younger than our starting level tend to require more individualized assistance. This also allows younger skaters to have something to look forward to as they progress. Having that later starting level helps motivate them to work hard so that they can participate in camp at the right time!
Who runs the camp?
Blades and Buddies is a summer skating camp run by the Rochester Figure Skating Club. Anne Moberg is the coordinator of the camp, and the RFSC coaches teach during the on‐ice sessions. The buddies and counselors help throughout the off‐ice and on‐ice sessions.
What is the difference between a camper, a buddy, and a counselor?
- Camper
- A basic skills skater going into first grade in the fall or older who has passed Basic 2 by the start of camp.
- Buddy
- A more experienced skater who will be entering or in Middle School in the fall and has passed their Pre‐Preliminary MIF test. These buddies help the campers with activities on and off the ice as needed.
- Counselor
- A high‐level RFSC skater who will be entering or in High School in the fall and has passed their Juvenile MIF test. These counselors work with the coaches to teach on‐ice skills to skaters and help groups of skaters develop routines for the Showcase. They also work with campers during off‐ice warm ups and other activities. They are great at tying laces too!
What does a typical day at camp look like?
Parents sign their campers in and out each day. When skaters arrive, they do not immediately lace up. Our counselors lead the skaters through some off‐ice warm ups first. Campers then usually have about an hour of ice time, followed by a break with a snack. After another warm up and more ice time, campers then work on crafts and team building activities together. On Friday, campers, buddies, and counselors enjoy a pizza party and then put on a Showcase.
Besides developing basic skating skills, our on‐ice skating sessions explore various aspects of skating such as Synchro, Theatre on Ice, Interpretive, and Ice Dance.
Will my child be with their friends?
Our focus on and off the ice is camaraderie, friendship, and teamwork across all skating and age levels within RFSC. Friends will have plenty of opportunities to spend time together at camp even if they are not in a specific routine with a certain friend.
Do I need to send a snack for my child?
No! Snacks are provided by parent volunteers throughout the week.
I need volunteer hours! How can I help?
There are a few ways that parents can get involved…
- Daily volunteer
- This person is someone who is available to the camp coordinator to help set up the various projects or crafts for that day. They may help set up snacks or be generally available if something comes up or campers need to use the restroom, etc.
- Photographer
- This person captures photos and memories throughout the camp. This person should connect with the camp coordinator to schedule specific photos and group photos if possible.
- Snack provider
- These people would sign up to bring in specific snacks and bottled water. There will be an online signup that provides all of the details about what to bring.
Tell me more about the Showcase.
The Showcase consists of small group and whole group routines that the skaters have been working on throughout the camp. Some of our buddies and counselors also perform. It typically lasts 30–45 minutes.
If my child has to miss part of camp, whom should I contact?
Please contact the camp coordinator at Email Blades & Buddies Camp about any camp absences, late arrivals, early pick‐ups, etc.
