CAMP ACTIVITIES Skateboard Instruction. YMCA Skate Camp has developed the world’s most advanced skateboard instructional programming. Our campers are guaranteed to learn how to their skateboard better while at camp. Whether a camper is “getting started”, “has the basics down”, or is a “ripper”, our instructors have been extensively trained to help all campers learn the most effective ways to enhance their skill on a skateboard. Elemental Awareness Program. Basic nature survival skills are taught to campers by the experts. Our staff who lead this program are experienced trackers trained at Tom Brown’s Trackers School. Campers gain an understanding of the natural environment, learn about wilderness survival, and practice basic skills. This program is one of our most popular focus groups. Waterfront. After passing a basic swim test, campers can enjoy any of our waterfront attractions. We have two swimming areas, including a floating dock, canoes, rowboats and the Element Skateboards special Skate Camp canoe—the fastest boat on the lake. We have a launch ramp that goes off the dock and into the lake. (We provide the floating board and recommend that campers bring an extra pair of shoes for this long-time Skate Camp tradition). Waterfront events are announced daily. Professor Schmitt’s Skateboard Factory. Paul Schmitt, owner of PS Stix, is the largest Pro workshops. Professionals in the skateboarding industry (skaters, filmers, photographers, artists, company owners, magazine editors) host hands-on educational workshops. Workshops are aimed at opening the eyes of young skaters to the many jobs available within their passion. Workshops vary from session to session. Workshops are announced at the Opening Ceremony of each camp session. Weekly Video. Each week our video production crew (made up of interns and our on-staff Media Crew) documents the camp experience and creates a 20 minute video that is premiered the last day of the session. These weekly session videos are then edited into a larger summer compilation which becomes the Skate Camp Video for that year. Each camper will receive a copy of the Skate Camp Video at the end of the year. Magazine making class. This program has become one our most popular since its inception in Home Base. Cabin groups meet at Homebase before every meal. Leadership staff plays games, do wilderness trivia with prizes and make important announcements. This is a time to get cleaned-up, wind down and get the cabin group together before the meal. Cabin Time. After evenings activities have come to a close, everyone heads back to the cabins to get ready for bed and to spend quality time with their cabin group and counselor. Quiet time talk centers around each camper’s experience that day and focus group sign-up. The counselor reads or tells an inspirational story and then it’s off to sleep. Campfire. Three nights a week the entire camp gathers at the campfire bowl. With amphitheater seating right on the edge of the lake, the campfire bowl is the perfect setting for the hilarious antics of staff and campers, live acoustic music and thought-provoking story telling. Skate Camp campfire is loaded with favorite traditions: Skateboard Man, Skate Philosophy, Metal Man, Skate Trivia, Fastest Sponge in the Skate park, cabin group skits, talent showcase, music and more. The talent at YMCA Skate Camp Campfire is so good we believe we’ll see some of these staff and campers on TV one day...you have to see it to believe it. The Buddy System. Each camper chooses a “buddy” from their cabin group on the first day of Lounge Lizards. Evening activities vary each night and so do the choices of each camper. Campers can be at the Rec Hall, where the main event of the evening occurs, or go to Lounge Lizards for a quieter, mellower evening. Lounge Lizards offers Fooze Ball, board games, reading material, hot drinks and a comfortable place to just hang out. Rec Hall in the evening. The latest skateboard videos are premiered, the snack and skate shop are open and it’s mix and mingle time for campers. Evening snacks are limited and campers under 12 go back to their cabins with their counselor earlier than the older campers. Sleep-outs on the Vert ramp or in the Bowl. It is a long-time tradition to sleep out under the stars on the decks of the vert ramp. When you are up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the 5,500 foot elevation, it’s an extra-special experience. This program is limited each session to the first 3 cabin groups to sign up. Skateboarding competitions. Skate Camp is famous for our weekly skateboarding competitions. Every year our program staff come up with fun, new events for all skill levels. Skateboard races, long and high ollie, best trick, and S.K.A.T.E events are a few examples of popular contests, with more to come. Some of the industries most popular skateboarding companies sponsor these events, including providing great prizes for all place winners. |