The Green Mountain Derby Dames can usually be spotted flying around a flat track on roller skates. They're slowing their pace this summer, though, to host Vermont's first Junior Roller Derby Camp for girls in grades 3 through 12. "This is a sport about strong girls," explains camp director Elaine Sopchak. "It's an opportunity for girls to really bond and become confident in a very safe and accepting atmosphere." In the empowering weeklong session, campers of all skill levels master the basics of the sport, including how to maneuver on old-school quad skates. They'll also learn about endurance and teamwork, and exercise their creativity in derby-themed crafts. Adult derby participants can get pretty beat up while "blocking" their opponents, but Sopchak emphasizes safety first. "No one's gonna get knocked over," she promises.
Comments